Need to get the word out quickly to your customer list? Want to canvass a new area with information about your services?
An easy and effective way to reach a large number of people quickly is with a postcard campaign. With today’s technology, it is also rather easy and cost effective. I am going to tell you about a service that I use that makes it a snap. First, let me remind you that if you want to use mass marketing to increase sales, you need to commit to doing it on a regular basis. Also, response rates are low, so the bigger your list, the better. Then again, make sure you target your campaign toward people who will actually be interested in what you have to offer.
If you would like to do a postcard campaign but don’t know where to start, here is an easy way.
I have used several services, but this one is the best by far because you can use a template and easily customize your postcard online, as well as use their services to mail the postcards. The company that provides this service is called VistaPrint.
VistaPrint offers a myriad of choices when it comes to printing marketing material for businesses. If you would like to do a postcard campaign, here is a step by step guide.
First. Go to vistaprint.com and click on Postcard Mailing under the Services header (this is below the Products choices on the left hand side).
Now. You are given three choices. You can start by adding your list, choosing a postcard template, or by letting VistaPrint design it for you. I like to start by designing the postcard.
Click. Choose the option to design your postcard. This will bring up two size options. Choose which size you would like to use. Now you will want to click on the option to browse their designs.
Decide. You can browse templates a variety of ways. If your industry is listed you can choose that category. Since my industry is unique, I browse by style. Find a postcard design that you like, then click on the image. This will bring up a page where you can customize your information.
Add. Put in the information that you would like to appear on the card. To add a message on the back, simply click “back side” underneath the working picture of the postcard (bottom right corner).
Next. Once you are happy with your design, you will need to approve it by filling in your initials and clicking next. You will then be taken to the lists page.
Upload. Choose to upload a list from your computer. Vistaprint supports several formats, including Excel. If you do not have a list, you can purchase one through Vistaprint. You can also add your list manually, but it is easier to add it to Excel and then upload it.
Send. Once you upload your list you will be able to choose it for mailing. You will be given a final price before you mail. You also will have several options to customize for your mailing. Follow the process through, pay, and that’s it. Your postcards will be mailed with no further action needed on your part. However, I think it is a good idea to use a postcard campaign as part of a larger effort. You may want to take an ad out in the paper during the week your postcards arrive. You may want to do follow up calls to your mailing list. Use your creativity and time wisely. Also, don’t forget to add your address to your mailing list.
Please remember that a one time postcard mailing is probably a waste of money. If you cannot commit to doing mailings regularly, they are not worth doing. If you send out postcards once a month to a good list, you are sure to see and increase in business. How much of an increase depends on the size and quality of your list and on how well you tie the postcard campaign to your other marketing efforts.
A postcard I designed in 30 seconds on Vistaprint
Marketing Monday
Every monday we focus on a marketing issue. To read past articles in the series, click on the Marketing Monday category.
