Best Direct Mail Postcard Designs
Looking to create the best direct mail postcard designs? Follow these simple guidelines and you will be well on your way to getting that killer response you need from your postcards!
13 Tips For Creating The Best Direct Mail Postcard Designs
1. The best direct mail postcard designs use a strong headline.
The headline is the first thing people will see when they look at your postcard, so it's important to make it count. Use a strong, attention-grabbing headline that will make people want to read more.
2. The best postcard designs use high-quality images.
Images are a great way to break up text and make your postcard more visually appealing. When choosing images, make sure they are high-quality and relevant to your message.
3. The best direct mail postcard designs use a clear call to action.
Tell people what you want them to do after they see your postcard. Do you want them to visit your website, call your business, or sign up for your newsletter? Make sure your call to action is clear and easy to understand.
4. The best postcard designs keep it simple.
The old saying KISS is still true! Don't try to cram too much information onto your postcard. Keep your message concise and to the point. People are more likely to read and remember a simple message than a long, rambling one. Keep Is Simple Stupid
5. The best direct mail postcards use a consistent design.
Use the same fonts, colors, and design elements throughout your postcard to create a cohesive look. This will help your postcard look more professional and polished. The are few things in life more grating then a marketing piece with 4 or 5 fonts and colors that dont match. Ugh! May as well run your credibility through the shredder.
6. The best postcards use "free" space or "white" space.
Don't clutter your design. Less is more. Don't be afraid to use white space on your postcard design. White space can help to make your text more readable and your design more visually appealing.
7. The best direct mail postcard designs may use a personal touch.
Consider the use of variable images or texts. Making your postcard more personal will increase response rates a lot. If you know your prospect is a dog love then why not have a picture of a dog on the card? Cat lover - a cat? and so on. With Variable image printing this is easy. The same goes for good old fasion "mail merge" though now this is may be variable text in your design. Why not address the card saying "Hey John! We are in your neighborhood on Main St and wanted to offer to swing by ......etc.."
8. The best postcard designs are bigger.
If you want your postcard to stand out from the crowd, consider using a bigger psotcard size. You could also consider varying sizes but it is not really that important and it will cost you more on postage.
9. The best postcard mailers incorporate tracking.
Coupon codes, secret codes, QR codes, and barcodes, are all great ways to add more information to your postcard without taking up too much space. Simply add a QR code to your postcard that links to a website, video, map, or other piece of content.
10. The best direct mail postcard designs have a strong and clear offer.
This is similar to your CTA (Call To Action) but is more linked to WIIFM (What's In It For Me). What is your reward for the action. Tell them what you want them to do and ALSO tell them how you will reward them for doing it. Do not skimp on the offer. Make is strong and make it large!
11. The best postcard designs use the right finish.
If you want your postcard to make a lasting impression, consider using a premium finish. This could be anything from a glossy finish to a metallic finish. Even though this is part of your mail production, it should be considered part of the overall design of your postcard as well. In some industries the finish may not matter but generally speaking, an upgrade to glossy, UV coating, silk touch or printed on recycled paper can make a difference.
12. The best direct mail postcards are timely!
The time of year you mail your postcards can have a big impact on their effectiveness. For example, if you're sending out holiday postcards, be sure to mail them out early enough so that they arrive before the holiday. Do not send HVAC winter tune up designed cards in the summer. Do not design postcards with an offer that expires a week after they get it. Design your postcard with timing in mind.
13. The best postcard designs are not all the same.
Do A/B testing. Do A/C testing. Then do C/D testing. And so on.... You get the idea. The best way to find out what works is to test different postcard designs. Send out a few different versions of your postcard to a small group of people and see which one gets the best response. With variable image printing this is easy. You can send many designs all at once and track the different responses. Key things to test are: headline, offer, images, expiry dates, value propositions and calls to action.
Want Help? Start Your Best Postcard Designs Today
Whew! You made it! You are an A+ student and I am sure your hard work will pay off on your next postcard mailing. Get help by calling Mail King USA where we offer premium postcard design services.
Call (916) 296-0545 to discuss options or request your direct mail postcard quote now.
