We
all know that off-line promotion is just as vital as on-line
promotion. But what other means of "off-line" promotion can
you do other than mailing out your Flyer or Newsletter? Alot. We
could go into Media, Radio, Television and others but that is another
topic in itself. Postcards are the "new" wave of off-line
promotion, or direct mailings. The costs incurred are far much less
than those of traditional direct mailings. Postcards, leave out the
extra extras sorta speak, no envelopes, no envelope stuffing,
and the postage is half the cost of first class postage on a standard
letter, while still obtaining first class handling through the US
Postal Service.
I myself, have had rather
good results from my postcards mailings, and wanted to share some
tips with you on how you can successfully promote your website, CD,
or event effectively with Post Cards.
Dont do what many
postcard mailers do: They put a terrific design and/or headline on
the picture side of the card and nothing but the address on the
address side, and many people never see the eye-catching design or
headline. All they see is the address side - the side thats
facing up when the mail carrier delivers it. Because people always
look at the address side of a postcard to see whether its for
them, they may decide to throw the card away without turning it over.
Thats why BOTH sides of a postcard should sell. The address
side is where you want to put your headline or attention getting graphic.
The disadvantage of a
postcard is that space is limited. You must be able to deliver a very
concise message that elicits the desired response from the recipient:
You need to gain attention, stimulate interest, provoke desire, and
make the prospect take action. Thats alot for a little postcard
to accomplish. Thats not to say it cant be done; its just
more difficult. Postcards are a good way to build awareness and
stimulate interest. Youve really got to hit the nail on the head.
Watch your own mail. You
probably get tons of postcards in the mail from magazine publishers,
web host companies etc., urging you to subscribe or "try"
our service. These postcards are among the best being used today,
study them carefully, keep them. Even other Artists Post cards that
you pick up here and there, Keep them, study them. Then sit down and
ask yourself the following: 1) what about this card do you like? 2)
Colors used? 3) Whats written on the address side? 4) What
stands out more than anything on the card a graphic, text, or color.
Once you have studied the cards you now have, you will have a better
idea of what you want your cards to look like. Ask yourself, what am
I trying to accomplish? Website traffic? Selling CDs, or announce a
event? Take all these into consideration, prior to finding the
printer or graphic designer to develop your post card. These are the
exact questions they will ask you.
Then once your ready, get
them designed and printed. Three great companies that I have found
and have used are http://Digitalwork.com, http://1800postcards.com
and http://www. Both of these companies run specials, so when you see
the special snag it you will save money
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