10 Elements of a Successful Postcard Design

by Joy Gendusa, CEO, PostcardMania

You are an expert at what you do, but it takes more than a great product or service to make a successful business. By creating and mailing postcard campaigns for over 43,000 clients, PostcardMania, a full-service marketing firm, has turned the art of marketing into a profitable science. Clients trust us because we know what works to bring in more leads — and we’re sharing our knowledge with you for free!

Here are ten essential elements of a successful marketing postcard design — plucked straight from time-tested, winning campaigns. Follow these steps to get your design noticed.

Ten Elements of a Successful Postcard Design

1. Clear, bold headline The headline must instantly communicate what you're selling and be large enough to be seen at first glance.
Graphic that supports the message — but doesn’t detract from it For example, to promote refinances, show a house with money coming out of it or choose a short message that doesn’t need a graphic like “GOT MILK.
3. Color that pops Make the headline and other text stand out by using a different color from the background color
   
4. Subheads that lead into text A subhead gives people a place to start reading, acts as a guide and entices people to read more.
5. Benefits, benefits, benefits People want to know “what’s in it for me?” — list out the benefits of your product or service to get them interested.
6. A unique offer This is necessary for your card’s success and must be perceived as valuable for someone to act on it.
7. Your company name or logo This is important, but shouldn't overshadow your offer. Customers care most about what you can do for them — not how great you say you are.
   
8. Call to action Tell prospects exactly what you want them to do. For example, "Call today to make an appointment" or "Visit us online" — make sure this is big on the postcard so people easily see it.
9. Contact information Provide your name, phone number and web address directly following the call to action. It’s found that over 90% of people will visit your website first, so make sure it’s prominent on the card.
10. Return address A return address ensures you'll get returned mail from the post office and sends a message that you're an established professional.