Business Postcard Marketing: 35 Ways to Use It

Postcards are an effective way for many business owners and marketing managers to attract new customers and increase sales from existing ones. Postcards are inexpensive to produce and mail. You can produce one in less time than you need for a letter or self-mailer. You can use postcards in dozens of ways to promote your business.

  • attract new customers

  • generate leads for your sales force

  • generate traffic at your trade show booth

  • drive buyers to your website

  • strengthen relationships with your existing customers

  • secure sales appointments with qualified prospects

  • announce a special offer

  • nurture relationships with long-term prospects

  • introduce new products and services to your customers

  • persuade prospects to try your demo software CD

  • increase traffic to your retail store

  • invite clients to your event

  • persuade prospective clients to invite you onsite to conduct a needs analysis

  • announce the opening of your new business in a neighborhood

  • announce a special offer

  • win back inactive customers with a special promotion

  • publicize your new business hours

  • announce that you will be in the area on a certain date

  • show that your real estate firm has listed or sold a home in the reader's neighbourhood

  • remind a customer that her car is due for a service

  • announce to clients that you are moving, giving your new address

  • survey your clients

  • announce the re-opening of your business after renovations are complete

  • distribute a coupon that gives the holder a discount at your store

  • announce the opening of a new location near your customers and potential customers

  • remind customers when the product that you sell (such as home heating oil) is ready to be replenished

  • send a follow-up note after sending a sales letter

  • send a thank you note

  • remind customers of a seasonal deadline for ordering

  • announce a retirement

  • capture names and addresses of potential customers by asking them to mail back your warranty card

  • keep in touch with clients with a simple "We're thinking about you" message

  • introduce a new manager, sales person or customer service rep

  • offer a mystery gift that is redeemed by visiting your business

  • announce that you are going out of business (may it never happen!)

    • About the author
    Alan Sharpe is a business-to-business direct mail copywriter who helps business owners and marketing managers generate leads, close sales and retain customers using creative direct mail postcard marketing. Learn more about his services and sign up for free weekly tips like this at http://www.sharpecopy.com.

    © 2005 Sharpe Copy Inc. You may reprint this article online and in print provided it remains unaltered (including the "About the author" message at the end).

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