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.

1. attract new customers


2. generate leads for your sales force


3. generate traffic at your trade show booth


4. drive buyers to your website


5. strengthen relationships with your existing customers


6. secure sales appointments with qualified prospects


7. announce a special offer


8. nurture relationships with long-term prospects


9. introduce new products and services to your customers


10. persuade prospects to try your demo software CD


11. increase traffic to your retail store


12. invite clients to your event


13. persuade prospective clients to invite you onsite to conduct a needs analysis


14. announce the opening of your new business in a neighborhood


15. announce a special offer


16. win back inactive customers with a special promotion


17. publicize your new business hours


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


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


20. remind a customer that her car is due for a service


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


22. survey your clients


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


24. distribute a coupon that gives the holder a discount at your store


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


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


27. send a follow-up note after sending a sales letter


28. send a thank you note


29. remind customers of a seasonal deadline for ordering


30. announce a retirement


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


32. keep in touch with clients with a simple “We're thinking about you” message


33. introduce a new manager, sales person or customer service rep


34. offer a mystery gift that is redeemed by visiting your business


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

About the Author
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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 www.sharpecopy.com.