Postcards are one of the most effective tools in local marketing, but only if they’re done right. I’ve seen businesses spend good money on mailers that look nice but don’t bring in a single call. Usually, it’s not the offer or the audience. It’s the ad itself.
So let’s break it down. If you’re planning to send out a postcard, here’s what you need to include to get results — and what’s better left off.
✅ What to Include on Your Postcard
1. A Strong Headline
This is the first thing someone will read, so it needs to grab attention. Focus on a benefit or hook, not your business name.
Good examples:
- “Tired of Overpaying for Lawn Care?”
- “East Texas’s Favorite Pool Service, Now Booking for Summer!”
- “New Client Special – 20% Off Your First Visit”
Keep it short, clear, and punchy.
2. A Simple, Compelling Offer
People respond to offers like discounts, limited-time promos, free consultations, etc. Make sure your offer is clear and valuable.
Tip: Include a deadline or expiration date. A little urgency helps people take action.
3. Your Logo + Branding
Use your colors, fonts, and logo consistently so your brand feels familiar and professional. Don’t overdo it, but make sure your business is recognizable.
4. One Clear Call to Action
Tell people exactly what to do next. Call? Book online? Visit your location? Scan a QR code?
Make it obvious, and don’t give them too many choices.
5. Contact Info That’s Easy to Find
Don’t bury your phone number, website, or address in a corner. Make sure it stands out.
If you’re mobile or don’t have a storefront, that’s fine, just tell people the best way to reach you.
6. High-Quality Photos or Visuals
People are visual. A clean, high-quality photo of your work, your product, or even your smiling face can make a huge difference.
No clip art, no blurry shots, no overcrowded collages. Less is more.
❌ What to Leave Off
1. Long Paragraphs
Nobody’s going to read them. Stick to short lines, bullet points, or bolded phrases. People should be able to scan your postcard in 3–5 seconds and understand what it’s about.
2. Too Many Messages
Don’t try to cram every service you offer into one card. Pick a single focus. One clear message is more powerful than a laundry list.
3. Outdated Contact Info or Social Links
Double-check your links, phone number, and any QR codes. You’d be surprised how many ads go out with typos or broken links.
4. Generic Stock Photos
Try to use real photos of your business if you can. People connect better with what’s real and local — even if it’s not perfect.
5. Too Much Clutter
Leave space for the important stuff to breathe. A cluttered design makes your ad feel cheap and hard to read. Clean and focused always wins.
Final Tip: Test, Tweak, Repeat
Not every postcard is going to be a grand slam. That’s okay. Test different offers, designs, and headlines. Track what works. Tweak what doesn’t. And send consistently, results come from repetition.
If you want help creating an ad that checks all the boxes, that’s what we’re here for. At Bizzy Bee Local, we’ll help you craft a postcard that gets results and actually gets read.
Want us to take care of the design for you?
Let’s chat. We’ll handle the layout, printing, and delivery so you can focus on running your business.
– Caleb
Bizzy Bee Local
