Direct Mail

How to Write a Postcard in Canada

By 2 May 2023February 1st, 2024No Comments
how to write a postcard in canada

How to Write a Postcard: A Comprehensive Guide For Your Business

Postcards are a lot more than just your travelling these days. To be honest, they are becoming way more popular than ever for people or even businesses to get in touch with the world out there. But, writing a postcard for any occasion or purpose can become a very intimidating experience, especially when you come face-to-face with the other side.

how to write a postcard in canada

This is why we have created this unique guide on how to write a postcard effectively to connect and enhance your brand awareness. 

Here is how you can fit everything into the tight space so that every piece of information fits right into place according to the postcard format. 

Let’s get started

Postcards and Their Effectiveness

We know you must be wondering if the postcards are even worth putting your efforts into when compared to various digital marketing campaigns. And when done correctly, the answer to the above said is a YES!

So, before we dive into the depths of how to fill out a postcard. Let us now look at some of the quick facts about Postcards and what makes them effective. They are:

  • Around 93% of Canadian citizens prefer reading or even scanning direct mail advertising pieces as soon as they receive them. Unlike email which is generally ignored, postcards are loved and viewed by many. It also provides you with a coveted opportunity to attract your customers, as they can decide which mail to keep and the ones to toss.
  • Compared to other direct mail forms like letters or flyers, postcards are more likely to be seen as they can be read hassle-free. Also, a postcard assures you that your message will be read as soon as your customer receives it.
  • Generally, the effectiveness of direct mail makes it easier for you to track the deliverables than radio, billboards, TV, and other forms of advertising. Here, you can- and should, try measuring the number of postcards you wish to send. However, it depends on the response rate you receive, whether it is social media follows, offers or discount redemption, or even sign-ups on the website.

The above-stated facts highlight how postcards can be a part of an effective direct mail marketing strategy. But, only if it is done perfectly! It is why we are providing you with some tips and tricks on how to write postcards in the best ways possible.

So, do not stop & keep reading!

How & What to Write on a Postcard?

When it comes to direct mail assets, all the successful material for marketing- whether it directs you to the web or is in printed form- shares the following two elements:

  • Content
  • Design

Your postcard will go right from the mailbox to the trash bin of the customers (along with all the effort & money you invested in the same) if you do not add these elements.

Below are a few guidelines that you need to make your postcard campaign a success and truly stand out.

Content As Per The Postcard Format

Although the content and design are something that needs to work on together. But our professionals at PostGrid, always recommend starting the content part first. Here, by content, we mean the message that you wish to convey to your customers.

Even though the visual design may seem a little exciting- We mean, who does not like sassy graphics or snazzy fonts? However, while understanding how to write a postcard that ultimately drives success, it is better to start with brainstorming along with refining your ideas to create the perfect content for your postcard. Here is what you must do:

Identifying the Goal of Writing a Postcard

Always remember that postcards are small, handy, and easy to scan. Therefore, it is better to stick to a single idea. Do not overflow your postcard with tons of different messages, as it can leave your customers confused. Instead, stick to the one that suits your goals and display it creatively to make your customers go crazy for your brand.

Also, another worth-counting aspect of postcards is that they are very versatile, which means that you can use them the way you want and convey the messages accordingly. Some of the most common uses of the postcards are:

  • Business launch/openings: Build your brand awareness with a uniquely designed postcard mailer, highlighting who you are and what you offer.
  • Sales or Offer Announcements: Make announcements of random sales, special offers, and much more. Let your customers know everything that they can avail of and when.
  • Sending Invitations: Invite your customers to various events, open houses, product launches, demonstrations, and more using unique postcard strategies.
  • Redeemable Discounts & Coupons: When writing down a postcard, try providing your customers with coupons that can be used online or redeemed at a physical store.
  • Thank you or Appreciation Notes: Build long-lasting relationships with your customers by appreciating them for being there. You could also add a referral offer or discount on future purchases- this will make them feel special, and they will keep coming back to you for more.

Regardless of your big idea to create the best postcard, try taking the above-mentioned into consideration and write your postcard better than ever. Also, identifying your goals is one of the most prominent phases to look for when understanding how to fill out a postcard.

Know Your Target Audience

Apart from your primary message, your target audience may be the most crucial aspect to consider when writing an effective postcard. Below is a list of factors that you must look out for:

  • Demographics: It includes information like name, gender, occupation, address, and more of the customer you want to target.
  • Psychographics: This aspect refers to the psychological attributes of your customers, such as their religion, beliefs, attitude, etc.
  • Their Relation with You: Besides the personal characteristics of your customer, think about how they are related to you. Are they your existing or loyal customers, leads, or someone who has never heard about your business till now?

Understanding who your customers are will further help you understand how to write the address on a postcard and choose the design that with them connects effectively.

Remember, it is crucial because a middle-aged father residing in the suburbs will respond differently than his college-going son or any young adult.

Choosing the Perfect Design

Without a design, the thought of writing a postcard can be a little overwhelming, especially when you have a lot of other things to handle as well. Luckily, you do not have to start from scratch. It is because there are various designs available on the internet that you can use for inspiration.

Also, if you are opting for tools like PostGrid for your marketing campaign, choose from the template gallery for the most eye-catching postcard designs.

At PostGrid, we provide you with the best yet personalized experience in just a few clicks. It means that you can either design from scratch or customize the templates available and make them yours.

Settling onto The Relevant Graphics

There is nothing that screams Unprofessional like those highly-pixelated pictures or tacky stock images. So, make sure that every graphic you choose is high-quality and looks professional, depending upon your design and theme. Try not to use any complicated designs or copyrighted images unless you have the right to use them.

Here, depending on your brand and message, you can add the following types of graphics to your postcards:

  • Stock images
  • Photos related to your business, service, or product
  • Photos of your customers (only, if they have allowed you to do so)
  • Infographics or cartoons
  • Simple or basic icons
  • Professional images along with hand-drawn illustrations

Avoid using vague images that look nice but reflect something else. For example, the picture with a beach is perfect unless you are promoting a vacation home. Or else it will not really support your brand message.

Follow The Message Hierarchy

Here, try to take all the previously written content and convert it into a visual hierarchy. Make sure that everything reflects the importance of every element used in the postcard. In other words, make sure that your message hierarchy is loud & clear and has the following:

  • Header: Try to ensure that your content header stands out from the rest of the elements in your postcard. Make the most of font size, colours, and white space. It is because a header is the first thing that your customer notices. Even at a glance, your headline must be easily recognizable.
  • Relevant Call-To-Actions: Just like your header, the call to action should also be highlighted prominently on the postcard. To do so, try adding tinkering font colours or sizes, text boxes, and other attention-grabbing yet relevant visual elements.
  • Other Information: Now, apart from the header and CTA, try adding the most relevant piece of information to your postcard. It includes your contact information, address, and more in a legible font.

Keep It Simple

So, by now you might be having an idea about how to write a postcard, one thing that you must remember is that SIMPLER IS BETTER. As you move ahead and finalize the content and design elements for your customers, try to laser-focus on your goals by:

  • Ensuring that there is only a single headline and call-to-action.
  • There is enough white space to help customers process the content.
  • Everything is clean and clutter-free design-wise.
  • Select the graphics that reflect and complement your message in the best way possible.
  • There is no unwanted content apart from the brand message and the relevant piece of information.

Lastly, as one final note, we would like to encourage you to go ahead and start writing postcards for your customers. – Even if you are still feeling intimidated by the idea of creating one. Remember, every postcard you make will only provide you with hands-on experience but will also give valuable insight into the marketplace and your target audience.

However, if you still need a little inspiration to get started, sign in and check out our template gallery and automate everything in a better way. From print and mail to help you translate your ideas into clear, eye-catching, and unique postcards- At PostGrid, we aim to provide you with all.

Keep It Simple

So, by now you might be having an idea about how to write a postcard, one thing that you must remember is that SIMPLER IS BETTER. As you move ahead and finalize the content and design elements for your customers, try to laser-focus on your goals by:

  • Ensuring that there is only a single headline and call-to-action.
  • There is enough white space to help customers process the content.
  • Everything is clean and clutter-free design-wise.
  • Select the graphics that reflect and complement your message in the best way possible.
  • There is no unwanted content apart from the brand message and the relevant piece of information.

Lastly, as one final note, we would like to encourage you to go ahead and start writing postcards for your customers. – Even if you are still feeling intimidated by the idea of creating one. Remember, every postcard you make will only provide you with hands-on experience but will also give valuable insight into the marketplace and your target audience.

However, if you still need a little inspiration to get started, sign in and check out our template gallery and automate everything in a better way. From print and mail to help you translate your ideas into clear, eye-catching, and unique postcards- At PostGrid, we aim to provide you with all.