Business Postcard Marketing: 35 Ways to Use It

by Alan Sharpe

Published on this site: July 16th, 2005 - See more articles from this month...

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!)

Alan Sharpe is a business-to-business direct mail copywriter and lead generation specialist who helps business owners and marketing managers generate leads, close sales and retain customers using cost-effective, creative direct mail and email marketing. Read his free weekly e-newsletter, Alan Sharpe's B2B Direct Mail Tactics, at www.sharpecopy.com/newsletter Phone: 1 877 SHARPE COPY