Promotional postcards have been an effective marketing tool in promoting a company, service, new product, special event, or enticing offer. These postcards are a preferred medium by marketing professionals because they:

? Can be created quickly to highlight time-sensitive information.
? Are inexpensive to print and mail compared to other forms of direct mail.
? The nontraditional shape differentiates postcards from regular business envelopes.
? Their effectiveness can be measured by tracking source codes.

When writing and designing promotional postcards, provide enough information to spark curiosity and initiate action. For example, if you're promoting a new software product, provide enough benefit-oriented copy to inform the reader how the product can help their company produce work faster, easier, and more accurately. This copy should be brief and easy-to-read, and should include a call-to-action to visit a web-site or call a sales representative. Some of the most effective postcards also include a special discount or bonus gift if the reader responds by a certain date.

Some useful ideas to consider promotional postcards are:

? Announcing a grand opening.
? Promoting a new product or service.
? Advertising a special offer or discounted item.
? Publicizing a special event.

Promotional postcards are a valuable tool for multi-tiered marketing campaigns. For example, if your company is planning to attend a tradeshow, mail a postcard before the event announcing what products or specials you will be offering, along with your booth number. Give your prospects reason to visit your booth, such as 'The first 100 visitors will receive a 10% discount.' After the tradeshow, follow-up with another postcard to reiterate your message or offer.

Before designing and printing your postcards, research postal regulations to ensure that you don't have any unexpected surprises. Promotional postcards are a smart, effective, and inexpensive tool to market your message!