Joe,

 

Postcard marketing is a powerful and cost effective way to spread the word about your business. I have worked with PostCard Maia in the past and there prices are typically reasonable compared to others. We have also purchased our own list in the past through InfoUSA or similar companies which is beneficial because you can use the list over and over again. Most postcard marketing companies will provide separate pricing if you wish to provide them with your mailing list.

 

When preparing a postcard mailing I would keep in mind a few key factors that will determine the success of your mailing:

 

Market

 

Consider who you want to sell your services to. More specifically, where you want your business to be located.

 

When purchasing a mailing list make sure to be specific on the criteria. Here is what we have used in the past with success, which may have to be slightly tweaked depending on your market:

 

-Household income levels of $100,000 +

-Home values of $300,000+

-Focus on counties, cities, or zip codes that are nearby in order to keep your fuel and wage expense down

 

Postcard Design

 

In the past we have had more success when focusing more attention on appearance and quality. Having at least one side of the postcard done in color helps grab the customer attention. The front should consist of your logo and a attention getting headline and be sure to include your website address. You should also consider getting some quality before and after pictures. Most customer will fill their service needs based upon a visual, and nothing is better the showing the improvements you can make by using a before and after picture. When taking your before and after shots be sure to take them so that the customer is sure that it is the same location. For example, if it is a kitchen floor make sure your include a portion of cabinets or appliances in the picture and make sure you are at the same angle and the lighting (time of day) is the same as the before shot. On the backside of the postcard include an enticing message that leaves the customers wanting more, and encourage them to call or visit your website right away. Again, place your website on the back of the card as well. You will also want to include your telephone number on the card. Toll free numbers are great but if you have a local number as well it is important to include both on the card. Local customers often shy away when they see only a 800# because they are not sure if you are really in their area. Lastly, if you have a storefront you can include a small map on the postcard that depicts your general area.

 

Also depending on what services you offer, we have found that creating separate cards one for stone restoration and one for tile & grout services have had a better impact rather than creating a combo card.

 

Timing

 

In order to see an effect from you postcards you will need to send them to the same area multiple times. Create a schedule which keeps your cards going out on a regular schedule. Monthly and bi-monthly have been effective for us in the past. Don't get discouraged if you only receive one or two calls from your first mailing. The sales should start building up after the 2nd and 3rd mailing however if you are still not getting results at this time you most likely need to revise your design or your mailing criteria.

 

Tracking

 

I recommend starting a database for all the leads and scheduled jobs you have. Keep track of where the customer found out about you and whether or not the sale closes. A few months of sticking to this database will help you forecast budgets for marketing in the upcoming years as well as achieving a understanding of which marketing plans are working best in your area.

 

If you have any questions please feel free to contact me, and if you would like for me to take a look at your postcard design I would be more than happy to and possibly offer some suggestions J

 

Hope this helps! Good Luck!

 

Best Regards,

 

 

Holly J. Newell

Administrator

The Stone & Tile School

Phone (888) 556-6451 ext.101

Cell (407) 615-0984

hnewell@thestoneandtileschool.com

 

www.thestoneandtileschool.com

 

 

 

 

I’m considering using postcards as a form of advertising. The company I’m looking at is Postcard Mania.

Before I invest anymore resources I was wondering if anyone has used postcards & what was the response.

 

Thanks,

 

Joe

 

 

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