Self-Employed Freelancers & Home-Based Businesses: Lead Generation Tactic: Send Postcards to Potential Customers for Your Small Business

by Robin Johnston

Send Postcards for Customer Leads for Your Small Business

It’s true. Postcards aren’t just for vacationers any more!

In a trend that started in the real estate industry, all sorts of businesses are turning to postcards as a fast and cost-effective way to get their messages out.

Because they do not have to be opened, cards break through the clutter more easily than other direct mail. For the same reason, they represent less risk to the recipient, who can quickly scan the offer and make a decision about what to do next, without having to open and read a letter.

There is another significant advantage to using postcards instead of other mail pieces. The United States Postal Service charges only $0.23 to deliver a postcard anywhere in country, which is about 38% cheaper than the cost of mailing a standard-sized letter.

Typical postcards measure 4-1/4” by 6”, but a wide variety of other formats are available, too.

Cards can be printed very economically, even in smaller quantities.

It is not hard to find a printer that can produce 500 full color cards, printed on both sides, for less than $150. And as many as 10,000 cards can be had for $390!

There are a couple of other variations on the postcard theme.

Some entrepreneurs and clever salespeople buy everyday postcards off the shelf, and send hand-written notes to their prospects and best customers. The results are usually positive, as recipients are impressed that the sender took the time to write and send a personal card.

Another option is to design and print cards that you give away to your customers to send to their own family, friends or prospects.

The cards need to be attractive, and be something that your customers would want to send. Of course, they also carry your company name and logo, and a brief message. Cards such as these can enhance your credibility in much the same way as a personal referral from the sender.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Key Resource

Meet Martha Retallick

There are few people that know more about postcards than Martha Retallick. Through her manual, Postcard Marketing Secrets, this maven of mail lays out everything you need to know to conceive and execute a successful postcard program. If you’re interested in finding out more about how to use postcards to get leads for your business, read more about Martha and her work at her sites www.postcardmarketingsecrets.com and www.lrpdesigns.com. She provides plenty of free information about how you can get started with a postcard program of your own!

Robin Johnston may be contacted at http://www.INVICTUSsolutions.com
Robin Johnston, Director of INVICTUS Solutions Group, is a marketing and business development professional with experience across technology, financial services, and public sectors. Robin is a Certified Management Consultant, and holds an MBA in Marketing and Corporate Strategy. He excels at developing strategic and tactical marketing plans, positioning brands, sales training, deploying programs to out-market competitors, generating leads, and accelerating revenue with limited marketing budgets.