Business Postcard Marketing: 35 Ways to Use It

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.

attract new customers

generate leads for your sales force

generate traffic at your trade show booth

drive buyers to your website

strengthen relationships with your existing customers

secure sales appointments with qualified prospects

announce a special offer

nurture relationships with long-term prospects

introduce new products and services to your customers

persuade prospects to try your demo software CD

increase traffic to your retail store

invite clients to your event

persuade prospective clients to invite you onsite to conduct a needs analysis

announce the opening of your new business in a neighborhood

announce a special offer

win back inactive customers with a special promotion

publicize your new business hours

announce that you will be in the area on a certain date

show that your real estate firm has listed or sold a home in the reader's neighbourhood

remind a customer that her car is due for a service

announce to clients that you are moving, giving your new address

survey your clients

announce the re-opening of your business after renovations are complete

distribute a coupon that gives the holder a discount at your store

announce the opening of a new location near your customers and potential customers

remind customers when the product that you sell (such as home heating oil) is ready to be replenished

send a follow-up note after sending a sales letter

send a thank you note

remind customers of a seasonal deadline for ordering

announce a retirement

capture names and addresses of potential customers by asking them to mail back your warranty card

keep in touch with clients with a simple "We're thinking about you" message

introduce a new manager, sales person or customer service rep

offer a mystery gift that is redeemed by visiting your business

announce that you are going out of business (may it never happen!)

About the author
Alan Sharpe is a business-to-business direct mail copywriter who helps business owners and marketing managers generate leads, close sales and retain customers using creative direct mail postcard marketing. Learn more about his services and sign up for free weekly tips like this at http://www.sharpecopy.com.

© 2005 Sharpe Copy Inc. You may reprint this article online and in print provided it remains unaltered (including the "About the author" message at the end).

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