Industry Check: Who Gains the Most from Postcard Campaigns?
Postcards are one of the most effective ways to build a strong connection between a business and its customers. These stylish, easy-to-mail marketing materials leave a strong first impression and can easily convey messages and promotions at a glance. Whether sent through mailing lists or Every Door Direct Mail (EDDM), postcards help businesses reach people from their homes with offers, updates, or new products.
As NextDayFlyers continues to improve fast and reliable printing, we may also offer our insights by exploring 10 industries that gain the most from using postcards to grow their brand.
1. Real Estate
Postcards are a powerful tool for real estate agents who want to reach potential buyers and sellers in specific neighborhoods.
- Use Case: Agents can use postcards to promote open houses, showcase new listings, or highlight recently sold homes. This method is ideal for real estate farming, helping agents stay visible and top-of-mind in targeted areas.
- Why It Works: Real estate is all about location, and postcards make showcasing market activity in the recipient's neighborhood easy. It creates a sense of relevance and trust with homeowners. Clients may also easily reach out if they have a postcard with complete information.
- Postcard Design: Use high-quality images of homes, a photo of the real estate agent, a bold headline like "Just Listed" or "Sold in Your Area," and a QR code linking to the listing for easy access.
2. Healthcare
Hospitals, clinics, and private practices can use postcards to promote health awareness and wellness in the community.
- Use Case: Postcards are great for introducing new doctors, clinics, or services. They also work well for appointment reminders, wellness checks, and promoting seasonal services like flu shots or health fairs.
- Why It Works: People tend to trust healthcare providers that are nearby and familiar. A printed postcard feels more personal and official than an email or text, especially when it includes local information.
- Postcard Design: Choose a clean, simple layout featuring staff photos, a small map, contact details, and appointment options. You can also write a personalized message that reminds the recipient to prioritize their health.
3. Retail
Brick-and-mortar and online retail businesses can use postcards to drive traffic and boost sales.
- Use Case: Postcards are ideal for announcing upcoming sales, limited-time promotions, or the grand opening of a new store. These can also be used to share holiday messages or seasonal discounts with loyal customers.
- Why It Works: Everyone loves a good deal, and receiving a physical card makes the offer feel more exclusive. Postcards with coupons or promo codes give customers a reason to visit in person or shop online.
- Postcard Design: Use bright colors, include eye-catching headlines, and feature seasonal images or trending products. You can also add a clear offer, a unique coupon code or perforated coupon, and instructions on redeeming the deal.
4. Home Services
Postcards are helpful for home services like plumbers, electricians, and pest control. With these, they can reach out to homeowners right where services are needed—at their front door.
- Use Case: Businesses can send postcards to offer seasonal services like spring landscaping, fall gutter cleaning, or other home renovations and repairs. They also work well for maintenance reminders and showcasing service bundles that provide convenience and value.
- Why It Works: Home service needs often arise suddenly. A timely postcard serves as a reminder and establishes your business as the go-to solution before the customer even starts searching.
- Postcard Design: Include a visual checklist, before-and-after photos of past projects, and bold contact information. Highlight a limited-time discount or a special offer for new customers to spark immediate interest.
5. Education
Schools, daycares, and tutoring centers can use postcards to connect with families seeking educational support for their children.
- Use Case: Use postcards to announce open enrollment, promote new classes or extracurricular programs, or invite families to upcoming tours and orientations. These cards make information easily accessible to parents.
- Why It Works: Parents seek trustworthy, nurturing environments for their children. A well-crafted postcard feels thoughtful and reassuring, giving parents a reason to explore your institution further.
- Postcard Design: Add colorful visuals, smiling photos of students or teachers, key benefits in bullet points, and a welcoming message that encourages them to call, visit, or book a tour online.
6. Automotive
Postcards help auto businesses connect with local customers, whether for car sales or vehicle maintenance.
- Use Case: Auto dealers and repair shops can use postcards to promote trade-in deals, special service pricing, upcoming dealership events, and test-drive days.
- Why It Works: Car owners need routine services and occasional upgrades. A postcard can remind them when it’s time for a check-up or offer an enticing deal that motivates them to stop by.
- Postcard Design: Use high-quality car images or before-and-after service shots and include a strong offer with an expiration date to encourage quick action. Make sure the location and phone number stand out.
7. Health and Wellness
Gyms, spas, yoga studios, and salons can promote personal care services through beautiful, inspiring postcards.
- Use Case: Postcards are perfect for advertising wellness packages, free trials, or new member promotions. They’re also great for highlighting new services or seasonal self-care specials.
- Why It Works: Health and wellness choices are emotional and lifestyle-driven. A motivational postcard at the right time can inspire someone to commit to a healthier, happier routine.
- Postcard Design: Feature transformation photos, calming or energizing colors, clear pricing tiers, and uplifting messages. Include an easy way to sign up, such as a QR code or website link.
8. Financial Services
Banks, money lenders, credit unions, and even pawn shops can use postcards to present their services reassuringly, professionally, and timely.
- Use Case: Postcards can introduce financial services like personal loans, auto financing, and investment plans to those who need them. A welcoming postcard can also invite people to educational events about saving, budgeting, or planning for retirement.
- Why It Works: Money matters require trust. A branded postcard with expert information, genuine-looking visuals, and clear messaging helps make financial services feel accessible, especially for people who may be unsure or intimidated about seeking help.
- Postcard Design: Use formal yet friendly language, secure visuals like safes or smiling families, and include a clear call to action. Also include helpful notices such as booking a free consultation or scanning a QR code for pre-approval steps.
9. NGOs and Churches
Nonprofit organizations, faith groups, and churches can use postcards to share their vision and mission statement and invite the community to participate in meaningful events and causes.
- Use Case: Promote holiday services, community events, fundraisers, food drives, or donation campaigns with heartfelt postcard invitations sent to local households.
- Why It Works: Emotional messages have more impact in print. Postcards feel personal, are easy to display, and often receive more attention than digital posts or emails, especially from older or more traditional audiences.
- Postcard Design: Show photos of volunteers, community events, or aid recipients. Include a warm call to action, event dates, a donation QR code, and a brief but powerful message that reflects your mission.
10. Politics
Political campaigns and local government programs rely on postcard mailers to spread awareness, promote candidates, and encourage participation in elections or government initiatives.
- Use Case: Candidates use postcards to share platforms, promote early voting, or explain ballot measures. Local governments also send them to inform residents about town halls, new laws, or other government services near them.
- Why It Works: Political campaigns rely on repetition and visibility. Postcards are highly targeted, stay in households longer, and create visual recognition during key voting periods. Political postcards outside elections can also help remind people of their civic duties.
- Postcard Design: Election postcards should include the candidate’s photo, party logo, clear slogans, voting deadlines, and brief issue statements. A QR code linking to the whole platform or local polling info boosts engagement and trust. For other political postcards, putting reminders and vital information about government events and deadlines should be the center of attention. These postcards should also include watermarks or professional identifiers that brand them as legitimate by the government.
Conclusion
Postcards go beyond simple advertising. Their personal touch, visual appeal, and tangible presence make them memorable and often worth keeping. Whether promoting a service, sharing an event, or building awareness, postcards help you stand out in a crowded digital world. If you're ready to launch a campaign, focus on high-quality printing, fast turnaround, and top-notch design to make your effort count. NextDayFlyers provides fast postcard printing that can help connect with your audience and land directly in the hands that matter.
Related Articles
What Are USPS Postcard Mailing Requirements for 2025?
What is the difference between matte and glossy postcards?
Which Postcard Size Gets the Most Attention in the Mail?
How to Advertise Using Postcard Prints
How Postcards Shaped Travel Marketing (And Why They Still Matter Today)
A Guide on Standard Postcard Sizes and Dimensions
How to Address a Postcard
10 Tips for Effective Postcard Campaigns
A No Nonsense Guide to Pulling Off a Postcard Marketing Campaign
Your Quick Guide to Effective Postcard Marketing in 2023
From Delivery to Conversion: 8 Postcard Campaign Metrics That Drive Results