Your vision of the lowly postcard is probably "tunneled" in such a manner to only recall that, from those you've seen, they have a brief message. Perhaps something to the effect of " one time special offers" or "write or call for more info." Short messages that don't really jump out. Some may consider them a nuisance. Surely in many cases, a device that will most likely end up in the garbage can. Ah! They all look the same! Well, it doesn't have to be that way and you change all of this right now and increase profits and inquiries tomorrow!

You can turn "postcarding" into a lucrative part of your marketing and advertising. In fact - you can make money directly from them as opposed to circulars, brochures or other direct mail pieces. We've experimented and noticed that it is possible to sell an $8.95 booklet from a simple postcard. An eye catching benefit headline and benefit related text will fit nicely into the card giving "just the meat" of what you'd like to say. And that's what customers want to read.

But selling is only one part of your marketing campaign and keeping in touch with customers is really what you want to strive for. How many never contact a prospective customer again, only to regret that they bought from your competition? Periodic postcard mailings at only $.20 each can put you in touch and keep you in touch with those who'd like to hear from you but for some reason, never really ask.

Staying in touch is important and through a variety of postcard ideas you can do a lot in a 4x5 space. Even with a generic message in the text portion, you can create a masthead with "hidden messages" that will bring you constant inquiries and sales throughout the year.

Creating a "mini-newsletter" about your services or products will keep potential customers and seekers up to date on your latest offers. Taking your 8x11circulars and reducing them to postcard stock and size will present your offer in a different light than if the customer only receives an envelope of 8x11 money making plans. Offering a postcard containing advice, facts about the business or tips will eventually get you recognized as time goes on with "expert status" in various fields. Suppose you created an "advertising postcard" and made money from it - in mail-order or even locally? The list is endless.

The key to it all? A little imagination and creativity can turn your campaign into extra cash and more customers. Having several postcards - each with it's own idea - can keep you far ahead of your competition - at a reasonable cost too. "Floating" them is by far a secure way to "stay in touch." For example, you can have 1,000 postcards printed for about $40 from most mail-order printers. Many publishers will mail them for about 2 cents each or you can target your mailings for again, $.20 each. If you have a product or service of interest to local residents, you can distribute a postcard at local shopping areas for free!

Once you get a feel for the dynamics of the postcard - you may never mail another circular or brochure again!