Postcard Layout Tips

A postcard can be a very effective means of advertising or communicating with people if done correctly.  You have limited space to get your message across so here are some tips to keep in mind to achieve best results.

You can add only a minimal amount of information on the side you address to the recipient.  Therefore, in order to emphasize to the recipient who the card is from, it is best to utilize strong graphics, rather than text.

Postcards can range in size but the average is 4”x6”.  In order to best communicate your message, a strong headline is advisable along with graphics or images.

You  simply do not have the room to include much in the way of text so don’t plan to “tell a story”.  Instead make use of the space to send clear headlines, using effective graphics.

Also consider colored paper stock.  Depending on the graphics or photos you plan to use, colored paper stock can add impact and readability to your postcard.

Focus on the mailing list.  Make certain that the people you plan to send the postcards to will have an interest in them.  Try to cater the message and design directly to your audience.

The goal is to make the postcard look like it is coming from a friend rather than an impersonal company.  This will tend to get better results.  Your audience will most likely read the postcards rather than throw them away as junk mail.  Consider using handwriting style fonts and other personal touches.

Perhaps the side which contains their address can be structured to look more like a personal postcard.

Avoid making a sales pitch.  You simply don’t have enough space to tell everything you want to say about your product, service, or message.  Focus on one major objective for the postcard and make certain it properly communicates that message.

And finally, get to the point quickly.  Not only are you limited in the amount of space available but people will only spend a short amount of time reading the postcard.  Make sure your message is very clear and to the point.  A strong call to action will make your postcards much more effective.