Sunday, August 28, 2011

How to choose a postcard size?

So if you've decided to try a mailing are are now wondering what size postcard to use, here are some considerations:

  • Budget:   Smaller cards cost less because a print shop can get more out of a sheet and postal costs are also lower.   A new service from the US Post Office called Every Door Direct Mail might be an option to consider to stretch the budget.
    • Impact:
      • As they say bigger is better -- smaller sizes have a higher chance of getting lost in the mail shuffle.
      • Full color post cards (with or without gloss) versus black & white or even one color can make a post card stand out from the others.
      • Paper type and weight -- a customer wanting a thick paper stock may need to choose a smaller card to stay within budget.
    • Info:  Depending on what info is to be shared and how much info is to be included (e.g. coupon, QR code) may dictate a larger card.
    • Postal Regulations:  minimum size is 4x5.5  and maximum size is:  8.5 x 11.
    • Image:
      • What do you want your prospective customers to think and what do you want them to do when your post card arrives?
      • Interesting and unique images will have a greater chance of being looked at and held onto.
    Your local print show can help provide you with options to best meet your needs and stay within budget.  If you are in Austin, stop by our shop or call us and we'll come to your location.