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.

1. attract new customers

2. generate leads for your sales force

3. generate traffic at your trade show booth

4. drive buyers to your website

5. strengthen relationships with your existing customers

6. secure sales appointments with qualified prospects

7. announce a special offer

8. nurture relationships with long-term prospects

9. introduce new products and services to your customers

10. persuade prospects to try your demo software CD

11. increase traffic to your retail store

12. invite clients to your event

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

14. announce the opening of your new business in a neighborhood

15. announce a special offer

16. win back inactive customers with a special promotion

17. publicize your new business hours

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

19. show that your real estate firm has listed or sold a home in the readers neighbourhood

20. remind a customer that her car is due for a service

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

22. survey your clients

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

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

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

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

27. send a follow-up note after sending a sales letter

28. send a thank you note

29. remind customers of a seasonal deadline for ordering

30. announce a retirement

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

32. keep in touch with clients with a simple Were thinking about you message

33. introduce a new manager, sales person or customer service rep

34. offer a mystery gift that is redeemed by visiting your business

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

Alan Sharpe

Alan Sharpe is a business-to-business direct mail copywriter and lead generation consultant. As President of Sharpe Copy Inc. Alan specializes in helping businesses generate leads, close sales and retain customers using cost-effective, compelling direct mail and email marketing. Alan also uses his direct mail advertising services to help charities raise funds and raise awareness of their causes, using fundraising letters. Sign up for Alan Sharpe's B2B Direct Mail Tactics e-newsletter. Every Monday morning, receive in your inbox a short, helpful article on direct mail lead generation.