You might not think of mailing postcards as a key part of your marketing strategy, but it’s one of those classic methods that continues to deliver results—literally. For small business owners, sending membership cards is a smart, cost-effective way to reach customers and bring more attention to your website, shop, or service.

Postcards are quick to read, easy to design, and surprisingly powerful. This guide walks you through how to create card mailers  that actually get noticed—and get people to take action.

What Makes Postcards a Great Marketing Tool?

Postcards have been used for decades, and there’s a good reason they’ve stuck around. Here’s why they’re worth using:

1. People Actually Look at Them

Unlike emails or ads that can be skipped or deleted in a second, postcards are physical. People hold them, glance at them, and usually read them—if only for a few seconds. And sometimes, a few seconds is all you need to grab someone’s attention.

2. They’re Budget-Friendly

Mailing a postcard costs less than mailing a letter in an envelope. There’s no folding, stuffing, or extra weight. If you’re sending a large number of mailers, those savings can really add up.

3. They Get Better Responses Than You’d Think

Studies show that postcards and other forms of direct mail get better response rates than many types of online ads. According to a report by the Data & Marketing Association, direct mail can get a 5% response rate—much higher than email or social media, which usually hover around 1%.

How to Design a Postcard That Gets Results

Now that you know postcards are worth using, let’s talk about how to design one that actually works.

Check the Size First

Before you get creative with your design, it’s important to follow the rules from the U.S. Postal Service. If your postcard is too big or the wrong shape, it may cost more to send.

To qualify for standard postcard postage, your card needs to be:

• At least 3.5 inches high x 5 inches long x 0.007 inches thick
• No more than 4.25 inches high x 6 inches long x 0.016 inches thick
  

If your postcard is bigger, you’ll be charged the price of mailing a letter. USPS Marketing Mail allows a little more flexibility, but you still need to stay under 6.125” x 11.5” x 0.25” if you want to avoid being charged for a large envelope.

Pick One Clear Goal

A good postcard has a clear purpose. Before you start designing, ask yourself: What do I want the person who gets this to do?

Do you want them to:

• Call you?
• Visit your website?
• Use a discount code?
• Stop by your store?
  

Whatever your goal is, everything on your postcard should lead to that action. This is called your call to action (CTA), and it’s the most important part of the message.

Make your CTA easy to find, easy to understand, and worth doing. For example:

• “Call now to schedule your free consultation.”
• “Visit our site and get 20% off your first order.”
• “Bring this postcard in for a free gift.”

Keep It Short and Clear

Don’t try to squeeze in too much text. Most people will glance at your postcard for just a few seconds. Keep your message clear and simple. A bold headline, one or two short lines of text, and a clear CTA is usually enough.

Use Both Sides—But Use Them Wisely

You’ve got two sides to work with, but keep in mind that one side will need space for:

• The recipient’s address
• Your return address
• A stamp or postage area
  

That means your design space is limited. Focus on getting your main message across quickly. Use large fonts, bright colors, or a strong image to grab attention.

Choose Good-Quality Images

If you’re using photos or graphics, make sure they’re sharp and print-ready. A good rule is to use images that are 300 DPI (dots per inch). Anything lower than that may look blurry or pixelated when printed.

High-quality visuals can really help your postcard stand out and make your business look more professional.

Want to Make Your Postcard Stand Out Even More?

Small design upgrades can make a big difference in how your postcard feels in someone’s hand. Here are some ideas:

• Rounded corners for a modern, sleek look
• Glossy or UV coating to make colors pop and add shine
• Textured cardstock like linen or recycled paper for a premium feel
  

These touches show your brand cares about quality—and people notice that.

Printivity Can Help You Every Step of the Way

If you’re ready to print postcards but not sure where to start, Printivity makes the whole process easier. They offer:

• Free templates to help you with layout and sizing
• Premium printing options to match your brand’s style
• Mailing services that handle address checks, sorting, and even submitting paperwork to USPS
  

You don’t have to worry about the little details—Printivity takes care of them for you.

And if design isn’t your thing, no problem. Their team can design your postcard for you so it’s ready to print fast and looks professional.

Final Thoughts

Postcard marketing isn’t flashy or new—but it works. It’s personal, direct, and still one of the best ways to get your message into someone’s hands. Whether you’re promoting a sale, launching a product, or just trying to get the word out, postcards can help.

Take a little time to plan your message, design it with care, and let a trusted printer handle the rest. You might be surprised by the results.