Sending postcards is a great way to spread goodwill or just reach out to your market without breaking the bank. Often it’s the little things that people remember and that prompt action—like buying.
1. Spending is Way Up this Year
The initial results from Black Friday weekend indicate that spending is way up this holiday season. According to MSNBC, a National Retail Federation survey taken the Sunday after Thanksgiving showed that per-person spending for the holiday weekend increased 9.1% over last year. And there’s more: 14 million more people went shopping this year. You’ve got to strike while the iron is hot. Spend the extra money on real postage this year, because there’s no time little time left before Christmas, and you want to target your market while they’re in the mood to spend.
2. People Are Programmed to Spend for the Holidays
No one wants to be a Scrooge, and a lot of guilt buying occurs during the season. As long as the consumer is spending, they might as well spend with you. A postcard may be all the nudge they need to patronize you. Want to give them an extra nudge? Include a percent-off offer on your postcard.
3. Pent-up Demand
People have been watching their pennies since at least 2008. At some point, even the frugal want to spend money so badly they can hardly stand another day without buying something. That’s called pent-up demand. Consumers have been using things up, wearing them out, making do and doing without for so long that they are eager to replace worn out items. A postcard will remind them that they deserve a little treat for themselves this holiday season.
4. Say Thank You to Customers
Goodwill is a commodity that’s hard to quantify. If you regularly do business with an establishment, it’s nice to receive a little recognition from that business during the holidays. Whether it’s a free cup o’ java or a percent-off offer for “special” customers, they’re sure to appreciate the thought. And being thoughtful to your customer base can set you apart from the competition.
5. Big Returns for Miniscule Investment
Postcards are so inexpensive that they’re a marketing avenue open to even the smallest businesses. And, they’re read far more frequently than other direct mail offers—six times more often than a direct marketing letter. How’s that for a return on a small investment? And, if you want to test a concept or a new product this holiday season, test it with a postcard at the same time that you extend holiday wishes.
We’ve only scratched the surface in listing reasons you’ll want to send postcards this holiday season. Use your imagination. Sign each postcard by hand and attach a real stamp, and it’s sure to garner attention.
