About Postcards
Postcards are the inexpensive workhorses of direct marketing. While small in size, they can pack tremendous promotional punch and deliver fantastic results in relation to the cost of letter, brochure and catalog mailings. Use postcards for real estate announcements, new product information, sale events, coupons, event passes, greeting cards, rack cards, and even the most traditional travel postcards. The most powerful post cards are full color (sometimes referred to as 4-color or CMYK) since research shows that full color delivers the most effective reader response
Postcard Design Tips
Most postcards sizes are 4" x 6", 5" x 7" or 51/2" x 81/2" and range from one color to full color. The size and number of colors have a lot to do with how much you have to spend and the amount of information you're trying to convey. Most cards are full color on at least on side (sometimes referred to as 4-color or CMYK) since research shows that full color delivers the most effective reader response. Paper is another important decision in your overall postcard design. Postcard paper is most frequently a card stock with a descriptor in points as opposed to weight. This means the higher the number of points the heavier the paper stock. For instance, 8 point, coated one-side stock (C1S) is a lighter less expensive alternative to 10 point, C1S stock. A heavier the stock choice results in a more durable and upscale look and feel. Paper stock is also important in relation to your planned color choices. For instance, if you were designing a full color front and a one color back for your postcard, a 12 point coated two sided (C2S) is not really necessary. This paper is more appropriate for when using full color on both sides and is more expensive than C1S stock. Uncoated stock is just fine for single color information but to get full color to really pop off the page, you need to use coated stock.
Postcard Printing Tips
Full color postcards create the most memorable and compelling images for your print communications. Picking the right paper can also have a significant effect on the impact of your postcard. Most people choose a heavier weight, coated paper for a vibrant upscale look and feel.
Postcard Ordering Tips
Make sure you place your order with an experienced and knowledgeable commercial printer with a reputation for quality, reliability and one that is easy to do business with. As with many important purchases the least expensive is frequently not the best value. Your local area printers may be able to do your job but printers with websites can do even better job with benefits like low prices, instant price quotes and easy online ordering.
When seeking a quote or ordering your brochures be sure to have the following information available:
1. Quantity
2. Flat and finished sheet size
3. Paper type and weight
4. Number of ink colors
5. Finishing specifications
6. Proofing preference
