With the advent of technology, there are many different ways to send a postcard nowadays. You can use an online service, or you can even send a postcard through your email. However, if you want to do it the old-fashioned way and send a physical postcard, then you need to know how to address a postcard correctly.
Whether for your job or personal use, here's how to address a postcard for business and personal use.
Are postcards still relevant?
Even though many believe they are outdated, postcards have stood the test of time and keep finding their way into mailboxes worldwide. This sturdy piece of cardboard has conveyed messages to millions of people for centuries. Whether direct mail campaigns, Christmas greetings, or a hello from aboard, postcards are a nostalgic yet effective way of communicating.
But we're living in the time of social media, so haven't postcards become irrelevant? The truth is, postcards have never lost their relevancy. In business, postcards have remained a reliable source of marketing that is specifically effective for local companies. Real estate agents, travel agencies, and schools, to name a few, use postcards for advertising to specific neighborhoods or communities.
For younger generations who use social media to share exciting life events, the functionality of these rectangular pieces of paper has evolved. For them, postcards have become collectibles and artworks that hang on their college dorm room walls or sit pretty on their desk. But ask anyone born after the year 2000 how to address a postcard, and they might be stumped!
Having the unique skill of properly addressing a postcard is something to be proud of, especially as a Gen Z. It also has an element of coolness. The same coolness that comes with owning a record player, playing video games on a Super Nintendo, or knowing who Marky Mark is.
Postcards can be used for so much more than just sending a quick update to your Aunt Martha. Use them as save-the-dates, wedding invitations, thank-you cards, and even marketing tools.
How to address a postcard in 6 steps:
Start at the back
Postcards have two sides. The front usually has an illustration, print, or photograph on it, while the back is divided by a solid line into two sections. The more significant section on the left is where you'll write your message, and on the right, you'll find three diagonal lines where you write the address on your postcard.
Add the address
Using the three lines on the right section, write the address of where you want the postcard to be sent. Ensure that you write the address neatly, so it is legible to everyone it comes in contact with. You can add a neat, bright border around the address to help postal workers see it.
If you make a mistake while writing the address, we suggest writing the address on a separate piece of paper. Ensure that address is written small enough to fit in the allocated spot of the postcard. Neatly cut the address out in a square shape and glue it securely over the address with the error. The post office won't love this makeshift solution but, in most cases, will get it delivered to its recipient.
Write the date
Always add the date in the top right corner of the left side of the postcard. This allows whoever receives the postcard to know precisely when it was written and sent.
Include a personal message
Now is the time to add whatever message you wish to the left side of the postcard. Share a memory, introduce yourself or promote a locals-only deal; it's entirely up to you how you want to add to this postcard section. There are no lines, so feel free to get creative and draw a picture or a simple note. Don't forget to address the postcard to someone on the top of the left side. A simple 'Dear XXX' will work perfectly.
See below for more examples of the perfect messaging for your postcard!
Sign off with your name
Adding who the postcard is from is essential, so don't forget to sign off with your name. You can 'see you soon,' 'hugs and kisses,' or 'looking forward to doing business with you', before adding your name.
Add a postage stamp
The only way that your postcard will get to the recipient is with a postage stamp. Stamps can be bought from the post office, grocery stores, pharmacies, and other retailers. Add your stamp above the mailing address in the top right corner of the postcard. Depending on where the postcard is going, you may need more than one stamp, especially for international post.
Crafting the perfect postcard message
Now that you know how to address a postcard, it's time to start thinking about what you want to say.
While postcards to friends and family members can be more narrative, postcards for business use should be brief, clear, and to the point. Some businesses choose to include a call to action on their postcards, such as an offer or coupon. Others use postcards as part of a larger marketing campaign and simply include branding elements and contact information.
Here are a few tips for crafting the perfect postcard messages.
Make your message stand out
Businesses use postcards for a variety of purposes. You might be sending out postcards to promote a sale, announce a new product or service, or invite customers to an event. Whatever your purpose, you want to make sure your postcard stands out and gets noticed. One way to do this is to get creative with your design.
Your postcard’s design should be eye-catching and reflect your brand. Use quality images and avoid using too much text. The goal is to make your postcard inviting so recipients will want to read more. Be sure to include your logo, address, and contact information on the postcard so your customers can reach out easily.
Keep it short and sweet
Your message should be brief and to the point. Recipients don't want to be bogged down by a long-winded narrative. They want to know what you're offering, and why they should care.
When it comes to the actual message, less is more. Keep your language clear and concise. Get to the point and avoid using jargon. The goal is to make your message easy to understand and quick to read. Using bold headers and fonts in your postcard design can also help draw attention to your most important messages.
Be personal
Another way to make sure your postcard stands out is to get personal. Addressing your postcards to specific individuals rather than using a generic “To Our Customers” message will make recipients feel special. You can also include personalized messages or calls to action that are tailored to the recipient's interests.
For example, if you're writing to an existing customer, address the postcard to them by name and include a special offer that's relevant to their purchase history. On the other hand, if you're writing to a new prospect, offer a first-time purchase coupon or let them know about an upcoming sale.
Get the address right
This might seem like a no-brainer, but it's important to double-check that you have the correct address before you send out your postcards. If you're using a mailing list, make sure it's been updated recently so you don't end up with undeliverable mail. Always be sure to use enough postage so your postcard arrives at its destination.
And that's it! You now know how to adequately address a postcard. Looking to create a custom postcard? Check out the Jukebox Print online design tool! We also offer same-day postcard printing services for when you're in a rush.
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