A beautiful postcard can grab attention, but a great offer is what makes someone actually call, visit, or buy. When your ad lands in someone’s mailbox, you have just a few seconds to turn curiosity into action.
That’s why the offer you choose matters more than you might think. In this post, we’ll walk through what makes a strong postcard offer and how to craft one that delivers results for your local business.
What Is a “Postcard Offer”, Really?
Your offer is the reason someone should take action now – whether it’s calling you, visiting your location, or booking a service. It’s what makes your ad go from “that’s nice” to “I need to check this out.”
Examples include:
- A discount or coupon
- A free consultation
- A limited-time bonus
- A seasonal special
- A bundled package or free upgrade
Without an offer, your ad is just an introduction. With a great offer, it becomes an invitation.
Tip 1: Make It Simple and Specific
The best offers are clear, not clever. People should understand your deal in one glance.
❌ Bad: Special packages available now!
✅ Better: $25 Off Any Package Over $100 – This Month Only
Keep it short, specific, and easy to act on.
Tip 2: Add a Reason to Act Now
People love to procrastinate – unless you give them a reason not to.
Use urgency or scarcity:
- Valid until July 30
- Limited to first 20 customers
- Only 1 business per category per postcard
Urgency doesn’t have to be pushy. Just give them a small nudge to move.
Tip 3: Match the Offer to the Audience
Think about who’s receiving your postcard. Is it families? Retirees? Homeowners? Busy professionals?
Match your offer to what matters to them. For example:
- A restaurant might offer Free Dessert with Any Two Entrees
- A home service might say $50 Off Spring AC Tune-Up
- A dentist might give Free Whitening with First Cleaning
If your ad is local, your offer should feel local too.
Tip 4: Pair It With a Strong Call to Action
Your offer only works if people know what to do next. Use a short, bold CTA that tells them exactly how to respond.
Great CTAs include:
- Call Now to Book
- Visit Our Website to Claim
- Show This Card for the Discount
Make sure your phone number, website, or QR code is easy to find and works properly.
Tip 5: Limit the Fine Print
If your offer has too many rules, people will skip it. Keep the terms short and easy to understand.
If you need to add conditions, make them reasonable:
- New customers only
- Valid Mon–Fri, 9–5 PM
- One per household
But avoid long disclaimers. They hurt trust and kill action.
Bonus: Try “No-Risk” Offers
Some businesses see great results with what we call “risk-free” offers – ones that lower hesitation and feel easy to try.
Examples:
- Free Consultation – No Obligation
- First Class Free
- No Service Fee If We Can’t Help
These work especially well for service businesses where trust is key.
Final Thought: A Great Offer Pays for Itself
Even a small discount, if done right, can bring in 5, 10, or 20 new customers. That kind of return makes your postcard investment more than worth it.
If you’re not sure what to offer, we’re happy to help. When you reserve your ad spot, just tell us a bit about your business – and we’ll help you shape an offer that fits your audience and your goals.
Your business deserves to be seen. A strong offer helps make sure it’s remembered, too.
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