February 12, 2026
How to Create a Postcard that Connects with Customers
Postcards are one of the most versatile tools in print marketing — but their effectiveness depends on much more than size or paper choice. A great postcard doesn’t just deliver information; it creates a moment. It catches attention, feels intentional, and invites the reader to take the next step.
Whether you’re mailing postcards to local households, including them with purchases, or handing them out in person, the most successful designs start by thinking beyond the card itself. Instead, they focus on how, when, and why a customer will interact with it. Here’s how to create a postcard that not only looks good, but supports your customer journey, reflects your brand, and stands out in a crowded world of mail and marketing.
Before choosing a size or opening a design file, take a step back and think about the experience you want to create. Ask yourself where this postcard will live in your customer’s journey. Is it meant to introduce your business for the first time? Remind someone to come back? Thank a loyal customer? Prompt an online action after an in-person visit?
When you’re clear on the postcard’s role, the design decisions become much easier. A postcard meant to spark curiosity will look very different from one designed to confirm an appointment or deliver a special offer. Clarity of purpose is what keeps your postcard from feeling generic — or worse, forgettable.
Postcards can do a lot, but they shouldn’t try to do everything at once. Some are designed to promote a new product or service, others highlight limited-time offers, and some are meant to nurture existing relationships through reminders or greetings.
Your postcard’s primary goal should guide every design choice, from layout to copy to finish. If the goal is to drive action, your call to action should be immediately clear and easy to follow. If the goal is awareness, your message should be simple, memorable, and visually engaging. Above all, remember that attention is earned quickly — often in just a few seconds. Short, engaging copy paired with a strong visual hierarchy helps ensure your postcard delivers value instead of ending up in the recycling bin.
What’s on your postcard is important, but so is how it’s delivered. If you’re mailing them, make sure to leave space for postage, addresses, and other postal stuff so your key message doesn’t get hidden. A great front design paired with a clean and easy-to-read back makes for a postcard that grabs attention and still works. If your postcards are being displayed in a store or handed out in person, think about how people will be looking at them. Will they be sitting in a rack, stacked on a counter, or tossed into a bag? Consider these moments when placing your design so your important details stay visible and inviting.
Every postcard is an opportunity to reinforce who you are as a business. Consistent branding builds trust and recognition, especially when customers encounter your marketing across multiple touchpoints. Incorporate your logo, brand colors, fonts, and imagery in a way that feels cohesive — not cluttered. The goal isn’t to decorate the card, but to create a clear, confident visual identity that customers recognize at a glance.
Imagery should support your message, not compete with it. Thoughtful design choices help your postcard feel polished and intentional, even when the message itself is simple.
Postcards are most effective when the message is relatable and easy to take in. Use clear language that talks directly to your customer, instead of writing dense paragraphs. Consider what your audience really needs to know and what will matter most to them at that moment. End with a simple call to action that tells them what to do next – whether that’s visiting your store, scanning a QR code, making an appointment, or following you online. Don’t forget to include important contact info so customers can easily reach out when they’re ready.
Your postcard doesn’t exist in isolation. It’s competing with bills, flyers, catalogs, and other marketing pieces — all arriving at the same time. Strategic design choices can help your postcard rise above the noise. Bigger postcards tend to get noticed more in the mail, while special finishes like gloss, spot UV, or foil accents can add a lot of visual appeal and make your postcard feel high-end.
Little details like carefully chosen white space or bold fonts can also make a big impression on how people see your postcard. The goal is to make your postcard feel worth picking up — and worth keeping.
Postcards can be printed in nearly any size, but some dimensions work better depending on how they’re used. Smaller postcards, like 4” x 6”, are easy to hand out at events or include with purchases. Medium sizes, such as 5” x 7” or 5.5” x 8.5”, offer more space for messaging while remaining manageable. Larger formats, like 6” x 9” or 6” x 11”, stand out more in the mail and provide room for bold visuals and detailed information.
The right size supports both visibility and usability — two key elements of a positive customer experience.
Paper choice plays a bigger role than many businesses realize. Thicker cardstock tends to feel more substantial and memorable, while lighter stock can be more budget-friendly and easier to distribute in large quantities. Premium finishes can further elevate the experience. Gloss coatings add vibrancy and visual impact, while matte finishes feel refined and modern. Spot gloss or foil accents draw attention to specific elements, such as headlines or logos, without overwhelming the design.
Just keep functionality in mind; if customers need to write on the postcard, leave space uncoated for notes or reminders.
Creating a postcard that truly supports your marketing goals is a balance of strategy, design, and production. Working with a local print and design partner helps ensure every detail — from layout to finish — works together seamlessly.
At PostNet, our design and print experts help businesses think through the entire process, from concept to final delivery. Whether you need help refining your message, choosing materials, or managing printing and mailing, we’re here to make postcard marketing easier and more effective.
To get started designing and printing postcards that reflect your brand and support your marketing goals, visit your local PostNet center. We’ll help you bring your ideas to life, one card at a time.
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