Want to create a buzz with your next marketing campaign? Send a jumbo postcard. And I mean jumbo... think 10" x 15" or even 24" x 36"! It's fun, it's easy and it's very effective at building your brand.
First, you need to find a stunning image for the front of the postcard. It could be an image of your building, a fun photograph of your uniformed staff, or your logo. Just make sure it's immediately identifiable with your restaurant.
Make sure the image is high quality and full color to grab the recipient's attention. I recommend working with your printer or graphic designer to make sure the image will look really good when enlarged.
Next, craft a simple message for the back that's short and to the point. The postcards are perfect for promoting recurring events and/or specials, such as "Build Your Own Burger" night, Sunday brunches, weeknight specials, or "Live Music Mondays." You could also use them for to-go menus; birthday or anniversary club cards; mini menus for a local business mailing; or promo pieces for lobbies of local hotels and motels or chamber of commerce packets.
Jumbo postcards can be cost effective because they can be multi-purpose. By printing several thousand at once you'll get a big price break. You can print the second side as you need them. One hint: don't choose a high gloss finish when you pre-print your postcards. It makes feeding through copiers and presses nearly impossible.
Address and mail the cards to your guest database, and businesses in your trading area (5 mile radius/15 minute drive time). This is one unsolicited piece of mail that won't get tossed. When you send the jumbo postcard to an address where the recipient can share this unusual mailing with other people, you'll elicit the "You've got to see this!" response... which is exactly what you want.
The post office will deliver postcards in all sizes. We've attached some mailing guidelines for dimensions, materials and postage requirements. There's also a photo that shows a great jumbo postcard design.
Members help make our journalism possible. Become a Restaurant Business member today and unlock exclusive benefits, including unlimited access to all of our content. Sign up here.