Postcards
Postcards are the go-to choice for high-volume, visually engaging direct mail campaigns. They're cost-effective, quick to produce, and designed to grab attention fast.
Whether you’re announcing an event, promoting an offer, or staying top-of-mind with prospects, postcards deliver your message without needing to be opened.
Sizes & Specifications
Size
Dimensions
Postage Class
Delivery Speed
4x6 inch
4" x 6"
First-Class Mail
1-5 business days (estimated)
6x9 inch
6" x 9"
First-Class Mail
1-5 business days (estimated)
6x11 inch
6" x 11"
Standard-Class Mail
7-21 business days (estimated)
📌 Why the difference in postage class? USPS First-Class delivers faster, but the 6x11 size exceeds First-Class limits, so it's shipped via Standard-Class Mail.
Paper Type
16pt C1S Paper (Coated One Side)
Sturdy, premium cardstock
Smooth finish with glossy coating on one side (perfect for high-quality images)
Writable on the uncoated side, great for personalized notes or QR codes.
Best Use Cases for Each Size
Size
Best For
4x6 inch
Budget-friendly campaigns, quick promotions, reminders, or high-volume outreach.
6x9 inch
Stand-out messaging, detailed visuals, mid-sized campaigns (great for real estate investors).
6x11 inch
Bold, large-format promotions where visibility is key (e.g., big sales events, seasonal promos).
💡 Pro Tip: The larger the postcard, the more it stands out in the mailbox—but costs increase accordingly.
Design Guidelines
Resolution: 300 DPI for images and graphics
Bleed: Add 0.125” bleed beyond the cut edge
Safe Zone: Keep critical text/logos 0.25” inside the edges
File Format: PDF
Color Mode: CMYK for print accuracy
When to Use Postcards
Real Estate Investors: Send 6x9 postcards to absentee owners with a bold headline: “We’re looking to buy homes in your area!” Add a QR code linking to a lead capture form.
E-commerce Stores: Use 4x6 postcards for new customer promos or seasonal discounts—drive traffic back to your online store.
Local Services: Announce grand openings, special events, or limited-time offers with large 6x11 postcards for maximum visibility.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Overcrowding the design: Use whitespace strategically. A cluttered postcard is harder to read and less effective.
Ignoring the call-to-action: Every postcard should have a clear CTA: Call Now, Scan this QR Code, or Visit our Website.
Skipping address verification: Ensure your mailing list is clean—OLC automatically validates addresses via Accutrace to reduce undeliverable mail.
Last updated