Question about sending postcards to prospective clients...

[windyweather]

I'm starting out, and am interested in sending promo postcards to various clinets/businesses/art departments and so on.

I'm looking for advice on the best way(s)to address the cards.. should they be addressed c/o the art department, or specific people or just generically, a combo?


many thanks

[jena4]

I think it's always a good idea to do some research if possible and know who you are sending to. A name is always the best if you are certain that it is the correct recipient. If you send it to the wrong person, then it looks like you didn't do your homework. If you can't get the name of the person it needs to be directed to, then I would do something more general like, Art Director or Marketing Director etc. Then it doesn't just go to any random person in the department.

[budafist]

If you are able to send to specific people, then do so.

[Zantor_12]

The best way is to use a specific name of the person you want to see it first. This makes the person feel special, because its not everyday that they will receive a postcard. To make it even better, write the card by hand. That shows that you are dedicated, and put everything into your work.

[PrintDriver]

^For some reason that post made me laugh. I don't feel particularly 'special' when receiving a postcard with my name on it from someone looking for my business. The sheer number of postcards, flyers and slicks that come in here is kinda funny.

But it sure is better than getting one with "Dear Graphics Department" on it. LOL!

A lot can be inferred by handwriting. Be sure you don't do your handwriting in a rush, make a mess of it, or have the name mispelled. :D

[Fredonia2k]

misspelled ;)

[PrintDriver]

It sure is. LOL.

[CamarotaDesign]

I'd say your best bet is to plunk down some $$ to buy a mailing list and sending out a postcard to all the businesses in and around your city. Go through a mailing house. The more you send to the better. especially considering if your average sale brings you a decent job. You only need to get about 4 or 5 customers out of 5,000 to make your money back. Most important thing is to have a postcard that shows you aren't a joke.

[budafist]

Where on earth do you get a mailing list from?

[hewligan]

http://www.nzpost.co.nz/Cultures/en-NZ/Business/DirectMarketing/

(Not much use unless you happen to be in New Zealand, mind...)

[budafist]

Ta Hewligan. :)

Have a great weekend by the way. I'm sitting here at work wishing I were someplace else. I don't want to go to the BDO, but all my friends are there, so it's just a jealousy thing.

[hewligan]

Ta, Buda - you have a great weekend, too. Personally, I'm far too old for the Big Day out, but right about now I'm really just counting down the minutes until I can leave work.

It's been one of those weeks :(

[windyweather]

thankyou all for the advice...!