The honest answer
It’s a fair worry. If 16 businesses share a postcard, will anyone notice yours? We can’t promise that any ad gets a certain number of calls, and you should be wary of anyone who does. What we can do is explain how the Community Postcard is built to give every ad a real chance, and what you can do to make yours stand out.
Short version
No competitor on the card, an oversized glossy format, and a clear offer with a QR code. If you want more space, double and anchor spots are available.
Why the card gets looked at in the first place
It’s oversized. The card is 6.5 x 12 inches, full color and glossy. It’s larger than letters and bills, so it tends to land on top of the pile and get a second look.
It’s local. The card is full of businesses from the reader’s own area. People are naturally curious about the dentist down the road or the landscaper who works on their street.
It’s useful to keep. A card with a set of trusted local options often ends up on the counter or the fridge, where it gets seen again when a need comes up.
Why your ad doesn’t get lost
No competitor next to you. There is only one business per category on each card. A reader looking for a plumber sees one plumber: you. That’s the biggest difference between our card and coupon packs that put several competitors on the same page.
A clean, professional layout. We design every ad on the card for free, which keeps the whole card consistent and readable. You approve your proof before anything prints.
What makes one ad stand out from the rest
Even with the same space, some ads pull more attention than others. Here’s what helps:
- One strong offer. “$50 off your first service” or “Free roof inspection” beats a list of every service you offer.
- A big, readable phone number. Make it the easiest thing to find.
- A QR code. It gives people a way to respond right away, without typing anything.
- Few words. Readers scan. Short headlines and one call to action get read.
- A photo that shows the result. A clean yard, a finished kitchen, a smile.
Want more space? Pick a bigger spot
| Spot | Price | Why choose it |
|---|---|---|
| Single spot | $249 | A clear ad block with your offer and QR code |
| Double spot | $449 | Twice the space for photos or a short service list |
| 3-run pack | $649 | The same spot in 3 mailings, so homeowners see you again |
| Back panel / anchor | $1,200 | The biggest ad on the card, on the back panel |
Repeat exposure helps too. Seeing your name more than once builds recognition. The 3-run pack puts the same spot on three mailings. Read one edition or a 3-run pack if you’re weighing it up.
Measure it instead of guessing
The best way to answer “did my ad get noticed?” is to track it. Use an offer code that only appears on the card, add a QR code to a page you can measure, and ask every caller where they heard about you. Our guide on how to track postcard advertising shows a simple system.
Common mistakes that make ads disappear
Most ads that get skipped make the same few mistakes. Avoid these and your spot has a much better chance.
Trying to say everything. A long list of services in small type is hard to read. Pick your best service and your best offer.
A weak offer. “Call today” isn’t an offer. A dollar amount, a free add-on or a free inspection gives people a reason.
A tiny phone number. If someone has to hunt for it, many won’t bother.
No way to respond right away. A QR code lets people act while the card is in their hand.
Busy backgrounds. Text over a cluttered photo is hard to read. Clean layouts win.
We design every ad for free, and we’ll steer you away from these mistakes. You approve the proof before it prints.
Where the card ends up
Many homeowners keep a useful local card. It goes on the kitchen counter, on the fridge, or in the drawer where takeout menus live. That means your ad can be seen more than once, often when the need actually comes up. A leaky faucet, a dead lawn or a sore back sends people back to the card they kept. That’s another reason one clear offer and a big phone number matter: when someone finally needs you, your ad should make calling easy.
How the card compares to other mail
| Mail type | What happens |
|---|---|
| Letters and bills | Opened for business, not browsing |
| Small postcards | Easy to miss in a stack |
| Coupon packs | Often several competitors on one page |
| The Community Postcard | Oversized, glossy, one business per category |
Ready to see what’s open?
Each edition has its own open categories. Contact us or call (385) 360-1966 for the next mail date and open categories.
