EDDM Postcards That Work: 5 Proven Design Tips
EDDM, or Every Door Direct Mail, is a service from the U.S. Postal Service that lets businesses deliver postcards and other mailers to every address in a specific neighborhood—without needing a mailing list.
These postcards will be mailed to your potential customers
In practice, a great EDDM postcard looks similar to a traditional direct mail piece — but with broader targeting and slight adjustments for mass distribution. Let's explore the strategies that make these postcards successful.
1. Highlight Your Offer First
Many EDDM postcards overwhelm readers with too much copy, making it hard to find the actual offer. Stand out by making your offer the star of the show. An example offer from a landscaping company could be “$50 OFF Your First Lawn Service!”
Key Points:
Prominently display the main offer using large, bold fonts.
Clearly list multiple contact options (phone, website, address).
Use simple icons and short text to explain your services.
2. Keep Complex Information Simple
Effective postcards respect the reader’s time. Instead of cramming too much information, prioritize clean layouts and clear comparisons.
Best Practices:
Use checklists or charts to simplify decision-making.
Leave plenty of white space for visual clarity.
Highlight your offer multiple times for emphasis.
3. Use Trusted Endorsements
Building credibility is key, especially when reaching new audiences. Include recognizable trust badges from organizations like the BBB and Google Reviews.
How to Implement:
Display logos of trusted review sites (Google, Yelp, BBB).
Mention limited-time offers or location-specific promotions.
Make sure the primary CTA (e.g., “Call to Schedule”) is easy to spot.
4. Emphasize Local Expertise
Consumers trust local experts. That’s why many businesses and real estate agents highlight years of experience, local knowledge, and recent successes.
Smart Tips:
Use bullet points to quickly showcase your achievements.
Vertical postcard layouts can help structure bullet points better.
Add social proof through logos from Trulia, Zillow, Facebook, and others.
5. Add a Map
If you want customers to visit your location, show them exactly where you are. Restaurants can feature a simple and easy-to-read local map alongside valuable coupons.
Effective Tactics:
Embed a clear location map.
List your address, phone number, and web ordering options.
Include coupons or QR codes to extend the value of your postcard.
How to Find EDDM Inspiration
Looking for real-world EDDM examples? At The Complete Package, we recommend:
Browsing mailing samples by industry (real estate, healthcare, restaurants, etc.).
Filtering by EDDM formats and postal discounts.
Taking notes on designs that emphasize offers, visuals, and clear CTAs.
Always remember: A strong EDDM design captures attention, highlights value immediately, and provides easy next steps for your customer.
Key Elements of High-Impact EDDM Postcards
Whether you're new to EDDM printing or fine-tuning your next campaign, don't forget these essentials:
Bold Headline: Address a key pain point or offer a clear solution right away.
Clear Subhead: Expand briefly on the value you bring.
Focused Offer: Stick to a single core offer unless coupons are used to add value.
Strong Visuals: Crisp images, open layouts, and focused attention areas.
Visible Contact Info: Phone numbers, web links, store addresses, and QR codes should be easy to find.
Final Thoughts
As these examples show, EDDM postcards are a powerful and affordable marketing tool. When properly designed, they grab attention, drive local traffic, and build stronger community ties.
At The Complete Package, we’re proud to help businesses across industries design EDDM campaigns that deliver real results — whether you're a local service provider, a retailer, or a restaurant owner.
Ready to make your next EDDM mailing unforgettable?
Click here to start your EDDM order today!