Weighing the Use of E-Cards and Postcard Printing for Advertising
By: Rachelle Lim
If you are having an internal debate on whether to stick to traditional advertising means like postcard printing or to move on to something more tech savvy such as electronic cards or e-cards, you can go over the following benefits and downsides of each method.
The difference between postcard printing and sending e-cards
Production of postcards usually employs either of these two processes: offset printing or digital printing. Offset printing refers to a method of indirect printing by transferring images from plate to rubber blanket to paper surface. This method is the cost-effective choice for mass mailing since the unit cost per piece is considerably reduced with large quantity orders.
Digital printing, on the other hand, is the process by which an image or file is directly printed onto the paper stock surface. Unlike offset printing, this method is ideal for short run orders, and it offers options such as variable data printing which allows you to vary certain details per copy, and print-on-demand which lets you obtain a new batch of printouts as needed, even in small volumes.
Printed postcards are either distributed to consumers in a certain location like within the vicinity of your store, or as it is commonly practiced, sent through direct mailing to target customer populations.
E-cards, however, do not utilize such means but also rely on mass mailing, although done electronically via email.
Advantages and disadvantages of using postcards and e-cards
There are certain advantages to using postcards such as sending out mail that recipients find more personalized. Other benefits include the following:
1. Easy viewing
Viewing is as simple as picking up the postcard from the mail pile. There is no need to open an envelope or any packaging material.
2. Guaranteed readership
With postcard, you can be sure that your design and the copy will be seen since it is exposed and as soon as the image is seen, you audience will be enticed to read or view further.
3. Tangible
Postcards are tangible and therefore offer more for the senses and you can actually customize some of its features to give it a more appealing or interesting twist.
4. Promo-friendly
With printed postcards, you can add perforations to it so you can put tickets or discount coupons. Your recipients can simply tear that portion off and then use it.
The disadvantage, however, of printing postcard copies is that production entails cost, and so does mass mailing. If you don’t have a mailing list yet, you may need to buy or rent one, and that’s an additional expense.
The following are the advantages of e-cards:
1. Free
Since it does not require paper, ink and big machinery, making e-cards could cost you zero if you can create a good design all on your own or if you know someone who could extend a free service.
2. Fast
As soon as you are done with the e-card design, you can send them out in one email blast to several addresses, and your target audience will get their copy within seconds, unlike in printing wherein your have prepress procedures, printing proper, post-production operations and shipping time.
The unfavorable side of e-cards is that you have a risk of not getting attention and just deleted off the inbox. For some, you even need to access another site just to see the e-card. Another disadvantage is that they can rarely provide convenient promos since they would still need to be printed.
If you are torn between the two, you may choose the use of both e-cards and postcard printing.
Please visit our website Printing Postcards for further information. For other inquiries and services please visit Color Postcard Printing Services
Article Source: http://www.ArticleBiz.com
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