5 Steps to a Successful EDDM Postcard Campaign
USPS’s Every Door Direct Mail (EDDM) service makes it easy for small business owners to reach thousands of potential customers without expensive mailing lists or complicated address labels. Your postcards go straight into every mailbox along the routes you select; simple, cost-effective, and powerful.
But here’s the key: success depends on how well you plan and design your campaign. Below, we’ll walk through five essential steps to make sure your postcards don’t just get delivered, but actually get results.
Step 1: Define Your Objectives
Before you design anything, get clear on your goal. Ask yourself:
Do you want to drive traffic to a new business location?
Are you promoting a special offer?
Do you want to boost long-term brand awareness?
For example, a restaurant may use postcards to invite neighbors to a grand opening. A real estate agent might highlight recent sales to attract new listings. A salon might send seasonal promotions.
The clearer your goal, the sharper your message will be.
Step 2: Choose the Right Postcard Size & Paper
Not all postcard sizes qualify for EDDM. USPS requires them to be at least 10.5” long or 6.125” high.
At Minuteman Press Castle Rock, we offer multiple EDDM-ready options:
Small formats (4” x 11”) – Great for single-product promos or quick offers.
Large formats (9” x 12”) – Stand out with multiple images, coupons, or a service menu.
Paper choice also matters:
Gloss-coated stock: bold colors, vibrant look.
Matte/recycled stock: soft, eco-friendly, vintage feel.
Ultra-thick stock: premium feel for high-end brands.
Step 3: Finalize Your Design & Content
Your postcard needs to catch attention, but also make action easy.
Keep it simple: Avoid clutter. Use headlines, borders, and bullet points for readability.
Always include: Business name, address, website, and contact info.
Track results: Add a coupon code, unique URL, or QR code to measure engagement.
Examples of how businesses use EDDM postcards:
Realtors: Showcase recent sales + listings
Car dealerships: Highlight seasonal promotions
Dentists: Remind patients of check-ups
Gyms: Offer free sessions with postcard exchange
Step 4: Select Routes & Drop Dates
EDDM lets you target entire neighborhoods without buying lists. With USPS mapping tools, you can filter routes by number of households and even average income.
Minimum: 200 postcards per mailing
DIY Limit: 5,000 mailers per post office per day
With us: No upper limits — we handle larger campaigns start to finish.
Timing matters. Launch when your audience is most receptive:
Back-to-school → tutoring centers
Tax season → accountants
Holiday season → retailers & restaurants
Step 5: Print, Bundle & Deliver
Once designed, postcards must follow USPS requirements to ensure delivery:
Bundle stacks of 50–100 postcards (max 6” high per bundle).
Fill out USPS paperwork.
Drop off at the right post office.
At Minuteman Press Castle Rock, we streamline this entire process: printing, bundling, paperwork, and drop-off. You focus on your business, we handle the logistics.
Bonus: Analyze Results & Repeat
The real magic of EDDM comes with repetition. Track what works and refine over time.
Use limited-time offers to measure response quickly.
Add QR codes to see how many recipients visit your site.
Test different designs, offers, or neighborhoods to compare results.
Consistency is key. Your first campaign builds awareness, and repeat mailings reinforce your brand.
Final Word
EDDM postcards are one of the most cost-effective ways to reach local customers. With the right goals, design, and timing, they can deliver a serious boost to your business.
Want results without the hassle? At Minuteman Press Castle Rock, we design, print, and deliver EDDM postcards from start to finish, making sure your campaign gets noticed and gets results.
Call us at (303) 688-5692 or visit www.mmpcastlerock.com to get started.
