For home service businesses—like landscapers, roofers, HVAC techs, painters, and cleaning crews—Every Door Direct Mail (EDDM®) is one of the fastest ways to get new customers. But here’s the truth: the design of your postcard can be the difference between getting tossed in the trash or driving a steady stream of calls.
To maximize your results, your postcard needs to do more than just look good—it has to convince homeowners to act. Here’s exactly what to include:
1. A Headline That Solves a Homeowner’s Problem
Homeowners need quick solutions, so your headline should speak directly to their pain points. Examples:
-
“Clogged Gutters? We’ll Clean Them Today!”
-
“Transform Your Yard Before the Weekend”
-
“Stay Cool This Summer with $59 AC Tune-Ups”
Make it bold, benefit-driven, and easy to read at a glance.
2. An Irresistible Offer
Discounts and limited-time promotions are proven to get phones ringing. Great offers for home services include:
-
Seasonal specials (e.g., “Fall Cleanup – 20% Off”)
-
Free inspections or estimates
-
First-time customer discounts
-
Bundle deals (e.g., “Book Gutter Cleaning + Roof Inspection and Save $50”)
Place your offer front and center—this is often what convinces homeowners to call.
3. A Clear Call to Action (CTA)
Tell homeowners exactly what to do next. Use strong CTAs like:
-
“Call today to book your free estimate”
-
“Schedule service by [date] and save 15%”
-
“Scan the QR code to claim your coupon”
Pro tip: put your CTA on both sides of the postcard so it’s impossible to miss.
4. Contact Info That Pops
Your phone number should be one of the largest, boldest elements on the postcard—remember, your goal is to drive calls. Also include:
-
Website or booking page
-
QR code for fast mobile access
-
Business address (if you want walk-ins)
Repetition helps—list your phone number in at least two places.
5. Real Photos of Your Work
Homeowners love visuals. Nothing builds trust faster than before-and-after photos of real projects. For example:
-
Landscapers: side-by-side lawn transformations
-
Roofers: damaged vs. repaired shingles
-
Cleaners: spotless rooms vs. messy ones
If you don’t have project photos yet, choose high-quality images that directly reflect your service.
6. Trust-Building Elements
Hiring someone to work on their home is personal. Give homeowners reasons to feel confident in you:
-
Testimonials from satisfied customers
-
Star ratings or reviews
-
Licensed, bonded, or insured logos
-
“Family-owned” or “Serving your neighborhood since [year]”
Even one quick testimonial like “Fast, reliable service—highly recommend!” can tip the decision in your favor.
7. Consistent Branding
Make your postcard professional and recognizable by including:
-
Your logo in a visible spot
-
Brand colors that match your truck, website, or uniforms
-
A tagline (e.g., “Reliable Roofing You Can Trust”)
When homeowners see the same branding across your mailer, truck, and website, they’ll remember you when they’re ready to book.
8. USPS-Compliant Layout
No matter how well your postcard is designed, it won’t mail if it’s not USPS-compliant. Be sure to:
-
Use an approved size (6.25” x 9” is the most popular for home services)
-
Leave space for the EDDM Retail Indicia in the top right corner
-
Follow address placement guidelines
To keep it simple, start with a pre-built, USPS-compliant template—you’ll avoid headaches and wasted time.
Final Thoughts
For home service businesses, postcards should do three things: grab attention, solve a problem, and drive calls. By combining a homeowner-focused headline, a strong offer, clear calls-to-action, and proof you can be trusted, your postcard can become one of your most profitable marketing tools.
👉 Ready to get started? Use Taradel’s free EDDM templates designed specifically for home services to launch your next campaign in minutes.