One of the most common questions contractors ask is: How often should I send postcards? The truth is, frequency can make or break your campaign. Mail too little, and you risk being forgotten. Mail too much, and you may burn through your budget without enough return.
This quick guide will help contractors strike the right balance—and even give you seasonal ideas for what to mail throughout the year.
Why Frequency Matters
Repetition builds trust and recognition. Think about it: homeowners may not need your services today, but the more often they see your name in their mailbox, the more likely they are to call when the time comes.
Marketing studies suggest it takes 7–9 impressions for a brand to truly stick. For contractors, this means that mailing once a year simply isn’t enough—you need to stay visible consistently to generate calls, leads, and jobs.
Recommended Mailing Frequency for Contractors
-
Monthly
Best for contractors with steady demand (plumbers, HVAC, lawn care, pest control). Keeps you constantly top of mind for urgent, recurring, or seasonal needs. -
Quarterly
A good starting point for larger contractors or those with high-ticket projects (roofers, remodelers, solar installers). Every three months ensures your brand shows up regularly without overspending. -
Campaign Bursts
Some contractors mail in “bursts”—for example, sending 2–3 postcards in consecutive weeks during peak season. This creates urgency and ensures your message lands just as demand spikes. - Pro Tip: Test your frequency. Start quarterly, then layer in more mailings during peak demand periods to see what drives the best ROI.
And here’s why frequency is so important: emergencies happen. If a tree falls, a pipe bursts, or a roof starts leaking, homeowners have two options—search online and gamble on a random contractor, or call the company they already recognize from the postcards they’ve seen (and maybe even saved on the fridge). Frequent mailings make sure you’re the one they remember in that critical moment.
The Role of Seasonality
Contractors know that demand changes with the weather. Smart marketing aligns with those shifts. Mailing at the right time with the right message ensures you’re hitting homes when homeowners are most likely to buy.
Spring
-
Services to Promote: Landscaping, gutter cleaning, roofing inspections, exterior painting, deck building.
-
Mail Ideas: “Refresh Your Home This Spring” postcards, offers for cleanup services, free roof/gutter inspections.
Summer
-
Services to Promote: HVAC tune-ups, pool installation/maintenance, pest control, home remodeling.
-
Mail Ideas: “Stay Cool This Summer” promos, discounts on mid-season upgrades, reminders about energy-efficient installations.
Fall
-
Services to Promote: Roofing repairs, tree trimming, driveway sealing, gutter cleaning, heating system maintenance.
-
Mail Ideas: “Prepare Your Home for Winter” campaigns, free seasonal inspections, fall cleanup specials.
Winter
-
Services to Promote: Emergency plumbing, heating repair, snow removal, interior remodeling.
-
Mail Ideas: “Don’t Let Winter Catch You Off Guard” postcards, holiday offers, “New Year, New Project” themes for indoor renovations.
Need a mailer for seasonal services? We’ve got you covered—free of charge. Our 100% customizable postcards are designed not just for contractors, but for every industry and every season. Below are a few examples—explore them all here.
Consistency + Creativity = Results
The best contractor marketing strategy combines consistent frequency with seasonal relevance. Homeowners may not need a new roof in March—but by September, when storms roll through, your steady presence in their mailbox will pay off.
Every Door Direct Mail® (EDDM®) makes it easy for contractors to mail as often as needed without buying expensive lists. Plus, you can take advantage of FREE industry-specific postcard templates to keep your designs sharp and relevant each season.
Final Takeaway
If you’re a contractor wondering how many times you should mail, the answer is simple: enough to stay visible, but smartly timed to match demand. Whether monthly, quarterly, or in bursts, mailing consistently—while tailoring your message to the season—will keep your phone ringing year-round.
