Launch Your Direct Mail Campaign Today (Without the Overwhelm)
Running a business means constantly wearing different hats —and let’s be honest, “marketing” can feel like the hat that always falls off.
But what if you could create a direct mail campaign in just 30 minutes that looks professional, reaches thousands of local homes, and drives real results?
Every Door Direct Mail® (EDDM) makes it that easy. Whether you want to bring in new customers, promote a sale, or get the word out about your event, you don’t need a mailing list, graphic design degree, or weeks of prep.
Here’s your step-by-step plan—clocking in at just 30 minutes (or less).
Step 1: Define Your Goal (5 minutes)
Before you pick a design or a ZIP Code, you need to clarify your campaign objective. What exactly are you hoping to accomplish?
Think about:
- Who you want to reach (families, homeowners, seniors, new movers)
- What action you want them to take (call, visit, redeem an offer)
- Why now is the right time
Examples by industry:
- Restaurant: “Drive weekday lunch traffic by offering 20% off meals between 11 AM–2 PM.”
- Dentist: “Get 25 new patients this month with a $79 new patient special.”
- Contractor: “Book AC tune-ups before summer rush with a limited-time $99 offer.”
- Retail store: “Announce a grand opening or seasonal sale to boost foot traffic.”
Idea to try: Write a one-sentence goal and refer back to it throughout the process—it’ll keep your design, targeting, and offer laser-focused.
Step 2: Choose Your Target Area (5 minutes)
EDDM is route-based targeting. You don’t need a list of names or addresses—instead, you choose the neighborhoods and carrier routes where you want to send your postcard.
Here’s how to quickly pick the right area using the EDDM map tool:
- Enter your business address to center the map on your service area.
- Select carrier routes based on ZIP Codes, drive time, average age, household income, or number of residences, and more.
- See estimated reach and cost update in real time.
This helps you spend smarter by reaching people most likely to respond—like high-income homeowners for a remodeling service or young families for a pediatric dentist.
Try out Mapfire – our FREE audience targeting tool.
Step 3: Design Your Postcard (10 minutes)
You don’t need a design background to make a high-impact mailer. Focus on clarity, visual appeal, and your offer.
Here’s what every great postcard includes:
1. A Bold Headline
- “FREE Dessert With Any Dinner”
- “$500 Off Roof Replacement”
- “Now Accepting New Patients!”
This grabs attention the second someone sees your postcard in their mailbox.
2. High-Quality Visuals
Use a clean, professional photo—your storefront, smiling customers, your food, or your team. Avoid clutter or tiny text.
3. Clear Offer or Incentive
Give people a reason to act now: discount, bonus item, limited-time offer, or event date.
4. A Strong Call-to-Action
Tell them exactly what to do: “Call today,” “Visit us at…,” “Bring this postcard in for 15% off.”
5. Your Contact Info & Hours
Don’t make customers work to find you. Include:
- Phone number
- Website or QR code
- Business address
- Store hours or appointment availability
6. Built-In Tracking Mechanism
Tracking your results starts with your design—so make sure to include at least one trackable element on your postcard:
- QR Code – Link it to a specific landing page or offer page. This is one of the easiest ways to track engagement in real time.
- Promo Code or Offer ID – Example: “Mention code POSTCARD25 when you call or book online.” Track how many people redeem this code.
- Custom URL – Use a unique web address like YourBusiness.com/SummerOffer so you know visits came from the postcard.
- Dedicated Phone Number – Services like CallRail let you use a different phone number just for the campaign—great for tracking calls.
Need a head start? Use a FREE professionally designed postcard template that you can customize in minutes—no Photoshop required.
Step 4: Schedule and Send (5 minutes)
Once your postcard is ready, you’re just a few clicks away from sending it to thousands of homes.
Here’s what you’ll do:
- Upload your design (or create one using a template).
- Select your routes on the EDDM map tool.
- Pick your drop date (when your postcard hits mailboxes).
- Place your order—and that’s it!
Your provider will handle:
- Printing
- Bundling
- USPS paperwork
- Delivery to the post office
You get to skip the post office lines and logistics entirely.
Step 5: Track Your Results (5 minutes)
Once your campaign hits homes, it’s time to see how it performed.
Simple ways to track success:
- Use a coupon code that’s only found on the postcard.
- Set up a dedicated landing page or QR code to track visits.
- Ask customers “How did you hear about us?” during checkouts or appointments.
Pro Tip: After your first campaign, test variations—change the headline, offer, or design to see what performs best.
You Did It — In Under 30 Minutes
You’ve just launched a professional, hyper-local marketing campaign without stress, meetings, or a big budget. And the best part? EDDM lets you reach everyone in your community without needing names, lists, or expensive software.
So whether you’re promoting a seasonal offer, launching a new service, or just trying to stand out in your neighborhood—this 30-minute plan is your shortcut to real results.
Need help getting started?
Use our free EDDM mapping tool, explore ready-to-use postcard templates, or chat with one of our campaign experts. Your next big marketing win is just a few clicks away.
