Design Your Print Piece Now that you have prepared your list and honed your message, it’s finally time to turn your attention to designing your print piece. Since "you only get one chance at a first impression," and since you have a very brief window as your prospect or customer sorts through his/her daily mail, it is vital that your piece grabs his/her attention immediately and that it is professional looking:

1. Use a Clean, Bold Layout

Simple messaging in an easy-to-digest layout will ensure that your customers get your message immediately. Most people go through their mail quickly, but they always go through it! Make sure your design stands out from the pile. expresscopy.com's customizable designs are all created with simplicity and readability in mind.

2. Always Go With Full-Color

All expresscopy.com postcards are digitally printed in vivid full-color on quality paper stocks with your choice of UV coating or lamination. Black-and-white mailings from other printers might be cheaper, but they are likely to be perceived as "cheap" by your customers.

3. Make All Your Mailings "Custom"

Brand recognition is important, so making sure your postcard mailings include your logo, your photo, and other unique elements is imperative. expresscopy.com's online design system makes it easy to customize your cards -- no design experience necessary. Upload your company logo, your head shot, a photo of your store, or a map to your business. Pick out the colors that match your company branding, even choose fonts that will help you to maintain your "look."

4. Make Sure Your Postcards Survive in the Mail

We don't need to tell you that sleet, snow and freezing rain might not stop the mailman, but they will destroy inferior paper stocks without the proper coating! All expresscopy.com direct mail postcards include your choice of recyclable UV coating or lamination at no extra cost. If you would like to see for yourself that our sturdy paper stocks and protective finishes can stand up to the elements, every mailing includes the option to send a card to yourself.

Next: What to Expect in Terms of Response and ROI >