I was wondering if I could get some opinions on this. For initial contact when trying to gain new clients, should someone send a letter that details the services you can offer them with a business card in the envelope or just send a postcard that summarizes the info and tell them you can send more information if they want it? I know the postcards would be cheaper but does it seem less professional and unlikely to get their attention or provide enough information?

By the way, the people I am focusing on initially are attorneys, if that makes a difference in what you think would be better to send.

I lean towards being more professional, I think that looks much better. This is the business we are in.

You can't go wrong if you do both! Why not send a letter (via email, w/ your business card attached), then follow-up with a postcard via snail mail...as far as professional, you can do very nice, professional postcards, if desktop publishing is not your niche, inquire about someone creating one for you.

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Perfecting Assistance Services
www.perfectingassistance.com
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I know I asked this same exact question the other day and there were quite a few replies. I can't seem to find the thread though...Tess?????

I have decided to do a little bit of both as Delady has suggested. I am going to go the postcard route with businesses a bit further from where I am located and letters to my local businesses (I know from personal experience, I am more apt to open a letter that has a return address in my immediate area, so I am hoping others do the same).

Good Luck!

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Darlene Victoria Gonzalez
The Voice & Vision Behind Your Business

I found the thread -- Here it is

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Darlene Victoria Gonzalez
The Voice & Vision Behind Your Business

Thanks Darlene! Saves me from having to recap

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Having worked for 2 attorney offices (immigration and criminal), I can tell you I rarely opened envelopes that were clearly advertising as we were just over-whelmed with legal mail. I would, however, glance over postcards 'cuz it barely took any time...

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Lily Chambers, The Virtual Office Goddess, LLC
Author "How to Do Your Own Small Business Bookkeeping"

Oh goodness! Now I'm more confused than ever! Lol! I guess I was hoping someone had a clear example of which one had worked better for them.

Lily - That's kind of along the lines of what I was thinking. Something that they could glance at quickly and not take a long time to read. I was just afraid it wouldn't look professional (no matter how nice the postcard looked). Attorneys can be so picky. Lol!

Does anyone have any suggestions about what to include on a postcard or in a letter that is being sent as the initial contact?

I sent out a postcard that I would be happy to share with you (it's adobe acrobat). You are 2 posts away from being able to pm me with your email address.

I mailed the postcards at the beginning of November and was just hired by the 2nd client from that mailing!!

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Lily Chambers, The Virtual Office Goddess, LLC
Author "How to Do Your Own Small Business Bookkeeping"

Originally Posted by wahm3blessings

Oh goodness! Now I'm more confused than ever! Lol! I guess I was hoping someone had a clear example of which one had worked better for them.

You could reasonably expect anywhere from 2%-5% on a direct mail campaign.

Postcards do have advantages over other methods. They are good for establishing name recognition and branding, especially for new companies. They are also an excellent way to drive people to your website.

As the other members have mentioned you need to make your postcard compelling. As previously mentioned, one way to do this is by creating a colorful card. You might want to also consider making the card a unique and different shape. This will make it stand out from the normal rectangular or square shaped card. Don’t forget to add an intriguing call to action on your postcard that will drive people to your website for more information about you and your services. This is a good way to get the attention of a prospect that might otherwise have no interest or a mild interest at best. Also, make sure you include a clear call to action and way for prospects to contact you on the landing page of your website do you don't waste an opportunity once you get them to your site.

However, with all of this being said, postcards may be cheaper and better for a mass mailing, but a more targeted campaign might require a personalized letter signed by you. A personalized letter can open a prospective door that a postcard may not be able to. Just make sure to follow up with a phone call.

In the end, I think you really need to decide what you hope to gain through your marketing efforts.

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Shari Sultana
Online Business Manager (marketing for retail ecommerce)