subject: How To Design A Postcard For Printing In Under An Hour [print this page] If you are considering commissioning postcard printing as part of your marketing campaign, then you might be concerned with how long it will take to design your postcards. However, you can get from first thought to sending your postcard to the printer in less than an hour with these four steps.
Get an image 20 minutes or less
One of the first things that you need for successful postcard printing is a good image. If this marketing campaign has been in the works for awhile, hopefully you already have some great stock photos on hand. If you do, this step will take a lot less time.
If you dont, then grab your digital camera and go! Take a few artful photos with your marketing campaign in mind. If you need a personal touch, have someone else shoot you using the product or advertising the service. Using a digital camera allows you to verify that you got the shot, and you can quickly reshoot if needed. Then head back to your computer for any cropping or simple editing before moving on to the next step.
Of course, you can cut down even more time by purchasing an existing stock photo, allowing you to get a professional look at a very affordable cost.
Get a postcard template 15 minutes or less
The next step in postcard printing is to get a postcard template. Most postcard printing companies will offer basic templates designed to make the printing process easier for you. You simply choose the template you want and then add in your own picture and details to make it unique.
The benefit with this method is that you do not have to worry about trying to match colors or fonts or design methods. Everything is already designed to look great and be effective, and you simply have to choose the template that is right for you.
Add your image 5 minutes or less
This is the simplest part of the postcard printing design. Some online printers may allow you to upload and then drag and drop your image into their template, which will automatically resize it. Others may require you to open up the template on your computer and add the image in manually, resizing it to fit yourself. Either way, get the picture on the postcard so that it looks how you want it to and is properly sized.
Add your message 10 minutes or less
Now is not the time to get writers block, and thankfully postcard printing does not require you to be overly verbose. Following the format of the template, you will now fill in your personal information and any custom messages that you would like to add. This includes your sales information, company tag line, and contact information. Make any changes to the size and font of the text so that it complements the overall design and feel of the postcard.
Send it to the printer
If you have stayed on task, then you now have 10 minutes or more left in your hour to send the postcards to the printer for printing. Give them one last onceover to make sure that you have no spelling or grammar errors and that your image is in the proper spot. Select any special features you want for your postcard printing, the number of postcards that you need, and complete your order.
Many online postcard printing companies can overnight your finished postcards to you if you need them right away, or you can save money and take standard shipping. You can even decide on a direct mail option! Either way, you have completed one of the most successful marketing campaigns by taking just one hour out of your workday.
