Postcard marketing a good idea or a total waste?

Hey everyone,

I’m starting up my own practice this season and had this idea to save some money on marketing. I was thinking of printing postcards and leaving them at people’s doorsteps instead of mailing them to save costs.

Do flyers or postcards actually work for getting clients?

And if you’re using printed marketing, what’s working best for you?

I tried a few different ways to get clients when I started. Here’s what worked best for me:

  1. Google. Get your business on the map, set up a Google Ads budget (I did $10/day), and have a decent website. After three years, I stopped paying for ads, and clients still come in from my map listing.

  2. Good clients referring me, plus a few connections with financial advisors.

  3. Small ads in local newsletters or community association bulletins.

I mailed about 120 postcards once and only got one response.

Forget about the Yellow Pages and definitely avoid paid marketing services. When people need something, they usually just Google it.

@Ellis
So only one client from the postcards?

Thanks for the info—I’m definitely planning to use Google too.

Any idea on your Google Ads conversion rate? I just don’t want to waste money.

If I get 25 clients from a $500 postcard investment, I’d say that’s worth it.

And yeah, no chance I’d go with a marketing agency.

Referrals and Google are all you need. If you pay an agency, they’ll likely just put you on Google anyway.

Make sure your website is simple and easy to navigate. A bad website can turn clients off fast.

For printed marketing, I still rely on business cards and pens with my logo. Not a fan of e-business cards myself.

@Emerson
Yeah, I’m too broke for an ad agency lol.

My website’s pretty basic but looks clean and professional.

I don’t have clients yet, just a couple of friends so far.

Getting set up on Google is high on my list.

An inside person on Facebook groups can be gold. Groups like ‘Local Airbnb Hosts’ or ‘Dog Lovers of [Your Area]’ often have folks asking for advice. If someone in the group mentions your name, you’ll get interest without having to do the promo yourself. It’s close to word-of-mouth and avoids breaking group rules on self-promotion.

Be careful—only USPS mail is allowed in a mailbox. People do put things in mailboxes, but technically it’s illegal, and all it takes is one person reporting it.

Zora said:
Be careful—only USPS mail is allowed in a mailbox. People do put things in mailboxes, but technically it’s illegal, and all it takes is one person reporting it.

Oh, good to know. I was thinking of leaving them on doorsteps. Would that make a difference?

Skip the postcards and hire a marketing pro.

Sam said:
Skip the postcards and hire a marketing pro.

What would something like that cost? Any tips on where to find someone?

Sam said:
Skip the postcards and hire a marketing pro.

Why, though?

Will this actually bring in the type of clients you’re hoping to work with?

I got lucky with a local leads group and made a strong connection with an estate planning attorney—that really boosted my business. I also set up a Google Business page and ask for reviews.

Client referrals, a few key partners (like attorneys or financial advisors), and a solid Google presence can go a long way.

If you focus on great service, clients will spread the word for you. Best of luck!

I joined a local BNI group. My practice was a side gig, and I made $50k from a $1,500 BNI investment. It was the only marketing I did—didn’t even have a website.

Jamie said:
I joined a local BNI group. My practice was a side gig, and I made $50k from a $1,500 BNI investment. It was the only marketing I did—didn’t even have a website.

I’ve thought about BNI, but I’m pretty socially awkward, lol. Want to get some experience under my belt before joining a room full of pros.