How to Format a Direct Mail Postcard
Designing a beautiful promotional postcard is only half the battle. If you do not format the layout to meet strict United States Postal Service guidelines, your entire marketing campaign will be rejected at the post office, costing you thousands of dollars in wasted printing. Following the layout rules is completely non-negotiable.
The Golden Rules of Postage
The post office uses high-speed automated machines to scan and route mail.
- The Clear Zone: You must always leave a 4×2 inch blank space in the bottom right corner of the postcard.
- The Purpose: This specific white space is legally required for the post office to print their routing barcodes and the recipient’s final address. Any artwork placed here will be completely covered by a white sticker.
The Raven32 Recommendation
Navigating USPS regulations is incredibly frustrating and highly complex. As printing and promotional experts, we take this stress entirely off your plate. Do not risk your mail getting rejected by the USPS. Let our prepress team handle the layout, the mail-merge, and the final postal delivery for you. Contact us today for a seamless direct mail campaign.