Postcards are a simple but powerful way to market, promote, or connect. Whether it’s for business or personal use, a well-designed postcard gets your message across fast. Looking for postcard inspiration? Let’s break down the key rules.
1. Know Your Purpose
Before you begin, ask yourself: Why are you creating this postcard? Is it for a sale, a grand opening, or a holiday message? Knowing your goal helps shape the layout, text, and images. When you design post card projects with purpose, your message just clicks and makes more sense.
A purpose-driven design helps guide every choice you make—from the fonts and colors to the copy and images. A postcard made for a summer event should feel sunny and bright, while one for a high-end service should feel sleek and refined. Don’t just make it look pretty—make it meaningful.
2. Stick to the Size Guidelines
Postcards come in standard sizes. The most common are:
- 4″ x 6″
- 5″ x 7″
- 6″ x 9″
Choosing the right size depends on your message and budget. Larger cards get more attention, but they may cost more to print and mail. A graphic designer Miami team can help you pick the best option for your goals.
Think about where your postcard will go—on a counter, bulletin board, or handed out. Choose a size that fits the setting.
3. Use a Clean Layout
Simplicity is key in postcard graphic design. Don’t crowd the card with too much text or too many images. Use clear sections:
- Headline
- Body Text
- Call-to-Action (CTA)
- Contact Info
White space is your friend. It helps make the content easier to read.
Your layout should guide the reader’s eye naturally. Keep your most important message at the top or center. Use grid lines to align elements cleanly. The easier your postcard is to read, the more likely people are to check it out.
4. Choose Bold, Readable Font
Your fonts should be easy to read at a glance. Stick to 1-2 font styles per design. Use bold fonts for headlines and a clean, readable font for the body. Stay away from scripts or overly decorative fonts unless they fit your brand.
Not sure what works best? Chat with a Miami branding agency to get some pro tips.
Also, make sure your font sizes work well for both close-up and distant viewing. Test your design on different screens and print samples when possible.
5. Focus on a Strong Visual
An eye-catching image or graphic will draw attention. It should relate to your message. For example, if you’re advertising a beach event, show vibrant beach scenes. Your images should be high resolution to avoid pixelation during printing.
Need ideas? Browse graphic design postcards online or visit our portfolio for postcard inspiration.
If you use stock photos, choose ones that feel authentic. Generic images can make your postcard feel flat. A professional photo shoot might be worth the investment for a truly custom look.
6. Match Your Brand Style
Every postcard should reflect your brand. Use your logo, brand colors, and consistent style. This builds trust and recognition. If you need help staying on-brand, an experienced graphic designer Miami team like ours can help.
Think of your postcard as an extension of your website, packaging, and social media. It should feel like it belongs with everything else your audience sees. That consistency strengthens your overall image.
7. Include a Clear Call-to-Action
Tell the reader what to do next:
- Visit our website
- Call us today
- Bring this card for a discount
Place the CTA where it’s easy to see. Make it short and actionable.
Make sure your CTA fits the goal and includes key info like a link or promo code.
8. Follow USPS Guidelines
If you’re mailing your postcard, follow USPS rules. Leave space for the address, barcode, and stamp. Don’t put text too close to the edges. Many designers forget this and end up redoing the layout.
We know the ins and outs of mailing design. That’s why clients come to us for affordable graphic design services that get results.
Also, check postage rates before choosing a postcard size. Some dimensions may bump your card into a higher rate. Design smart to stay on budget.
9. Use High-Quality Printing
Your postcard should feel as good as it looks. Use quality cardstock and finishes like gloss or matte. Good printing makes your design stand out. Cheap prints can ruin even the best designs.
We team up with top printers to make sure your postcards stand out.
Consider special finishes like foil stamping, embossing, or spot UV for an extra touch. These can add sophistication and grab attention without overwhelming your design.
10. Proof Everything Before Printing
Check your spelling, contact details, and layout. Get a second set of eyes to look it over. Once it goes to print, it’s hard to fix mistakes.
We check your design as part of our affordable graphic design services, so you can avoid expensive mistakes.
Also make sure links, QR codes, and promo codes work as expected. A quick test now can save time and money later.
11. Test and Improve
Send a small batch first and see how it performs. Track responses if you include a code or landing page. Learn from the results and improve the next version.
Smart businesses treat graphic design postcards as part of a long-term marketing strategy.
Try A/B testing with different headlines or visuals. Even small changes can boost your results. Data-driven design is a smart way to grow your reach.
Final Thoughts
Now that you know the rules for how to design a postcard, you can start creating with confidence. Whether you’re designing it yourself or working with a professional, stick to these tips for success. Great postcards designs combine clear messages, strong visuals, and clean layout.
Postcards are more than paper—they’re a chance to connect, inform, and inspire. Keep your message focused, your visuals strong, and your layout clean.
Looking for assistance? Our graphic designer Miami team at our Miami branding agency is ready to bring your ideas to life. We offer fast, affordable graphic design services that work for any business size.
