Postcards are not just for flaunting your vacation destination to everyone back home.  They are a great method of contacting agents, managers and casting directors.  Postcards allow you to communicate with your intended recipient in a non intrusive and direct way.  I like to think of them as the modern equivalent of a text message.  They deliver a short note reminding the viewer of who you are and what you want (or what you are “selling”).

The keys to having a great postcard start with the design.  First and foremost when designing your card, you have to have a great picture.  If you don’t have an engaging picture, the information won’t mean much.  (side note: I am not sure how many times on this blog I can say, “You must have a great picture.”, but it will never be enough.  If you are wondering which photographer to choose to get you this picture, click here to read interviews with some the best in the country.)  Your picture must grab the viewer and draw them in immediately so they read the rest of the information you are providing them.  Thus, it would only make sense that the second most important thing about designing your postcard is having something to say.

What are you advertising?  General information is okay, but you will get more of a response if you give them something specific to read.  Writing just your name and contact info is like saying “we should hang out” to a girl you just met.  It is a bit vague and without drive.  But you can amp up your game by saying  “we should hang out at the beach this saturday night and watch the fireworks” giving them a schedule they can get excited about!  Your name and contact information should absolutely be included on the postcard, but be proactive about the specific projects where they can see your work as well.  Thirdly, be smart about who you are sending cards out to.  Find out who is looking for your type and target them.  Preprinted mailing labels are the fastest and easiest to use when looking for up-to-date addresses of agents, managers, and casting directors.

Now your design is ready to go.  Your postcard has a great picture, a great project you are advertising, and a office address that is looking to meet someone just like you.  All you have left to do is to get them printed and wait for calls to roll in.  Right?  If you want to read more about postcards and their effectiveness, Casting Director Mark Sikes has a great blog post about the postcards he receives.  Check him out at The Casting Corner.