One of the most effective forms of communication for marketing are personalized postcards . More and more companies are heading towards marketing products in a niche segment and, therefore, postcards are widely used to communicate to potential customers a change of address, new product launches, upcoming exhibitions and so much more.

Earlier, postcard printing was done exclusively using offset printing where the same text and the graphics were printed in very large quantities. But niche-marketing concept has changed this scenario, and hence the requirement for printing with personalized message has become a necessity rather than just another option.

Consequently, many companies now use online postcard printing which incorporates the digital printing technology that is able to print variable data. Below is the basic process to printing online postcards.

Flexibility and ease of use is always synonymous with the Internet and it is not any different when referencing how to design, print and mail your postcards. You have many websites to choose from that can offer many styles of templates that will match your preference in terms of text and graphics for any occasion.

It even offers you flexibility to design your own postcards. You can also upload and place your own digital photographs (main image, supporting image) and texts (headline, sub-headlines) for customization and give it a personal touch. Once the designing part is over, the software prepares a soft copy of the design in the form of a proof (usually in PDF or JPEG format) and asks for your approval before proceeding.

Mailing lists are then uploaded in a specific format so that it can be printed along with the design. There are postcard-printing companies that can provide data services or mailing lists for you to determine who you want to market to based on age, gender, location and other detailed information. You then select the paper that you like your postcard to be printed on. Be sure to get a high quality stock so that it looks professional.

Now is the time for you to review and place your order online. The software will then merge the mailing list with the design that you have approved, using variable printing options, and will create the merged file that is ready to print. Once the postcards have been printed you can either call upon the services of a professional mailing company or mail the postcards yourself.

A big advantage of online postcard printing is the convenience. What better way to get customized postcards, designed and approved by you, with just one click of a button.