Direct Mail
Marketing Toolkit
Direct Mail
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The ability to target geographically, by zip code or postal carrier route, makes direct mail an appealing option for transit marketing. It means you can provide information you know is relevant based on where readers live. Another advantage is the capacity to provide detailed service information, such as route maps, schedules, and even a free-ride pass.
The U.S. Postal Service offers a product called USPS Every Door Direct Mail that allows you to send a flat direct mail piece (up to legal size) to every address in an area at a very low cost. You can select areas to send to on their online map. See the USPS website for more information. An online or local printer or mail house also can help you manage a mailing.
Common postcard sizes are 5.5 x 4.25 inches, 9 x 6 inches, and 11 x 8.5 inches. Templates for each of these sizes are below. Small postcards can’t contain much information, so are generally not as useful. Large postcards can contain a lot of information and also stand out in the mail and are less likely to be overlooked. If you’re including detailed route info, it’s a good idea to have a bold message and photo on one side to attract attention and keep the details on the back.
When printing, make sure your printer knows that these will be postcards so they use an appropriate card-stock paper.
The templates below include sample mailing “indicia,” the portion that contains postal permit number, type of mailing, etc. These indicia are only examples, and should be replaced by information specific to your mailing. Work with your printer, mailing house, or post office to ensure you’re using the proper information.
Canva Templates
Small postcards (5.5” x 4.25”)
A – Small Postcard
5.5” x 4.25”
B – Small Postcard
5.5” x 4.25”
C – Small Postcard
5.5” x 4.25”
Medium postcards (9” x 6”)
A – Medium Postcard - Promotional
9” x 6”
A – Medium Postcard with Map
9” x 6”
B – Medium Postcard - Promotional
9” x 6”
B – Medium Postcard with Map
9” x 6”
C – Medium Postcard - Promotional
9” x 6”
C – Medium Postcard with Map
9” x 6”
Large postcards (11” x 8.5”)
A – Large Postcard - Promotional
11” x 8.5”
A – Large Postcard with Map
11” x 8.5”
B – Large Postcard - Promotional
11” x 8.5”
B – Large Postcard with Map
11” x 8.5”
C – Large Postcard - Promotional
11” x 8.5”
C – Large Postcard with Map
11” x 8.5”
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Updated June 20, 2024
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