If you’re wondering how to make postcards and earn extra income, starting a print-on-demand (POD) business is a beginner-friendly idea.
POD services like Printify handle postcard production and fulfillment, making it easier than ever to design and sell postcards online.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to make postcards to sell in five simple steps.
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Why start a postcard business?
They’re the perfect product to sell, combining creativity with profitability in a low-risk venture.
- High demand
Birthdays, weddings, corporate greetings, holidays – wherever there’s an occasion, there’s a postcard to celebrate it! They’re always in demand for personal and professional use.
- Low-cost production
With POD services like Printify, you don’t need to invest in inventory or equipment. Lower printing costs also allow for higher profit margins.
- Customizability
Create postcards for any market niche, from local landmarks to personalized messages or unique designs, and captivate diverse audiences.
- Global reach
eCommerce platforms let you sell postcards around the world, appealing to more audiences to maximize your profits.
- Various formats
Sell postcards individually, in themed packs, or as a limited-edition series to attract collectors and art enthusiasts, providing flexibility in pricing and product offerings.
- Scalable business model
POD makes scaling risk-free by printing only what you sell. Start with a small batch or print per order and expand as demand grows.
Why do people buy postcards?
Postcards are more than just a medium for messages.
- Art: Many people buy postcards for their unique designs or illustrations, using them as affordable mini artworks for home decor and scrapbooking.
- Collectibles: Collectors love limited-edition and themed postcards.
- Keepsakes: Travelers and tourists buy postcards as souvenirs.
- Gift enhancements: Postcards add a personal and creative touch to gifts.
Set your postcard business up for success
There are several factors to consider when starting your own postcard business before you start selling.
Define your niche
A niche is a group of people with shared interests who are likely to connect with certain postcard themes.
Your chosen niche will guide your postcard designs and how you market and brand them to attract your audience.
Use Google Trends to identify popular themes and refine your ideas to create postcards that resonate with your target market.
Design unique postcards
Use custom visuals, like original artwork or photography, that align with your chosen niche and audience.
Apply design principles such as the rule of thirds or leading lines to create balanced layouts, and stick to standard postcard sizes (e.g., 4” x 6” or 5” x 7”).
Use clean and legible fonts and other design elements like subtle textures or backgrounds to complete the overall look.
Design software like Adobe makes it easy to create professional-looking postcard designs. Adobe Express offers thousands of customizable templates for a variety of projects.
Choose the right format and materials
Decide whether your design works best as a single postcard or a folded card, like a greeting card. Folded cards provide extra space for messages and designs, while single postcards are ideal for concise, impactful visuals.
Select materials such as glossy or matte finishes to complement your design and appeal to your target audience.
How to start a postcard business in 5 steps
Drive profits with your custom postcard designs by leveraging POD. With Printify, starting a postcard business is easier than ever.
Our platform makes it easy for anyone, whether artist or entrepreneur, to design, print, and sell custom postcardswithout upfront investment or inventory management.
1. Sign up
Register for a free Printify account.
3. Apply your visuals
Customize the blank postcard by uploading your own photos or postcard templates to our Product Creator. Adjust the positioning and preview the final print mockup before publishing.
4. Start selling
Sell custom postcards on eCommerce platforms like Etsy, Shopify, or Amazon. Integrate your online store with Printify to automatically publish postcards to your store.
5. Let Printify do the rest
Our Print Providers will print, package, and send postcards directly to your customers after they purchase from your shop. That frees up your time to market, design, and scale your postcard business.
How to market postcards
Effective postcard marketing is all about capturing attention and connecting with the right audience. Use creative strategies to make your cards memorable and drive sales.
- Use trending themes. Offer seasonal postcards that appeal to customers looking for special occasion gifts.
- Design limited or personalized postcards. Create urgency with limited runs or personalized designs that appeal to collectors.
- Optimize for SEO. Use keyword-rich product titles, tags, and descriptions on your listings to gain traffic. Try Semrush to find high-impact keywords for your postcards.
- Leverage social media. Promote your postcards on platforms like Instagram or TikTok to reach potential buyers. Use targeted hashtags to increase discoverability.
- Collaborate with influencers in related niches. Partner with travel, art, or stationery influencers to introduce your postcards to an established audience.
Inspiring examples of successful postcard business
Looking for inspiration on how to make a postcard line that sells? Many successful creators focus on specific themes and seasonal occasions to connect with buyers.
Holiday-themed postcards, like funny Christmas cards, bring humor and warmth that resonate with festive shoppers.
Personalized postcards for special events, such as heartfelt Mother’s Day card messages, highlight the sentimental value of postcards that keep customers buying year after year.
Artsy postcards with quirky designs, clever illustrations, or funny captions stand out, making them popular choices for buyers seeking unique, eye-catching options.
Conclusion
Starting your own postcard brand brings a rewarding mix of creativity and profit potential. With Printify, it’s affordable and easy to set up.
Here’s a quick recap of the key points on how to make your own postcards:
- Sign up for a free Printify account.
- Browse custom postcards in our Catalog.
- Upload your unique, personalized, or seasonal designs.
- Connect to a storefront and start selling postcards immediately.
With consistent design quality and clever marketing, you can grow your custom postcard business and connect with customers who appreciate creativity and personal expression.
Start your postcard business today!
FAQ
Printify is one of the best options for learning how to create a postcard with no upfront investment. With a POD model, you only pay when a postcard sells. To edit your image and postcard designs, use the Adobe Express free plan.
Most postcards typically sell between $2 and $8 each, depending on postcard design quality, printing material, and whether they are part of a themed or limited edition set.
Yes, you can make money selling postcards, especially with niche or unique designs. Success depends on your postcard design, marketing methods, and platform choice. Use Printify to sell custom postcards immediately – on-demand production means no need to keep card stock.
If you’re wondering how to make postcards from photos to sell, upload high-resolution images to Printify’s Product Creator, customize the layout, and order your custom postcard design – easy!
