Orthodontic postcards are a reliable way to market an orthodontic practice as they are a low-cost mailing. When you regularly use them, you can realize profits that far exceed the expense.  A strategic design is essential to a post cards marketing success.

Post cards are different from other mailings, such as brochures, as they are more personal. The orthodontic postcard must be designed to establish trust. The following are the ingredients you need to attract new business and spark the interest:

• A bold and easy-to-read headline. Do not try to be witty. Tell your prospects or patients what you offer – the chance to have a beautiful and straight smile. Never make your recipients guess why you are sending a post card. 
• An image that communicates a beautiful smile.  Nothing says “orthodontist” more clearly than when someone conveys a glistening and beautiful smile.  Choose colors that denote freshness and hygiene, such as blue, white, or green.
• The practice name and contact details. A legitimate practice is one that is easy to contact. Never cause a recipient to raise an eyebrow. Clearly include your practice’s name and contact details.
• A map that shows your exact location. Location is an important selling point. According to statistics, 85% of prospects respond to location and consider the convenience factor.
• A sub-headline over the text. Make your postcard simple and readable. By including a sub-headline, you are showing readers where to begin.
• Bullet points that highlight benefits. Another way to make your content more readable is to use bullet points. Bullet points permit patients to obtain information at a glance. However, do not make the mistake of solely highlighting your practice’s amenities. Instead, show you prospect how you will make their experience more pleasant. Therefore, rather than saying you feature ceramic braces, state that the braces you use are hardly noticeable and yield satisfactory and fast results. You want patients to see why your office is a cut above the standard orthodontic practice.
• Patient testimonials. Testimonials normally direct about 90% of prospects to a practice. 
• Discounts or offers. About 60% of orthodontic prospects respond to coupons or offers. An offer that is valuable to an individual will spur him or her to visit your office.  For example, feature a discount on certain straightening treatments. Add an expiration date to produce a sense of urgency. Normally, a window of 30 or 60 days should suffice.
• A call to action (CTA). Do not conclude a post card without including a CTA. Never assume a prospect knows exactly what he or she is getting by choosing your practice. If you want post card recipients to respond, tell them what action to take.