The $200 Ad Secret: A Faster Way to Make Money with Local Postcards

The Little-Known Local Marketing Hack That's Making Waves

Okay, let me tell you about something that's been working like crazy lately in local marketing. You know those big 9x12 postcards that businesses send out? Well, there's actually a smaller, faster way to make money with postcards that nobody talks about.

I've been watching this trend closely, and honestly, it's pretty brilliant. Instead of grinding for weeks to sell $500 ad spots, some really smart marketers are absolutely killing it with what they call "community cards" - smaller postcards with $200 ad spots that practically sell themselves.

Why $200 is the Magic Number

Here's what's fascinating about this - and I didn't get this at first. At $500, business owners start overthinking everything. They're doing mental math about ROI, talking to their spouse, sleeping on it... you know how it goes. But at $200? That's impulse purchase territory for most business owners.

Think about it - they probably spend more than that on office supplies every month. Heck, some of them blow that much on a single Facebook boost that disappears in 3 days!

The Numbers That Actually Work

Let me break this down in real terms:

• You're selling 16 spots at $200 each = $3,200
• Printing and mailing to 2,500 homes runs about $1,500-$1,800
• You pocket roughly $1,500 in profit

Now, is this as much as you'd make on a big 9x12 postcard? Nope. But here's the thing - you can actually fill these cards in days instead of weeks. I've seen people run 3-4 of these per month across different neighborhoods. Do the math - that's potentially $4,500-$6,000 monthly profit.

The "Defense" Psychology That Makes This Work

Something really interesting happens when you're selling these spots. Sometimes businesses don't even buy them for the marketing - they buy them to block their competitors! I had an HVAC guy tell me straight up: "I don't care if I get any calls, I just don't want my competitor in there."

How to Actually Make This Work

The Simple Approach That Sells

Forget long, complicated sales pitches. Here's what works:

"Hey, I'm putting together a community postcard featuring local businesses. It's going to 2,500 homes in [neighborhood]. Would you like me to hold you a spot? It's just $200."

That's it. No fancy stuff needed.

Who Actually Buys These Ads?

Let me tell you who loves these cards (based on what I've seen work):

• HVAC companies (they're usually an easy yes)
• Car-related businesses (dealers, repair shops, car washes)
• Home services (painters, landscapers, window cleaners)
• Dentists and chiropractors

Funny enough, realtors usually pass on these. They're more into fancy branding stuff. And restaurants? Hit or miss. I usually don't even bother unless they approach me first.

The Real Secret: It's Not Just About the Money

Here's what most people miss - these community cards aren't just about making a quick $1,500. They're about building relationships with local businesses. Every business that says yes to a $200 ad is potentially someone who might later say yes to a $500 ad on your bigger postcards.

Plus - and this is huge - it's amazing for building confidence when you're starting out. Getting 16 businesses to hand you money? That's a game-changer for your mindset.

Some Real Talk About Potential Issues

Look, it's not all smooth sailing. Sometimes businesses will hit you with "I tried mail before and it didn't work." When that happens, I just point out that they probably spent thousands on solo mailers before. This is different - they're getting into 2,500 homes for the price of a nice dinner out.

And yeah, some people will try to haggle or waste your time. My advice? Don't chase anybody. The serious ones pay right away.

Quick Tips to Get Started

• Always get payment upfront (seriously, no exceptions)
• Keep the design super simple - basic logo and offer format
• Send a quick thank-you note after the mailing (sounds small, works big)
• Focus on high-ticket service businesses first

I've got to say, watching people succeed with this simpler approach has been pretty cool. It's not as flashy as the big postcards, but sometimes simpler is better, you know what I mean?

Credit where it's due - I learned a lot of these insights from The 9x12 Method, but I've seen them play out firsthand in real markets. If you're thinking about trying this, start with one card in one neighborhood. Get those first 16 yeses under your belt. Trust me, it gets easier from there.