Effective Headline Writing for Postcards

Most of the space on promotional postcards will be taken up with your headline. And as with any headline, a postcard headline should entice its reader to find out more or to act on your offer. You will need your very best headline writing for postcard printing because your reader will have to work a little harder to gather more information.
 
Understand the different styles of headlines.

• Direct headlines get straight to the point, no frills, no clever twist of words. Just the best you have to offer is simple language.
  Indirect headlines employ a more subtle approach and have nothing to do with your product. The point is to incite curiosity.
• News headlines make announcements.
  Command headlines call your reader to action with strong verbs. These make good headlines for postcard printing.
• Lastly, a question headline asks a question that either relates to the reader or makes them curious.

Choose the best style for postcard printing.
Headlines for articles are typically longer than ad headlines. The short headline/supporting subhead combo used for articles do not usually work well on a postcard. Ad headlines, on the other hand, are short and concise. One to two word headlines, if chosen right, can instill an adequate sense of curiosity to draw in a reader.

But if your postcard is meant to inform its readers, then a news story headline would be ideal. It is just a sampler of what your reader will find if they check out your news web site.
 
For an unabashed sales headline, include several headline writing techniques. Announce an offer, create a sense of urgency, and compel the reader to take actions all at the same time. This may be your best choice for postcard printing.
 
Apply a great headline to your postcard.
Now you have an understanding of the types of headlines available, you can begin the writing process. Unless you are writing a news story headline, it makes sense to write in the second person or "you, your" language. In other words, talk directly to your reader. Think about the very best benefit or offer and write a sentence about it. Now condense that sentence into a phrase. Remember, the shorter the better for headlines on postcard printing. If your headline makes the reader want to find out more, then you have done your job!

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