Postcards: One image or collage?

I am preparing to design new postcards for marketing (as fine art prints for office/home decor). In your experience, is it more beneficial to have one full bleed image on the card or 2-4 images?
Thanks for any input!

Joni
Indiana

Dear Joni,

I have only used postcards for marketing a photography show. When doing so, I have used only one image on the card. For me, I felt one image was more striking and effective than smaller multiple images. Anyway, hope this helps in some way.
Sincerely,
Peacemaker

Joni, Since you're trying to sell to the office/home decor market, I would use the 4 images so that something catches the buyer's eye. I'd also send another set of postcards to the same group just a few weeks to a month later for the most effect and potential response. If you can send it out again (even use a different postcard if you want_) a 3rd time, you'll get the best results. This is from years of marketing experience for a variety of clients - multiple mailings are most effective, and in your case, a few images would work better.

Nancy

Having been reading up on this subject lately, I have a little input for you. I agree that multiple images showing different aspects of your home decor would be fine - be sure they are striking! A second thought is to have a single non-busy photo on the BACK of the post card, too. Work the photo so that it is just visible in the background under the address and your data. It can have some color to it, but be sure it is home decorating pleasing in nature and does not interfere with your message and address data. Or else, make sure the non-photo side is also striking in bold colors to catch their eye if the postcard is upside down on their desk. Just be sure you have a complementary color scheme. Agree again about sending them another mailing , and then another, and another.....That was key! You have to keep your name in front of them. The advice I read says to research the few firms you want to get business from NOW and keep sending them mailings. After awhile, they remember you and know you are in it for the long haul. This will reduce the $$$ spent on mailings. For long shots, send to them, but not as often unless you can afford it. The key is to RESEARCH who you are sending to and be sure you are sending them to the person who will be making the decision to call you in (probably to see your portfolio - you do have one, yes?!!). The person who makes the decision to bring you in is not the same kind of person at each company! So, research, research!

Here is a pretty good book to get on self-promotion. It is called "Successful Self-Promotion for Photographers - Expose Yourself Properly", by Elyse Weissberg 2004. She was quite well known in the photography field...but sadly died young. Good luck!
Troup