One of the most useful tools in the magician's marketing kit is the lowly postcard. Unfortunately, they are incredibly under-used and many entertainers do not know how to get the most out of this inexpensive form of advertising.

PROSPECTING POSTCARD
Geoff Ronning books hypnosis shows in clubs and schools using postcards to prospect.
A prospecting card is a card mailed to a mailing list of prospective clients. You can compile your own list or get lists from the chamber of commerce or list dealers.
The prospecting card should have all your contact info, your USP or slogan, a free offer and a call to action.
The free offer can be a special report on fundraising, selecting performers or any topic that your prospect will be interested in. Some folks will prefer to go to your website for information, others will prefer to phone you, so be sure to give them options.
A well designed card will get your phone ringing. Don't try to explain your entire show, but list some benefits and whet their appetites to want more.

POSTCARD FOLLOW-UP
This is a card I leave with my clients. It is stamped and addressed to me.
The card contains a simple thank you and asks for their comments about the show. This is a great way to get quotes and comments for your advertising.
Always use a real stamp, not a postage paid card. People are more likely to return the card with a real stamp, since it seems wasteful to throw out a perfectly good stamp.

POST CARD THANK YOU
This should be a nice printed postcard, preferably with your face and logo on it. A simple thank you goes a long way in building goodwill and repeat business.
If it's for a birthday party, be sure you address it to the birthday child. They will be thrilled to get a card and the parents will appreciate it.

VACATION POSTCARDS
Here is a novel idea that will help you stand out from the crowd.
Whenever you go on vacation or to a convention, get some free postcards from the hotel where you are staying, or buy some at the local gift shop. Send these to everyone you have done a show for in the past twelve months.
On the back write:

Dear friend (insert name),
I am attending a convention of entertainers and getting all kinds of new ideas and illusions. I can't wait to put them into my new show and share them with you .
Sign your name and mail it.

For less than fifty cents, you can stand out from your competition. People love getting picture postcards and what greater thrill than to get it from a professional performer. You will be remembered.

So try these ideas and see how quickly and inexpensively you can build your business.

You can have some nice, inexpensive cards printed at:
http://www.PostcardMania.com Will help you design your postcards
http://www.printingforless.com
http://www.OvernightPrints.com
http://argonautpress.com
http://www.winkflash.com
http://www.overnightprints.com
http://ad-graphics.com/cart/postcards.asp Will print and mail to your mailing list