When summer rolls around, business slows down for some, and takes off for others. Whether you’re running a seasonal sale, hosting an event, or just trying to stay top-of-mind while people are out enjoying the sunshine, print marketing is your secret weapon.
With so many options, business cards, postcards, flyers, brochures, magnets, how do you know what’s going to actually work?
In this blog, we’re diving deep into the two most searched, most trusted, and most versatile tools in your print toolbox: Business Cards vs. Postcards.
This guide breaks down when to use each, how to combine them for better results, and real examples of how successful small businesses, realtors, and service providers use them to drive ROI, without blowing their budget.
Why Business Cards Still Matter (Especially in Summer)
Even in a digital-first world, business cards still do what social media can’t: They create a personal moment of connection.
Summer is full of those:
- Farmer’s markets
- Outdoor mixers
- Open houses
- Street fairs
- Real estate tours
- Community events
Whether you’re a realtor, boutique owner, or service provider, you need something tangible that says: “This is me. This is what I do. Let’s connect.”
When to Use Business Cards:
- Networking at live events or meetups
- Hosting a vendor table or pop-up
- Introducing your brand to local businesses
- Building credibility with new clients or referrals
What Works Best This Summer:
- Ultra Thick Business Cards: Make a bold first impression that feels premium in-hand.
- Fat Business Cards: Eye-catching and impossible to ignore—especially at events.
- Euro Business Cards: Sleek, minimalist, and great for creatives or luxury brands.
- Sandwich Cards: Add a pop of color between layers to match your summer brand aesthetic.
Pro Tip: Include a QR code that links to a summer special offer or your booking page.
Dive deeper: How to Make Your Business Cards Stand Out (Even on a Budget)
Why Postcards Convert Like Crazy (If You Use Them Right)
Postcards are simple, bold, and effective because:
- They’re hard to ignore in the mail
- They’re affordable to print and ship
- They feel personal and intentional
And they work brilliantly for local campaigns, summer specials, and quick-response promos.
When to Use Postcards:
- Driving traffic to a summer sale or event
- Sending exclusive discounts to your past customers
- Re-engaging leads with a clear call-to-action
- Promoting a launch, new product, or real estate listing
What Works Best This Summer:
- Standard Postcards: Sleek, simple, and available in multiple sizes for mailing or handing out.
- EDDM-Compatible Postcards: Reach every home in a local area with USPS Every Door Direct Mail.
- Glossy or Spot UV Finishes: Perfect for summer—the shine catches light and attention.
Pro Tip: Use postcards to offer something urgent, like:
“Show this postcard for 10% off through July 31 only!”
Explore more ideas:
What Happens When You Use Both Together?
Here’s a secret: the brands seeing the best results aren’t choosing between business cards and postcards.
They’re using both strategically.
How to Combine Them:
- Send a postcard with a summer offer before an event
- Hand out your business card during the event or after a service
- Follow up with a handwritten thank-you notecard or postcard for a personal touch
This layered approach boosts:
- Trust (you’re everywhere, not just in one inbox)
- Retention (people hold on to beautiful print)
- Conversion (the more places they see you, the more they act)
You can even add postcards inside your packaging or stick a business card inside every gift bag.
Real Summer Print Combos for Different Industries
Realtors:
- Pre-open house postcards + ultra-thick business cards at the event
- Bonus: branded notepads or folders for homebuyers
Related read: Essential Print Materials Every Real Estate Agent Needs to Stand Out Locally
Retail & Boutiques:
- EDDM postcards announcing a summer sale
- Stickers, postcards, and mini thank-you cards in every bag
Related read: Print Products That Make Your Brand Look Bigger Than It Is
Service Providers & Creatives:
- Booklets or brochures in mailers
- Euro business cards with QR code to your portfolio
- Follow-up postcard after a client project wraps
Related read: What to Print in June–August 2025: Your Seasonal Marketing Calendar
TL;DR (Too Long; Didn’t Read): Which Should You Choose?
| Your Goal | Go With… |
| Face-to-face networking | Business Cards |
| Quick promo or local outreach | Postcards |
| Event strategy or campaign layering | Both |
| Long-term brand polish | Thick/Euro/Sandwich Cards |
| Fast sales lift | Direct Mail Postcards |
Ready to Print Your Summer Essentials?
At Overnight Prints, we make it easy to show up in print—fast.
✅ Next-day printing
✅ Custom designs
✅ Eco-friendly paper options
✅ Friendly support every step of the way
👉 Shop Business Cards »
👉 Order Postcards »
Or contact us: we’ll help you choose the perfect print products for your summer goals.
