Postcards vs. Flyers: Which One Gets More Local Sales?

And How to Choose the Right Format

You’re planning a local promotion and you want to drive real results—not just pass out paper.
So which print format actually works better for local marketing: postcards or flyers?

The answer? It depends on your goal, audience, and delivery method.

Let’s break it down so you can choose the right format for your next campaign—and get more people through your doors, onto your website, or calling your business.

First, What’s the Real Difference?

Postcards and flyers may seem similar, but they function very differently.

Which One Gets More Local Sales?

Here’s the truth: both postcards and flyers work—when used strategically. But the one that drives more local sales depends on the context.

Postcards Win for Direct Mail Campaigns

If you’re trying to reach local homes or mailboxes, postcards are king.
They arrive directly in someone’s hands—no envelope, no opening required.

Perfect for:

• Grand openings 
• “Just listed / just sold” real estate mailers 
• Local coupons or incentives 
• Seasonal promos or EDDM campaigns 

💡 According to the USPS, direct mail has a 9% average response rate for house lists, higher than email, social, or paid ads.

And when done right, postcards feel personal, memorable, and tangible—making them a great choice when you want to drive action from specific households.

🔗 Related: Smart Ways to Use Postcards for Marketing (That Aren’t Just Direct Mail)
Shop: Custom Postcards

Flyers Win for Mass Visibility

Flyers shine when you need to get your message out fast and wide.

They’re the go-to print format for:

• In-store signage 
• Bulletin boards 
• Window displays 
• Community events or street handouts 
• Concerts, classes, or pop-ups 

They give you more space to explain your offer, include images, event details, maps, or menus, making them ideal for promotions that require extra context.

Want to make sure your flyers actually convert?
🔗 Flyers That Sell: 7 Proven Tricks to Make Yours Convert
🔗 Shop: Flyer Printing

When to Use Both (The Smartest Move)

The best campaigns use both flyers and postcards—because they complement each other.

Here’s an example:

Let’s say you’re promoting a fitness studio’s back-to-school special.

• Flyers go up in local cafés, schools, and grocery stores 
• Postcards get mailed to nearby zip codes with a 15% discount 
• Both drive to the same landing page with a QR code or link 

This 1-2 punch gives you visibility from flyers and personal reach from postcards—maximizing your local impact.

Design Tips (No Matter What You Choose)

Whether you print flyers or postcards, here’s how to make sure they actually drive sales:

✅ Have one clear CTA. “Call now,” “Bring this card for 10% off,” “Scan to book.” Don’t make people guess.
✅ Make the offer time-sensitive. Use urgency (“Valid until August 31”).
✅ Add tracking. Use a coupon code, QR code, or unique URL to measure results.
✅ Match your branding. Keep your logo, fonts, and color scheme consistent across formats.
✅ Use great visuals. Invest in high-resolution photography or icons. First impressions matter.

Need design help? Try templates at:
🔗 Visme Postcard Design Inspiration

TL;DR: Which One Should You Print?

• Choose postcards if you’re mailing, want a personal touch, or running a real estate/local service campaign. 
• Choose flyers if you’re posting, handing out, or running a big event with lots of details. 
• Choose both if you want maximum visibility and conversion. 

The Format Doesn’t Close Sales, The Strategy Does

At the end of the day, your message and offer matter more than your format. But choosing the right print tool for your goal can make the difference between “meh” and money.

Whether you need 50 flyers for a pop-up or 1,000 postcards for a neighborhood drop, Overnight Prints makes it fast and easy.

👉 Start your order today and get noticed locally,before your competitors do.