New Online Interface at PostcardsandInvitations.com Combines QR Codes and Direct Mail Marketing.

Simpsonville, SC (PRWEB) June 14, 2011

Last week, Astonishingmail LLC debuted several new online features for its subsidiary website PostcardsandInvitations.com, making it simple for small business owners to create custom direct marketing pieces online and easily incorporate QR Codes into the layout.

QR Codes, or Quick Response Codes, are two-dimensional barcodes that may be scanned with a Smartphone to immediately take the viewer from printed material to online content such as a landing page, movie clip, or Facebook page right on their mobile device.

The result is "interactive" direct mail marketing postcards, bridging the gap between the business' offline and online marketing.

"Just imagine how much more powerful your marketing message will be when you combine the proven impact of direct mail with the power of your social media and videos," said John Welsh, founder and owner of direct-mail company PostcardsandInvitations.com. "The novelty of QR Code invitations is hard to resist. Many consumers scan them just to see where they go!"

QR Code cards may take the viewer from a printed piece to the company website, Facebook page, online product demo, detailed product information page, event signup, special offer, even messaging targeted towards each individual consumer (with the use of personalized URLs). Any online content or document that can be viewed on a Smartphone will work with a QR code.

"It's important to think strategically," said Welsh, identifying some tips for successful QR Code campaigns. "Consider what you are seeking in terms of a response to your direct mail, and your online content can provide supporting information or a call to action, or both. Are you seeking Facebook fans, event registrations, product inquiries, sales leads? The message on your printed card and in the online content need to make sense together."

For example, a realtor with a hot new property might link her direct mail photo postcards to a YouTube video tour of the building and contact info. Asking for someone to donate to a cause? Take the viewer directly to a mobile-friendly donation page. A product video would be perfect for a new gadget, especially when paired with a request-for-demo form.

"Add a QR Code to any of your business marketing communications -- such as postcards or business thank you cards -- for an exciting dimension of interactivity, transporting the user to additional information and the marketer to higher response rates," said Welsh. "And it's easy. Anyone new to the technology can first visit PostcardsandInvitations.com and watch our video explaining how to use QR Codes, or those already familiar can go directly to our website and get started today."

Welsh's direct mail company PostcardsandInvitations.com has an intuitive online interface to design professional small business postcards. Through the interface, add a QR Code directly into the mail piece to connect clients to online videos, signup forms, or product information. Upload your mailing list or purchase one online.

PostcardsandInvitations.com then professionally prints, addresses, and mails your cards the next business day.

"QR Codes aren't just for business," reminds Ginny Welsh, John's wife and business partner. "They're perfect for adding interactive content to mailed birth announcements, baby shower invitations, holiday greeting cards, and photo postcards."

About Postcards and Invitations

Postcards and Invitations, a subsidiary of Astonishingmail LLC, was founded by John & Ginny Welsh in 2010 and features some of the most advanced greeting card and postcard personalization tools available on the Internet. The company offers fast, easy and affordable greeting cards, invitations and postcards for consumers and business without sacrificing quality or customer service.

For additional information, contact John Welsh at 864-297-2771 or john at astonishingcards dot com, or write to him at Postcards and Invitations, c/o Astonishingmail LLC, 206 Asheton Lakes Way, Simpsonville, SC 29681

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