The value of creative postcards in a marketing campaign cannot be overstated. Despite the increase in postal rates these days, postcards are still considered one of the most cost effective strategies for increasing the visibility of your brand. Unlike other types of direct mail, postcards don’t have to be opened, so if they creative enough, they will catch many people’s attention.

Do marketers still think direct is best? According to a new report from the Direct Marketing Association it is, with over half of advertising expenditures in the direct realm. Researchers found that, in the US, 54% of advertising is direct to the consumer; this is the fifth year in which direct marketing efforts have seen an increase.