Every Door Direct Mail (EDDM) is a powerful tool for businesses looking to reach local customers effectively. Understanding the size requirements for EDDM postcards is crucial to ensure your mailings meet USPS guidelines and achieve the desired impact. In this guide, we'll break down the essential size requirements and offer tips for creating successful EDDM campaigns.

What is EDDM?

Before anything else, it's essential to understand what EDDM is and how it compares to traditional mailing services.

Every Door Direct Mail (EDDM) is a USPS service that allows businesses to send postcards, flyers, and other mail pieces to every address in a specific geographic area without needing a mailing list. This service is ideal for local marketing campaigns targeting specific neighborhoods. For more details, you can visit the official SPS Every Door Direct Mail pageU.

EDDM vs Traditional Mail

Unlike traditional mail, where you target specific individuals, EDDM targets entire postal routes. This means you can reach a broader audience with less effort and at a lower cost, as there’s no need to purchase mailing lists or print individual addresses. To understand more about the nuances between EDDM and traditional mail services, check out this blog post by NextDayFlyers.

What are the EDDM size requirements?

To ensure your EDDM postcards are accepted by USPS, they must meet specific size requirements. Here's what you need to know.

USPS Requirements for EDDM Postcards:

EDDM postcards need to be flat, weigh no more than 3.3 oz, and meet at least one of the following size criteria:

• Length over 10.5 inches
• Height over 6.125 inches
• Thickness over 0.25 inches

Minimum and Maximum Dimensions:

• Minimum Size: 6.25" x 9"
• Maximum Size: 12" x 15"

The mailpiece must also fall within these minimum and maximum size ranges to qualify for EDDM.

Compliance Tips: Ensure your design fits within these dimensions, and consider adding a small margin to avoid issues with cutting or trimming during production. Double-check the thickness and weight to ensure they meet USPS standards.

What are the popular EDDM postcard sizes?

Choosing the right postcard size is essential for making the most impact with your EDDM campaign. Below are some popular sizes and their advantages.

• 6.5" x 9": Cost-effective, easy to produce in bulk, suitable for simple messages.
• 8.5" x 11": Versatile, provides more space for detailed content without overwhelming.
• 9" x 12": Stands out in mailboxes, ideal for more comprehensive campaigns with multiple visuals.
• 11" x 17": Maximum impact, but more costly and may require special handling for folding or mailing.

Can EDDM postcards be folded?

Folding your EDDM postcards can add an extra dimension to your campaign, but there are some important factors to consider.

Pros and Cons:

• Pros: Folded postcards offer more space for content and can include tear-off sections, coupons, or other interactive elements.
• Cons: They may increase production and mailing costs, and there's a higher risk of them being damaged during delivery.

When designing folded postcards, ensure they still meet the size and thickness requirements when folded. Additionally, make sure the fold doesn't interfere with important information or images.

Can I use EDDM postcard design templates?

Using pre-designed templates can save time and ensure your EDDM postcards meet all necessary guidelines. NextDayFlyers offers a variety of EDDM-compliant templates that you can customize to fit your branding and message.

Tips on Customizing Templates:

• Ensure Clear Visibility: Make sure all critical information, such as your message and contact details, is easily readable and stands out in the design.
• Adhere to Size and Format Requirements: Double-check that your design fits within the EDDM size and format guidelines to avoid any issues during mailing.
• Reflect Your Brand: Customize the template with your brand's colors, fonts, and imagery to maintain a consistent brand identity.
• Maintain Readability: While personalizing the design, ensure that the text and visuals remain clear and easy to read, avoiding overly complex layouts or color combinations.
• Test Before Printing: Preview your design on different devices. You can also request a proof to ensure it looks as intended before ordering in bulk.

How to make EDDM postcards with NextDayFlyers

Creating EDDM postcards with NextDayFlyers is straightforward. Follow these steps to get started.

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Customize Your Postcard: Choose from popular EDDM sizes, paper stock, coating, and other features that best suit your campaign goals.
2. Pick a Template: Use one of our EDDM-specific templates or upload your custom design.
3. Design Your Postcard: Add your branding, text, and images. Ensure all content is within the safe zones.
4. Review and Proof: Double-check your design for errors and ensure it meets USPS size requirements.
5. Place Your Order: Select your quantity, printing options, and delivery preferences.
6. Get Mailing Support: Use our mailing services to send your EDDM postcards directly to USPS for distribution.

Adhering to EDDM size requirements is key to a successful mailing campaign. By choosing the right postcard size and design, you can maximize your outreach and connect with your target audience. Start your EDDM campaign with confidence by following the guidelines provided and take advantage of NextDayFlyers' services to simplify the process.