How to Write a Postcard in a Correct Way
Guide to how to write a postcard
When writing a postcard, you need to consider a number of things such as getting a postcard with the right picture, getting to know the various layouts of a postcard and knowing how to present your message well. This article is therefore meant to give you insights on how to perfectly craft your postcard so that your recipient will feel appreciated.
Tips on formatting your postcard
This is very important as it gives your recipient the impression that you are trying to send. The following are some of the things you need to always have in mind when writing a postcard.
- Pick a relevant postcard
Getting a postcard with a relevant image is very important as the picture is very vital in sending the message. You need to first think about your recipient before choosing a postcard with an image that will impress them. If your postcard is about a trip, you can decide to pick one with an image of the place you enjoyed most.
- Your message should be on the postcard back
The message you intended to send should be written at the back of your postcard. There is a designated place for the message and the address of your recipient.
Ensure that your message is on point and legible.
- Don’t forget the postcard stamp
You cannot send a postcard without a stamp. Ensure that you place your stamp on the designated place. This is usually the top right part of your postcard. There are various sell points for stamps such as post offices, banks or even gas stations. You can also order stamps online. Make sure that you stick your stamp properly to avoid losing it.
- Date your postcard
Make sure you indicate the date of writing the postcard on the right place. Usually, this should be on the top left part of the postcard. The purpose of the date is to act as a reminder to your recipient later on when he/she goes through his/her postcards.
Other than the date, you can also add the specific town, city or country you are writing the postcard from.
For example:
June 27, 2018
Paris, France
- Salutation
Your postcard should start with a warm greeting to make your recipient feel appreciated. This also gives your postcard the feeling of a letter.
The greetings should be on the left side of the postcard and should leave enough room for the message below it.
Formal postcards can start with “Dear….” While informal can be “Hello….”
- Your note
This is most interesting part of your postcard. You should ensure that you keep your message as short as possible but should be sweet. The message should be on the left side directly below the date and greetings. Make sure you plan your message well so that you don’t end up hanging due to insufficient space.
What you should consider during postcard writing
Consider the following when writing your postcard:
- Begin with a touching message
The postcard is about making someone feel loved or appreciated. You, therefore, have to start with something that will make them feel so. You can mention how much you have missed them and how you really long to see them again. Don’t forget to mention that they have always been on your mind while you were away.
- Talk about the day or event you enjoyed most about your trip
Note that, you have a very limited space on your postcard and therefore you can write about everything. Pick out that particular day or event that fascinated you the most and describe it well enough. This will ensure that you don’t hang in the middle. Ensure that you mention the specific details that made that day or event special to you.
Make sure you add more details as long as your space allows.
If the postcard is based on a specific place, try as much as possible to maintain that on that postcard. If you want to write about other places, consider using a different postcard.
- You can also say something about the weather
Weather condition is something everyone would want to know. Make sure you tell your recipient about any strange weather condition or what you loved about the weather of the place. You should at least paint a picture of the weather conditions to your recipient so that they can feel they are close to you. It should not be too long; something like “it is really hot here” will do.
- Talk about the meals
Food is something of universal interest. You recipient would want to know what different meals they offer at your destination. Be sure to inform them about the food that tasted really nice and the one you despised most. Ensure you give specific detail of that meal so that they can paint an image of what your trip is like.
- Conclude with your future plans
Make sure you tell your recipient what you are planning to do next. This can be either venturing into another destination or you get back home. This is very important to mention in your postcard as it will help them to plan. You can give them a brief schedule of the remaining part of your trip so that they will have in mind where you are heading to.
If you are thinking on going home after the trip, you can end with “I hope to see you son.”
Common mistakes you should avoid
The following are some of the common mistakes that you should try to avoid
- Don’t be too personal
Remember that your message is exposed and anyone who handles the postcard is in a position to see everything you have written. Try as much as possible not to add details that you wouldn’t like to share with a third party. These include intimate secrets, bank information, private contacts and any other thing that puts your identity in jeopardy.
For a personal message, think of writing a letter.
- Crossing over to the right side
The right side of the postcard is meant for the address. You should, therefore, try to stick your message to the right side since creeping to the left side can make it hard for the address to be seen and therefore reducing the chances of your postcard to reach its intended recipient. If you have a lot of things to tell your recipient, you can choose to write an additional letter to accompany your postcard.
Note that your postcard should be short and sweet.
- Return address
If you intend to have a reply from your recipient, don’t forget to include the return address. Many people assume this and they usually end up waiting for the reply forever. This should be written on the top-left corner of your postcard.
If you know you will be at the same place for some time then use the address of the place.
If you will be traveling to another destination, use the address of the place you will be staying.
- Legibility
You must ensure that your handwriting is legible especially when it comes to writing the address. If you write the address in a manner that is not clear, the post office may either mistake is for another please or equally discard it for lack of clarity.
If you think you are not in a position to write the address legibly, you can think of asking someone to do it for you or practice on a scrap paper before copying it to the postcard. Make sure both the recipient and return address are clear.
The note should also be readable.
How to address a postcard
As mentioned earlier, sending a postcard to friends or family as a good way of making them feel loved, appreciated and part of your trip. This, therefore, means that the postcard should be well crafted so that it appears as a special gesture. Addressing your postcard is a very vital part of postcard writing since this is the only sure way of ensuring your postcard reaches the intended person.
The following is a simple step to step guide on how to address your postcard.
- Write on the back side of the postcard
Note that the front part of the postcard is predominantly an image or a photograph of a certain place. The back side, therefore, provides room for the message and both the recipient and return address. To get started, you need to flip your postcard side down.
- The recipient’s address should be on the right side
At the back of your postcard, you will find that is has been divided into two parts, we have the right side and the left side. The left side is basically meant to carry the message while the right side is meant for the postcard address. Many postcards will make the right side with three lines to make it clear that the address should be written there.
- Consider enclosing the address with a box
This is very important but not necessary. Its main purpose is to make your address stand out so that it can be easily spotted by the postman. This leaves no room for mistakes and also increases the chances of your postcard getting to the intended recipient.
- Salutation
The greetings are done on the on the left side of the postcard. Ideally, most postcards are casual and therefore you can begin with informal salutations such as Dear, My Dearest Friend.
For formal postcards, ensure that you make use of standard titles.
- Date
The date should be written on the top left corner of the postcard. This is important as it will act as reminder to the recipient about the note and the specific memories about it. You can also indicate the date when the photo in the postcard was taken so that the recipient can relate with it.
- The message
The message comes directly below the date on the left side of the postcard. This should basically include what you have learned, the sentiments you have about the trip and any other thing you want to talk about the trip. Ideally, you can talk about your favorite moments or the things you have discovered so that the postcard becomes unique. Basically, the recipients want to know the new things you have learned or any special encounter in your trip. You can talk about food, the people you met or the most attractive site of the visit.
- End the postcard with a closing statement such as:
See you soon!
- Stamp your postcard
Ensure that you add a stamp to your postcard before sending it. The stamp should be placed on the top right corner of the postcard just above the recipient’s address. Ensure that the recipient’s address is clear enough so that the postcard is delivered to the right place. This comes in handy, especially when dealing with international postage.
How to send a postcard
- Get a postcard
You first need to buy a postcard with a relevant photograph or image. You can also think of making your own postcard
- Get a stamp
The purpose of a stamp is to show that you have paid for your postcard and this will facilitate its mailing. Make sure you get a stamp for your postcard so that it can be handled by the post office. This can be from the supermarkets, banks or directly from the post office
- Place the stamp
The stamp should be placed on the top right side of the postcard directly above the recipient’s address. Make sure it sticks well so that it doesn’t get lost and your postcard is discarded.
- Address the postcard
On the right side of your postcard, ensure that you correctly input the recipient’s address.
- Add the message
Your message should be on the left side of the postcard
- Mail the postcard
Confirm that you have the right recipients address, the right stamp amount. Once you are certain, find a public mail drop box or a post office and mail your postcard the same way as a letter.
Examples are very important when it comes to postcard writing because you get to understand how to format your document to impress your reader. you should go through various examples as a way of perfecting your skills in writing.
