PostBug vs other postcard methods

Compare three common approaches to running a postcard campaign for advocacy:

1. Using PostBug
2. Running a fully offline postcard campaign
3. Managing an online postcard campaign using your own tech and printing setup

Each section includes strengths and weaknesses.

1. Using PostBug

✅ Strengths:

• Ready-made infrastructure: No need to develop or manage your own website, postcard generation, or print/fulfilment logistics.
• Ease of supporter action: Campaigners can launch in hours; supporters can send a message in minutes.
• Proven delivery system: PostBug handles print, postage, and batching, ensuring quality and speed.
• MP lookup + routing: Built-in matching of postcards to MPs or other targets based on supporter postcode.
• Data protection & compliance: GDPR-compliant, tested platform with no need for legal setup or contracts.
• Built-in audience: May expose campaigns to users already active on the platform.
• Support for co-branding: Allows campaign branding while still using a trusted platform.

❌ Weaknesses:

• Less custom tech flexibility: While branding and targeting are customisable, the UI and user journey are standardised.
• Cost per postcard: Per-message pricing may be higher than DIY bulk options at very large scale.
• Platform dependency: You rely on a third-party service, which means less control over feature roadmap.

2. Running a fully offline postcard campaign

✅ Strengths:

• Tangibility at events: Handing out postcards in person at stalls or protests can drive emotional engagement.
• No tech dependency: Doesn’t rely on digital access or supporter digital literacy.
• Creative flexibility: You can produce highly customised cards, including unusual formats or textures.
• Community building: In-person distribution and writing events (e.g. postcard parties) can foster supporter solidarity.

❌ Weaknesses:

• Logistical complexity: Printing, distribution, postage collection and return handling all require manual coordination.
• Limited reach: Scale is usually limited to physical events, door-knocking, or volunteer networks.
• Data blindspot: You don’t get feedback on how many cards were sent, written, or delivered unless you collect it manually.
• Accessibility barriers: Doesn’t reach digital supporters unless they attend in person or are mailed physical packs.
• Time and labour intensive: Needs volunteer time, coordination, and potentially a budget for mailing kits.

3. Running an online postcard campaign with your own tech and print system

✅ Strengths:

• Total customisation: Full control over campaign design, supporter flow, message content, branding, and features.
• Integration potential: Can plug into your CRM, analytics, or other supporter engagement systems.
• Bulk cost negotiation: Can potentially negotiate cheaper print/postage rates at volume with printers directly.
• Tailored targeting: Fully customised recipient logic based on supporter data or campaign segmentation.

❌ Weaknesses:

• High development and maintenance cost: Requires time and expertise to build and maintain secure, reliable systems.
• Print/post complexity: Must source and manage printers, file transfer, batching, and mail fulfilment.
• Delivery risk: If something goes wrong with address matching, printing, or postage, you carry the liability.
• Longer lead time: From concept to launch may take weeks or months depending on technical and logistical setup.
• Data protection burdens: You’re responsible for ensuring GDPR compliance, data handling, and user consent systems.

Summary

• PostBug is ideal for campaigners who want quick deployment, low overhead, and a proven system.
• Offline campaigns suit high-touch, local organising but don’t scale well.
• DIY tech setups offer total control, but come with high costs and complexity, better suited to organisations with internal tech and operations teams.