Why do postcards and other physical formats work so well?

✨ 1. They are visually and physically unignorable

• A postcard on a desk is hard to ignore—unlike an email that can be archived in seconds.
• They stand out in mailbags because of their images, colour, and hand-written or printed messages.
• Large numbers of postcards physically piling up create a visual representation of public pressure.

📌 “We received 500 postcards about this” is a far more concrete statement than “We had 500 digital signatures.”

🧠 2. They trigger emotional and sensory engagement

• Physical objects activate more senses: sight, touch, and sometimes even smell (e.g., scented cards), making them more memorable.
• Recipients often slow down when reading a printed message, which leads to greater absorption.
• Handwritten or personalised messages build empathy and human connection.

🖋️ A personal story in handwriting is far more human than a mass-produced tweet.

📬 3. They symbolise effort, commitment and cost

• A printed postcard, especially if it includes a personal message or photo, feels more effortful and sincere than clicking a petition or sending a templated email.

This signals to the decision-maker:

👉 “This person cares enough to act—and I should take it seriously.”

🧩 4. They complement and amplify digital advocacy

• Postcards bridge the physical and digital worlds—they’re tangible proof of online sentiment.
• They are especially effective when delivered in bulk at strategic moments: e.g., before a vote, during a consultation, or as part of a delegation visit.

📸 A photo of a stack of postcards on an MP’s desk is powerful content for social media and media pitches.

🧑‍⚖️ 5. They build pressure through visibility (to staff and colleagues too)

• A decision-maker's staff and colleagues will also see the postcards, increasing peer pressure to respond.
• Unlike emails, postcards are not private—they can be seen by others in the office, or even displayed.

👀 “What’s that stack of colourful cards?” becomes a conversation starter—and a reminder.

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 6. They are trusted across ideologies and generations

• Many MPs, councillors, and corporate leaders—especially older or traditional ones—value physical mail more than digital activism.
• Postcards don’t get caught in spam filters or ignored due to automation fatigue.
• They’re less confrontational than protest or direct action, which may appeal more to centrist or cautious audiences.

📦 7. They provide tangible evidence of support

• In lobbying, concrete artefacts often matter more than abstract claims.

A stack of physical mail is something an MP can:

• Take to a committee meeting
• Mention in a speech
• Show to a party whip or minister

🕰️ 8. They have longevity

• Postcards may sit on desks, noticeboards, or in trays for days or weeks, serving as a long-term reminder of an issue.
• Unlike emails, which disappear after they’re read (or ignored), a postcard lingers—a passive nudge every time it’s seen.