173: How To Earn $1K/Month With Postcards

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If you’ve ever wanted a simple side hustle with no upfront costs, this episode may spark something for you.

Rachel Smith and Dalton Joyner break down how they run “Community Postcards,” a direct-mail model where they sell ad space on physical postcards, design the layout, and mail them out … all after advertisers have already paid.

You’ll hear how the model works, why business owners say yes, and what you can realistically earn each month.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• how to start a postcard side hustle with zero upfront expenses
• the exact pitch they use to land $150 advertisers
• what to expect in terms of time, income, and workflow
• how to keep your risk close to zero
• ways this simple project can lead to larger recurring clients

If you enjoy connecting with local businesses and want something easy to test, this is a model worth considering.

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Need a little (and sometimes big) push to start and stay focused to grow your side hustle? Dive into my online Masterclass: How To Turn Your Thoughts Into Wanted Things.

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How They Earn 1K/Month With Postcards: A Simple & Profitable Direct-Mail Strategy

If you’re looking for a low-risk, low-complexity way to earn extra income, the Community Postcard model is worth a closer look. The approach used by Rachel Smith and Dalton Joyner is simple, requires no upfront investment, and can be run on your own schedule, making it an appealing option for anyone exploring new income streams.

What Are Community Postcards?

Community Postcards are large, high-quality mailers sent to specific neighborhoods using direct-mail routes. Each card features multiple local businesses … from coffee shops and dentists to HVAC companies and landscapers. Because the cards are physically big and printed on thick stock, they stand out in the mailbox. One of the biggest advantages is exclusivity. Each business category appears only once per card. A dentist won’t be competing with five other dentists on the same postcard. That exclusivity makes the offer more attractive and increases the likelihood that business owners will say yes.

How the Postcard Model Works

Rachel and Dalton follow a straightforward process to bring each card to life. They identify a target neighborhood, compile a list of potential businesses, and offer each one the chance to purchase a small square of advertising. Each ad spot is priced at around $150. They can place up to 16 businesses on a single card. Once the spots are sold, they design the card in Canva, send proofs to each participating business for approval, and hand the final file to a print-and-mail service that handles bundling and delivery. Only after all advertisers have paid, and have approved their ad via a proof, do they proceed with printing, reducing personal financial risk. This is a key point for anyone hoping to earn $1K with postcards: you do not need to spend money up front. You collect payments first!

Why Businesses Say Yes

Local businesses are familiar with direct mail, and most already understand the cost of printing and mailing thousands of postcards. If they were to send a solo card, the cost could climb into the thousands. Community Postcards lower that barrier by giving them exposure for a fraction of the price. Business owners also appreciate:

• Exclusivity: Only one business per category appears on the card.
• Local Reach: Cards are delivered directly to homes in the neighborhood they want to target.
• Simplicity: They don’t have to design or print anything — they simply approve their ad.
• Trackability: Many choose to include a coupon, giving them a clear way to measure results.

How You Can Earn 1K With Postcards

Rachel and Dalton share that their profit per card typically falls between $978 and $1,100, depending on how many spaces are sold and whether any advertisers purchase larger ad blocks. They create several cards per month by targeting multiple neighborhoods. While results vary, the takeaway is clear: the postcard model can produce meaningful side income with minimal moving parts. You’re not handling inventory, shipping products, or managing long-term customer service. Your role is to organize the businesses, design the card, and coordinate printing.

Tools and Skills Needed

One of the most appealing aspects of this model is the low barrier to entry. To earn 1K with postcards, you need only a few tools:

• Canva or another design platform: If you can drag and drop elements onto a page, you can build a postcard.
• A printer familiar with direct-mail bundling: The printer handles the technical requirements for delivery.
• A willingness to reach out to local businesses: Emails, Facebook messages, and occasional in-person visits work well.
• Clear communication and approvals: Rachel and Dalton always send a proof of each ad and require written approval before printing. This avoids misunderstandings and keeps everyone aligned.

Turning One-Time Ads into Recurring Revenue

Another smart strategy they shared is how these postcards naturally lead to recurring business relationships. After a business advertises once, some may choose to participate again because the cost is low and exposure is consistent. Some upgrade to larger spots. Beyond that, Rachel and Dalton offer add-on marketing services like landing pages and review management. The postcard becomes the introduction - the trust-building offer - that opens the door for more substantial, ongoing work.

Check the Requirements of Your Country’s Postal System

Rachel describes how they use EDDM, "Every Door Direct Mail," the system used in the United States through the U.S. Postal Service (USPS). However, you'll need to check the process and what's available in your country if you live outside the USA. Most regions have specific size, weight, and bundling rules for direct-mail pieces. Typically, you’ll confirm the specs with your local post office, have your postcards printed to match those standards, bundle them according to the required counts, and then deliver them to the post office for processing and distribution.

The Importance of a Helping Mindset

A theme that stood out in the conversation was their commitment to helping first. Not every card will sell out instantly. On their early mailings, they even offered a few free spots to local businesses to build momentum and establish credibility. They emphasized that giving without expecting anything in return is part of what helped their business grow. Often, the benefits came back from unexpected directions.

Is This Side Hustle Right for You?

If you enjoy connecting with people, supporting local businesses, and working on your own schedule, the Community Postcard model may be a fit. It’s simple, low-risk, and based on a service that businesses already understand. And because you don’t spend money up front, it’s an easy model to test without financial pressure. Let this be a reminder that you don’t need a complicated idea or a big budget to move forward; even a simple postcard and the decision to start can be enough to open up new income and new possibilities.

Connect with Rachel & Dalton:

Free Community Card Playbook Mini Course

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