Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is Hott Spotlights?
Hott Spotlights is a shared-cost direct mail advertising service that helps local businesses reach thousands of nearby households with large, eye-catching postcards. We feature multiple businesses on one 9x12" postcard mailed directly to targeted neighborhoods.

2. How does the advertising process work?
Once you reserve your ad spot, you'll fill out a quick form with your business info. We design your ad, send a proof for your approval, and once finalized, your ad goes out on our next scheduled mailing to thousands of local mailboxes.

3. Who receives the postcards?
We use USPS Every Door Direct Mail (EDDM) to reach specific, targeted carrier routes. Depending on the campaign, our postcards reach between 5,000 to 10,000+ local households per drop.

4. Can I choose which area to advertise in?
Yes! We run campaigns in specific cities and neighborhoods. You can choose to join campaigns in the areas that best fit your customer base. New areas are launched regularly.

5. How much does it cost?
Our pricing is based on the size of the ad you choose and how many areas you want to reach. Visit our Pricing page to see current rates and any available discounts.

6. How many businesses are featured on a postcard?
We limit the number of businesses to avoid overcrowding and ensure each ad stands out. We also prevent direct competitors from being featured on the same card.

7. Can I use my own ad design?
Yes! You're welcome to submit your own print-ready ad. We may request minor adjustments to ensure consistency and proper flow across the card layout.

8. How often are postcards sent out?
Once all ad spots are filled and every design is approved, the cards are sent to print and delivered. Referring other businesses to join the co-op helps speed up this process! Plus, as an added bonus, you will receive a refurl discount on our next ad!

9. What if I want to run ads in multiple areas?
You’ll receive a discount when joining more than one community. Multi-area exposure is a great way to grow your brand quickly.

10. How do I get started?
Click our Sign Up page and fill out the short form. We’ll verify that your industry is available, then send you an invoice along with the ad design form to get started.

11. What do you mean by "non-competing businesses"?
At Hott Spotlights, we aim to feature a variety of non-competing businesses on each postcard so that every advertiser gets maximum visibility and value. That means no two businesses with the same primary focus will be featured on the same card.

For example, we only allow one of each type:
One pizza shop, one realtor, one landscaper, one florist, one brewery, one Mexican restaurant, etc.

Final decisions are made at our discretion and with fairness in mind.

Let’s say you’re a general contractor offering a wide range of services—you’ll be listed as a general contractor. That still leaves room for specialty trades like a dedicated painter, concrete specialist, or cabinet installer to be featured as well, since they have a specific focus.

Similarly, while a yoga studio and a gym are both in the health and fitness space, they offer different services and attract different clientele—so both can be included on the same postcard.

This approach keeps the spotlight fair and effective for everyone involved.

Still have questions?
Email Scott@hottspotlights.com or text for a quicker response at 916-745-9757 — we're happy to help!