Why use postcode lookup software?
Postcode lookup software has many benefits and use cases. The first is having it embedded in web forms or e-commerce checkout processes - users can type in their postcode and their address will automatically be found in a drop-down instance. This allows for faster checkouts, convenience, and conversions while ensuring all valid postcodes entered are real postcodes and valid addresses.
How does postcode lookup software work?
For the software to work, a postcode lookup API or cloud service is required. Users can then enter a postcode into a given interface and the service will make several API calls to aggregate multiple global data reference sources suggesting reliable and valid addresses associated with the postcode entered.
This works on both a local or international basis where ZIP Codes or other variations of postcodes can be entered in their given country to return accurate output results standardised to their country’s local format.
Here is an image to showcase postcode lookup software in action for the UK:
What are the capabilities of postcode lookup software?
Having postcode lookup software running in the background enables businesses to unlock a range of capabilities like:
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Accessing Hard to Find Postcodes or Addresses – with over a quarter of UK addresses made up of flats and multi-resident properties sharing the same front door, postcode lookup software can be vital in obtaining accurate address data for deliveries and logistical efforts, both local and international.
Learn more about Multiple Residence data. - Location Intelligence – When it comes to geocoding & mapping activities, utilising a postcode lookup API can unlock valuable insight for plotting coordinates such as precise distance between postcodes, how many addresses are within a given postcode, planning geographic campaigns and activities, and determining risk and exposure to postcodes in a particular area.
- Location Detection – When users enter a postcode or postcode-related input, the postcode lookup API software detects which country that person is in. This data can be used for further insight, area campaigning, and address matching on a local and international scale.
- Simplified UX – When a postcode lookup API is embedded in your web forms or checkout process, the user’s overall experience is enhanced when they engage, as they type in their postcode and automatically receive their full verified address. This ensures increased conversions and a decrease in drop-offs.
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Data Quality – Data quality is vital for all organisations; when utilising postcode lookup software, this ensures that only accurate and verified address data enters your systems, which, over time cuts costs and improves business processes.
Learn more: What is Data Quality?
We have included a demo of our Postcode Lookup API, which works the same as an Address Lookup and Autocomplete API.
Find out more: How Does Address Lookup Technology Work?
Melissa – The Address Experts
As the leader in address verification, Melissa combines decades of experience with unmatched technology and global support to offer solutions that quickly and accurately verify addresses in real-time, at the point of entry. Melissa is a single-source vendor for address management, data hygiene and pre-sorting solutions, empowering businesses all over the world to effectively manage their data quality.