Using Direct Mail is Smart

Using Direct Mail is SmartWhen considering the use of a mailing list, companies that want to improve their bottom line understand the need for more customers and clients, and many automatically turn to high-tech, online solutions to find them. One tried and true method for lead generation and increased sales is to use direct mail. Properly designed letters, pamphlets and postcards still rank as one of the more effective ways to attract attention to your products or services.

Top 3 Tips to Use Direct Mail the Right Way

1 – Get the best business list possible for your company or organization’s marketing efforts. With a professional mailing list company like Bethesda List Center, you have a wide selection of highly targeted lists to choose from. First, identify your ideal audience. Next, choose a collection of mailing addresses that includes those people. You can even try two or more lists and track the results to see which is more effective.

2 – Design attention-grabbing and action-oriented direct mail pieces. Hire a professional graphic designer or use in-house marketing experts to fashion direct mail pieces with unique combinations of text and graphics to attract attention. At the very least, each letterhead or postcard should include your company logo. Prominently display contact information, website address, phone number and a call to action.

3 – Focus on brand recognition and reputation instead of just making a sale. Although getting leads and finding customers is the ultimate goal of any marketing, demand generation is just as important for the long-term success of a company. Direct mail introduces or re-introduces your brand to the buying public in a positive way.

Direct Mail Offers the Following Benefits

1 – Direct mail is easily trackable to see what works and what doesn’t. Each direct mail campaign can contain certain codes, different emails for response or even phone extensions to gauge its effectiveness. What other medium can you track success this easily?

2 – It provides a great boost to demand generation overall. People need to see your company, its logo and product lines multiple times before they purchase or sign up sometimes. Demand generation includes brand recognition as well as other marketing types to improve overall interest and desire for what your company has to offer.

3 – No spam blockers, automatic deletion or ignore feature. While people do throw out junk mail that comes to their house, the reported open and response rate for direct mail is 3 to 4 times higher than email.

4 – Mailed pieces can be targeted, personalized and customized for each campaign. Use one direct mail list, multiple lists or send different postcards or letters to parts of the same list. When you have the right audience for what you have to offer, each direct mail piece can be targeted precisely for their needs. You can also use their name instead of the usual, “Dear home owner” greeting.

5 – Creating a campaign can be easy and cost effective. With some general graphic and marketing skill, a successful direct mail item can be made by someone with no education or experience. Of course, professionals are better, and it is possible to find one that will not destroy your budget. Use mass or bulk rates from the local post office for the best savings on mailing.

How Can Bethesda List Center Help?

When considering renting email lists and using a professional mailing list broker like Bethesda List Center for your direct mail campaigns, you’ll be assured your marketing efforts will have the best results.

David James

President, Bethesda List Center, Inc + Bethesda Emedia Marketing.