Thursday, February 23, 2012

How Direct Mail Marketing Can Work For Your Organization

By Ruth Williams


When it comes to marketing your business and website, there are a number of options open to you. Direct mail has been proven to be effective for a vast array of different business types. This strategy enables you to reach a broad spectrum of people in a short time period. Sending a constant stream of targeted customers to your website has never been easier.

Many businesses have forgotten the power of this marketing strategy. In many cases, social media and online marketing have taken the place of this marketing strategy. Adding a personal touch to direct mail marketing can ensure that this marketing technique achieves the results your require:

1st Impressions Count

First impressions count, so it is important that you make the most of this opportunity. Homeowners are bombarded with spam letters on a day-to-day basis; you need to make sure your marketing efforts avoid the rubbish pile.

Printed envelopes can be an effective way to get your mail the attention it deserves. You have invested time and more importantly money into a direct mail marketing campaign. The ultimate aim is to get your direct mail read by the recipients and for them to act on it in a positive way.

The design of your direct mail should follow that of your brand, consistency is the key. If you keep a consistent look and feel across your campaign, your business is seen as trustworthy and professional.

In addition, postcards can also be used effectively if other direct mail attempts have not been successful. There is no effort required on the recipients part in terms of opening to find out what it is about. The postcard design should be consistent with any other marketing material.

Making Your Marketing Personal

Always maintain professionalism but add to it a personal touch. The recipient should be addressed by name to achieve the best results. This is much more likely to result in a positive action than "Dear Customer". If a letter is personally addressed, it is deemed more important and is less likely to be thrown away before being read.

If at all possible, hand write your bespoke envelopes. This kind of personal touch is much appreciated but obviously depends on the size of your mailing campaign. Putting stamps on your mailings rather than using prepaid envelopes or putting them through a franking machine also shows that time and effort has gone into sending out that letter from the recipients point of view.

For ecommerce businesses, this personal touch could be extended to a personally addressed receipt in with the order. Send a customised 'thank you' note. This is a great way of encouraging repeat custom.




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