Direct Mail Marketing: Best Practices for a Digital World

direct mail marketingDespite contrary belief, direct mail marketing is not dead. In fact, with companies focusing on digital marketing efforts, now is the best time to make sure you have a solid print marketing strategy.

Direct mail marketing is still as effective as digital when strategically implemented. Keep in mind the following best practices when developing your next marketing strategy:

Cut through the clutter

Develop an eye-catching direct mail piece that will make prospects stop and ask, “What’s this?” Test out various sizes and types of mailers to determine what works best. Make sure all of your pieces are consistent in branding so recipients know the mailers all came from the same company.

Get personal

A carefully written personal letter to your prospects can go a long way. Personalize the letter as much as possible using names, locations, interests or information from previous discussions with a prospect. Write the letter with the mindset that you want the recipient to feel as though it was written specifically for him/her. As always, include a call-to-action to entice the prospect to reach out.

Use print to augment other efforts

With a thoughtful marketing strategy, you can use print to augment other marketing efforts. It’s always good for a prospect to receive information about your company from a variety of channels. Just make sure your strategy and branding is consistent across all channels.

Develop a strategic mailing list

Your direct mailing list can make or break a campaign. Take the time to understand your ideal customer and make sure your mailing list targets your most valuable prospect. If you’re purchasing a mailing list, consider the different categories of lists available:

  • Specialty list: Reach niche markets based on key behaviors.
  • Custom list: Target your list based on specific demographics.
  • Cloned list: Find customers like your best existing customers.

Track your efforts

Though it takes a little more effort than with digital marketing, it’s still possible to track your direct mail marketing efforts. Consider creating print-specific landing pages on your website and track how many individuals visit that page. You can also include promo codes on your direct mail pieces and ask that prospects mention the code when calling or filling out a form online.

How can your company use direct mail marketing to enhance its marketing strategy? Contact us today — we’d love to hear about your challenges and successes with direct mail marketing.