Plan_Ahead_for_Direct_Mail_Campaigns

Plan Ahead Before Using a Variable Data Printing Process!

The variable data printing process is revolutionizing direct-mail marketing, and allows you to make “snail mail” that’s as personalized and engaging as email… but with much higher response rates than email.  It’s a best-of-both-worlds solution that demonstrates direct mail is still far from dead.

That said, there are also significant issues to consider when deploying variable data printing, from both a cost standpoint as well as its impact on the recipient.  Variable data can also be misused, or used poorly, so good planning is essential.

These are the five most important factors to consider when utilizing printing services with variable data.

Five Key Choices When Using the Variable Data Printing Process

1 – Color vs Black & White

There’s a significant cost difference between full-color and black-only printing, and this can in turn make a big difference to the mailer’s reception.  Color printing allows a much wider range of customizations, including custom design work and other advanced visual elements.

As an example:  If you have detailed racial demographics on your customers, you could easily produce three versions of the same mailer utilizing different pictures according to the recipient: perhaps a Caucasian version and a Hispanic version.  The effect would be enhanced significantly with color printing.

Is it worth the increased cost?  Look to your customer research and see how they’ve responded to mailers in the past.

2 – Utilize Data Enhancement

There are now a variety of online tools which can be used to enhance your marketing database and learn more about the lives and preferences of your target audience.  As an easy example:  If you know someone’s address, you can quickly and easily look up a number of statistics about their neighborhood such as property values and average incomes.

However, such data should be used only for big-picture and targeting decisions, and NOT incorporated directly into the materials themselves.

Why?  Well…

3 – Don’t Make Guesses

Just because the average income in an area is $80,000 per year, that doesn’t mean any given individual recipient necessarily makes that much.  Putting guesses into your variable data mailers will, at best, merely alienate recipients.  At worst, it could actively insult them or turn them against your company.

Do not print any “customized” information that you don’t have a solid reason to believe is true for that particular recipient.  Few things will ruin the effectiveness of a mailer faster than false targeting.

4 – Keep Verifying Your Data

Multiple sets of eyeballs should be on everything in your variable data printing process.  From double-checking that all surveys are entered correctly, to triple-checking all spelling and grammar, there really is no such thing as “too much checking” when it comes to direct mail.

Every mistake costs money and, potentially, costs customers.

5 – Embed Tracking Elements

Another great aspect to variable data mailers is that each one can be customized with tracking information specific to that customer.  If Joe Smith receives a mailer with a QR Code attached and he scans it with his cell phone, you’ll know Joe Smith himself (or at least someone in his house) received and responded to the mailer.

In some cases of more advanced interactions, such as barcodes linking to Facebook, you truly can pin it down to one specific person.  Then, as you collect this data, you’ll be able to continually refine your methods and processes to boost the individual response rates.

Direct Mail Is Better Than Ever

Far from killing off snail mail, modern electronic printing and tracking processes only make it better.  Your mailers from a variable data printing process can have all the engagement of an email, while inspiring better engagement and response rates!

Clearly, direct mail campaigns require planning, focus and impeccable execution. To ensure you get the best outcome and each step is properly completed, work with an experienced partner that has your best interests in mind. Ask about One Stop Mail’s printing, mail list and direct mail services — or simply ask for more information or call 602.932.2722.

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