Tag Archive for: direct mail marketing

OSM_What_Is_A_Good_Offer

Want to Entice Clients? See Irresistible Offer Examples

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What makes a coupon compelling? What makes an offer truly irresistable? No matter how great your postcard design is, direct mail that doesn’t offer anything of value are, well, worthless. There are three types of direct mail offers that work best:

  1. Lead magnet freebie – A coupon that offers something free that can be attained with little effort or commitment.
  2. Tripwire – An offer of something of value that has a low barrier to entry at a substantially reduced cost.
  3. Promotional Discount – An offer that gives a percentage discount on specific or sets of products and services.

We dive into each of these types of direct mail offers, how to think about designing a promotional coupon to get the most out of your mail marketing, and examples of direct mail advertising.

Coupon Offer Type 1: Lead Magnet Freebie

The quid-pro-quo of marketing, a lead magnet requires the business to provide a freebie in exchange for an opt-in or participation from the prospective customer. A few examples of irresistible lead magnets can include free product, a significant discount, product trial or giveaway.

Irresistible offer examples that are lead magnets include:

  • Tony’s Pizza gives a voucher for an absolutely free personal pizza to new residents in the city.
  • AAA+ Automotive provides absolutely free basic diagnostic via an OBD Scanner to get people in his shop.
  • Grandview Timeshares provides a $100 restaurant gift card in exchange for participating in a presentation.
  • Sarah’s Insurance gives all prospects a $10.00 gas card for getting an insurance quote through her agency.

Coupon Offer Type 2: Tripwire

Creating a low barrier entry point for prospective clients is a great way to let consumers test a company’s products or services without having to commit to a large purchase. A tripwire aims to capture a greater amount of new customers by casting a wider net and luring them in with a low-cost offering.

An example of this might be an HVAC business offering a cleaning and inspection for $49.00. This provides a service which may not be incredibly lucrative but allows the company to do business with the homeowner. As additional services are needed it becomes easier to sell the client higher priced items or services based on the established business relationship.

Examples of great tripwires include:

  • Perfect Auto & Mechanic is offering a $30.00 oil change and multi-point inspection. Irresistible offer examples like this in hopes to uncover additional repair needs.
  • A’s Pizza & Brewery sells $2.00 slices during lunchtime to help increase familiarity with their dinner menu and ideally bring the whole family.
  • West Park Valley Dealership is offering a $300.00 ‘Sell Your Car’ detailing package which gets your vehicle to a pristine state. Their emphasis is to get people to test drive and buy vehicles since they know the detailing customers are looking to sell their vehicle.

Coupon Offer Type 3: Standard Promotion

A promotion can simply be a discounted percentage or variable offer and still produce a high conversion rate. Although standard promotions are most commonly seen in marketing, they are often poorly implemented.

direct mail couponsOne of the most important aspects of a standard promotion is to include an urgency factor such as a time constraint for redemption.

Examples of standard promotions include:

  • Jeff’s Dog Grooming offers 15% off a bath and haircut service.
  • Golden Hair Salon is marketing a promotion that gives $10.00 off a cut and color.
  • Ray’s Tires is giving a 4th tire free when you purchase three at full price.

Types of Irresistible Offer Examples

Keep in mind consumers are advertised constantly and in every aspect of life. Via cell phone apps, Facebook, Instagram, billboards, radio, TV, you name it. An offer has to really sizzle to make a consumer decide to purchase or opt-in. A great incentive will be the differentiating factor between you and your competition.

If you own a lawn care business, you know that 95% of your customers will need to use you more than once, so it makes logical sense to offer a steeper initial discount in an effort to persuade the prospect to choose you over the competition. Here are offer incentives ranked from most to least effective.

Best

FREE – Everyone loves free. When Iron Strength Karate is gearing up for summer and back to school promotions they offer a completely free karate uniform. Dave, the owner, understands the initial investment eliminates the entry barrier for most families and is able to maintain most students as customers for years. Due to the

Good

Dollar Amount Off – Getting a set amount off a product or service is great. Consumers don’t have to guess or do the math to understand the savings and benefit. Customers will be more inclined to frequent your business versus competition and have increased loyalty if they feel you provide a good value.

Mediocre

Percent Off – We’ve all see discounts ranging from 5-75%+ off. Although consumers do redeem these offers, they’re often difficult to understand. Unless a buyer thoroughly knows your pricing beforehand, it’s tough to get an idea of true savings and often requires a calculation. This method makes it difficult for a consumer to understand the value. Additionally, many buyers feel that percentage discounts are played out and often feel prices are artificially inflated to give a false sense of savings.

Why Coupons In The Mail Work

Direct mail coupons and offers are some of the most successful types of marketing your business can do. Let’s examine why coupons can help motivate your potential customers.

irresistible offer examplesReason for Purchase: A discount or special freebie can help sway a customer who’s hesitant to buy a product or give people a reason to use your company over others. This added motivation will entice them to purchase.

Perceived Value: Feeling you got a deal or are getting something of value at a lower than market cost is a fantastic feeling. Coupons allow people to feel that sense of satisfaction while also giving you their patronage.

Urgency and Scarcity: Coupons often come with expiration dates or limited quantities, creating a sense of urgency and scarcity. This also motivates customers to take action quickly or by a certain time period to avoid missing out on the deal.

Customer Acquisition and Retention: Deals that are exclusive to a type of customer allow you to target your marketing and boost new or existing customer sales. Certain coupon offers can motivate customers to join or return.

Promotional and Marketing Tool: If you have a larger marketing campaign, coupons or special offers can supplement that campaign by promoting new products, clearing out old inventory or even creating buzz around your business.

Competitive Advantage: If you’re offering a coupon through mail and your competitors aren’t, you have a huge advantage in getting chosen by cost-conscious shoppers solely because your have a discount.

Trial and Adoption: There are times when people are ready to try new things, a direct mail coupon can be an excellent way to convince people to try your business and become loyal customers.

Word-of-Mouth and Referrals: When customers feel they got a great deal through a coupon, they are more likely to share their positive experience with friends and family. This word-of-mouth marketing can lead to new customer referrals.

Customer Value

Ultimately what you’re willing to spend or give in exchange to acquire a new customer will depend on what you are willing to invest to earn the client over your competition. It makes far more sense to invest in a new client upfront rather than having to win them over from the competition.

The cost of a new customer with incentives factored in can actually have a higher customer value over customers acquired without incentives. With the examples of direct mail marketing we’ve reviewed, you should have a good idea as to some do’s and don’ts of creating a compelling offer.Consumers see marketing promotions as a positive benefit and are much more likely to become loyal, repeat customers.

There are many steps to a successful direct marketing campaign – don’t just add a call to action on a post card and go it alone. An experienced direct mail company, like One Stop Mail can build a specific customized mailing lists, offer diverse printing options and can execute crucial elements of your campaign. Give us a call at 877-371-4004 or reach out to us to discover how we can help you make your next campaign successful.

 

*Blog updated 8/8/2023

One Stop Mail Real Estate Farming trends

Real Estate Farming With Direct Mail Tips & Tricks

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Real estate farming is an effective strategy to prospect and develop a steady source of home buyer and seller leads by establishing yourself as “your neighborhood’s realtor.” A successful real estate farming strategy should result in at least 30% of the sales within your targeted area. To successfully geo-farm real estate you must consistently be in contact with the members of your target community. This is where direct mail can elevate real estate marketing efforts.

We know that direct mail works. It outperforms digital mail marketing channels by 600% according to the Direct Marketing Association Response Rate Report. They found that 70% of people believe direct mail is more personal and nearly 50% of people keep direct mail for future reference. As a result, 4.9% of direct mail recipients will buy from that company. This level of contact and response rate is necessary for geo-farming real estate to work.

Real Estate Postcards Vs. Flyers Vs. Letters

The ideal real estate farming strategy combines a mixture of postcards, flyers, and letters. However, the real backbone of your campaign is real estate farming postcards. These should be sent twice per quarter and give a snapshot of the market in your target area. This also includes on-demand postcards to send when a home has been listed or sold in your area.

Flyers and real estate door hangers are a great opportunity to advertise open house events and give more detail about your real estate business like the number of active listings, average sale prices, your number of monthly sales, etc.

Real estate farming letters should be sent quarterly. This is an opportunity for you to discuss what is happening in the community and give your audience a more detailed look into the market with more space for thought and analysis.

Of these types of direct mail, postcards are the easiest to produce and the most profitable, costing only a few cents to print and mail. Postcard content is more visual and attention-grabbing. According to the DMA, postcards also have the highest open rate as well as other advantages.

Flyers still use a visually focused design while providing more informative content. Although letters are more text-heavy, they can also be more personal and deliver useful and engaging content. The cost of direct mail varies, anywhere from a few cents to a few dollars per piece depending on the volume, type of mail, size, design, personalization, and more. All types of direct mail have a high ROI, with letters showing an impressive 112% ROI.

Real Estate Farming With Direct Mail

Direct mail should be a central component of your real estate farming strategy. It does require some planning and a thoughtful approach, but the results are well worth it, and the process can be broken down into five steps.

One Stop Mail Real Estate Farming neighborhood aerial view

  1. Choose your neighborhood. Research the macro trends, demographics, and community activity of several different areas to find a place with healthy demand and where homes are actively being listed for sale. Ideally, you should choose an area close to where you live that you are familiar with. The area you choose to target should be 500 homes or less. The exact size will depend on your budget and goals. Bigger isn’t necessarily better when it comes to farming. What makes farming effective is that you’re targeting a specific set of homes with a specific message that is relevant and speaks to them directly.
  2. Find a target market within that area. To make your farming strategy even more effective focus on a specific group of people within your areas such as young families, middle-aged professionals, retirees, first-time home buyers, move-up buyers, or downsizing sellers. Really think about what the people in this area have in common.
  3. Plan your direct mail content. Real estate agents who successfully farm neighborhoods deliver consistent value to homeowners. Your direct mail should convey that you are the expert when it comes to buying and selling homes and living in the community. Consider what information would be useful to prospective clients, what type of direct mail you’ll send, how often you’ll send it, and how you will keep your brand consistent across marketing channels. You can increase engagement and integrate direct mail with digital marketing by including a QR code on your mailers that directs recipients to your website or a market report.
  4. Track your results. Include elements in your direct mail that allows for tracking to measure the effectiveness of your campaign. This could include: a QR code linked to a lead form or a campaign-specific landing page, call tracking phone numbers, unique promotional codes, etc. Then attribute leads in your CRM and promptly follow up.
  5. Start your real estate farming program with direct mail! Real estate farming is a long-term game. To be successful, direct mail should be sent regularly and the message should be consistent.

Real Estate Farming Postcard Ideas

When it comes to ideas for real estate direct mail messaging, there are some do’s and don’ts you should be aware of. Some things you SHOULD do are:

  • Respect seasonality. Fewer people buy and sell homes during the holiday season. Families tend not to uproot their children during the school year. Other seasonal trends depend on the location. For example, warm-weather cities, like Phoenix, experience a snowbird effect when people relocate or buy a second home for the winter months.
  • Provide informational value. What do potential clients want and need to know? Share information like the number of active listings in your area, the number of homes sold, and average sale prices. If you are advertising a home for sale or an open house, describe the home and provide basic details.
  • Show your expertise and experience. Offer neighborhood tours or provide a list of the best pizza places to show that you’re a local expert. Share a professional success or the number of homes you’ve sold this year to demonstrate your experience.One Stop Mail Real Estate agent hosting barbecue

On the other side, you should AVOID being hyperbolic. Excessive exaggeration can breed distrust and skepticism. Don’t send too many communications. This can be annoying or come across as pushy. You should also avoid sending the same postcards or mailings multiple times. Keep your content fresh, relevant, and interesting!

When it comes to designing your mailers, use various types of direct mail including postcards, flyers, door hangers, and letters. Be sure to include engaging images like your photo and pictures of homes for sale. Also make certain that the text is scannable, easy to read, and your contact information is easily found.

Above & Beyond Geo-Farming Strategies

In addition to your direct mail campaign, there are other real estate farming techniques that will help position you as the area’s go to realtor. Attend city zoning and council meetings. This will help you identify the concerns of the community. Participate in community events like cook-offs, block parties, and fundraisers.

You could consider offering free consultations to your neighborhood’s residents. Establishing a relationship and providing guidance and helpful information increases the likelihood of them choosing you as their realtor.

If you can, a farm close to your home. Making connections will be easier, you will be more relatable to your clients, and you are knowledgeable about the area. Reports show that 74% of home sellers said an agent with local or neighborhood-specific knowledge was important in helping them choose an agent.

Establish yourself as “the local realtor” with an engaging and cost-effective direct mail campaign. Reach out to the experts at One Stop Mail to learn how to get started!

One Stop Mail Healtcare Messaging Mailing List

3 Do’s & 3 Don’ts Of Healthcare Mailers & Messaging

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If you have a healthcare business, you know the value of healthcare mailers as part of your holistic healthcare marketing strategy. However, there are certain things you can do to maximize the impact of healthcare messaging in the mail. Healthcare advertising isn’t as straightforward as traditional products or services, there are several nuances and guidelines you should know. Here are some marketing tips, 3 do’s and 3 don’ts for anyone using direct mail marketing for healthcare-related services or products.

DO Leverage Targeted Lists Most Relevant To A Condition

Have you utilized targeted lists in your healthcare marketing plan before? If not, this is an excellent way to make sure you get the best return on your investment. We have a few blogs about how to get an effective list.

schedule mammogram

Healthcare needs can be very broad or very niche, depending on your service or product.

A broad tactic is sending out flyers about a new dental office opening in a specific neighborhood, while a niche list is important if you are looking to advertise a certain treatment for a specific illness or condition.

Broad lists can be narrowed down using:

  • Location (Example: Proximity to a new office, or an office accepting a new type of healthcare plan)
  • Age (Example: A dentist office specializing in cleanings for children)
  • Gender (Example: Mammograms)

Niche lists should be relevant to a specific medical condition. For example:

  • Diabetes prevention
  • Hormone imbalances
  • High blood pressure patients

DO Use CTA’s For Appointments Or Calls On Patient’s Terms

All marketing messaging needs a clear CTA, or Call to Action. For healthcare messaging, this means leading the potential patient to create an appointment.

Contact methods can include a:

  • Phone number
  • Website
  • QR code
  • Email address

Putting the CTA in an obvious spot means that the mailer can be saved for later reference, and appointments can be made on the patient’s terms.

It is important that the reader has a sense of urgency and doesn’t toss the mailer in the trash, but instead saves it for later. Messaging like, “Appointments filling up, don’t wait!” or “Limited spaces available, call today!” are good CTAs.

DO Demonstrate Expertise To Prospective Patients

Part of healthcare direct mail marketing is building trust with patients. A great way to do that is to show your expertise. Longevity of practice in the community or of a particular product is a great lead-in. National or local awards or certifications prove results and expertise, so should be highlighted on mailers.

Several letters with medical messaging

You also need to prove a point of difference to set you apart from your competitors. A specific expertise typically not shared by your competition is a good start. Include any other relevant practical information that would help potential patients choose you.

DON’T Be Alarmist With Medical Messaging

Keep in mind that health-related issues are stressful for everyone. Don’t take this as an opportunity to alarm or scare potential patients! Focus on messaging, and:

  • Assure rather than alarm
  • Avoid “should” type messaging
  • Treat it like an opportunity – not a burden

Don’t list the statistics of a condition unless it’s in a positive light. For example, “This many people benefit from earlier treatment”. You want potential patients to feel safe and comfortable, and let them know that they can reach out with questions at any time.

DON’T Use Too Much Jargon

Jargon is technical language and it can be confusing to people who are not heavily involved in your industry. It can be especially confusing when using medical terms related to conditions or treatments. Avoid long, hard-to-pronounce, or unfamiliar terms.

DON’T Ignore Seasonality

Depending on your practice, certain times of the year may be better or worse for investing in healthcare mailers.

Pay attention to your industry’s seasonal trends. Send your healthcare messaging leading up to and in the heart of the busiest times of the year for your office or product. For things such as dental appointments, remind patients to book early, before school breaks fill up with other activities. Routine physical exams and vaccinations are best (and sometimes necessary) before school starts.

Certain procedures are more easily done in different weather, which varies based on your location. For instance, the Midwest has a lot of snowstorms in winter, while the Southern states can be hit with heat waves, floods, and power outages in summer. Keep these things in mind when encouraging patients to come in at certain points during the year.

Healthcare personnel

More About Healthcare Messaging

Do you have questions about how to get a healthcare mailer into production? Our team can handle every step of the process, from conception to mailing! Read more about using direct mail to serve your healthcare patients here. Contact us for a quote today!

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Quick Guide: Direct Mail Postcard with QR Code

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Digital technology has become integrated into most aspects of our lives, and direct mail is no exception. As a result, the modern consumer expects interactive marketing that provides easy access to information and the ability to quickly take action that the digital world provides. A postcard with a QR code can help effectively blend the benefits of both offline and online marketing for direct mail.

QR code use rose dramatically in 2020 in response to the Covid pandemic, and they continue to grow in popularity as both businesses and consumers realize their benefits. Globally, QR code scans quadrupled in 2022 and the US has the highest QR code use rate.

This quick guide will explain how QR codes blend offline and online marketing, increase customer engagement, provide valuable customer data, and boost the success of direct mail campaigns.

How To Set Up And Use QR Codes For Direct Mail

“QR” stands for “Quick Response.” These QR codes are essentially advanced barcodes that can store a lot of information and are accessible using a smartphone’s camera feature. QR codes are incredibly easy to set up and use. The general process involves 3 steps:

  1. Create a landing page for what consumers will see upon scanning the code
  2. Generate a QR code
  3. Link the URL for the landing page to the QR code

There are many free QR code generators online that will create a QR code linked to the URL you enter. This can typically be done all in the same software. Some generators can even create codes in a variety of colors, shapes, unique patterns, and include your logo.

After it has been generated, you can print the QR code on envelopes, postcards, or any direct mail marketing materials to engage consumers and give them a direct link to information and/or services.

Use Direct Mail QR Codes To Engage Your Target Market

QR codes are action-oriented, and you can use them to better engage your target market. Codes can be linked to practically any digital location. Scanning the code can allow your customer to:

  • postcard with QR codePlace an order
  • Collect a special digital coupon
  • Add events to calendars
  • Follow a social media page
  • Set pins in navigation apps
  • Enroll in a rewards plan
  • Schedule an appointment or service
  • Leave customer feedback or reviews
  • Contact your business

To create effective direct mail QR codes, be creative in how you engage with consumers and provide real value. If consumers don’t get value from scanning, why would they engage? A code that simply links to your business homepage doesn’t provide an incentive to engage with your business. Provide access to an exclusive online sale available only with the QR code. Offer previous customers a 10% off coupon if they follow the link and leave a review.

Don’t forget to pair your QR code with a compelling call to action!

Postcard with QR Code Delivers Customer Data That Aids Marketing

A postcard with a QR code not only adds value and convenience for customers but also provides valuable customer data that aids marketing efforts. When generating a QR code, there is a choice between static and dynamic codes. Dynamic QR codes are best for business purposes because they can be edited at any time and they provide more data.

When consumers scan a postcard QR code, it lets you know:

  • Location
  • Device type
  • Date
  • Time
  • Number of scans

QR code on direct mail postcardWith strictly offline marketing, you can estimate the reach and engagement levels of direct mail, but the addition of QR codes gives you more accurate data. This allows you to see how effective a given campaign is within specifically targeted locations.

There are additional services that can provide even more consumer data such as demographics, contact information, and order history. A QR code can also be used to gather additional data by directing customers to landing pages where they fill out forms to redeem coupons or join rewards programs.

Data provided by QR codes can assist with lead generation, optimizing marketing campaigns, and improving ROI for your marketing efforts.

Blend Online & Offline Marketing With QR Code

Not only is QR code direct mail cost-effective, but it blends offline and online marketing methods, increasing the efficiency and success of marketing campaigns. For example, you can create special online offers that are only available with the postcard QR code, utilizing both online and offline methods.

Businesses in any industry can use QR codes to:

  • Increase brand visibility and website traffic
  • Supply additional information on your offerings (outside the limited space of the direct mail postcard)
  • Direct consumers to specific webpages
  • Provide easy and quick access to your offerings

This blended marketing method also offers users value and the convenience of interacting with your product or service on their personal device.

If you’re interested in stand-out, customizable, cost-effective direct mail marketing services, reach out to One Stop Mail and learn how we can help!

crush sales goals

7 Industries Still Crushing Sales Goals with Direct Mail Marketing

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These 7 industries rely on direct mailer companies to crush marketing goals and catapult sales because results are trackable and consistent. Using direct mail marketing campaigns is a vital part of an overall marketing strategy that these businesses use every day.

Read on to get best-bet tips that have proven successful in these industries (and check out the free ebook download offer with 25 pages of information you can use to connect with your customers)! Learn who uses direct mail, the types of direct mail and why direct mail is so effective for these businesses.

1.) Real Estate Brokers & Agents – EDDM Efficiency

Need a quick listing to sell or have real estate you need to move? Every Door Direct Mail is a powerful tool that allows for tracking methods to be used.  Real estate agents are using Mail Marketing to get in the door.

As an agent you can utilize direct mail to advertise a home for sale – Try sending direct mail postcards or direct mail letters to homes in neighborhoods that fit buyer requirements. If you’re trying to sell a condominium or townhouse, sending mailers to apartment communities is a great way to reach enthusiastic first-time home buyers. To get that million-dollar listing–send your Direct Mail Postcards to upscale homes telling them why it’s a great time to sell and what makes you the perfect broker or agent! 

Learn more about EDDM and how you use it to effectively canvass neighborhoods. Or check out our real estate direct mail services to see how you can target and attract the clients you need to crush your real estate sales goals.

2.) Car Dealerships – Lead Targeting

With strategic data segmentation designed around car buyers, the right direct mail marketing company can create successful direct mail campaigns for dealerships.

Postcard Mailers are a great way to reach out to people based on geographic location. Whether you’re selling luxury vehicles, mid-range, or even entry-level used cars, direct mail postcards can be the cornerstone of a successful marketing campaign. Many car dealerships will feature promotional vehicle pricing to get buyers on the lot, mail out scratch-to-win postcards, and instant discount coupons. Use direct mail marketing to get the word out for your next super sale event, you’ll regret it if you don’t.  

One cost-effective way car dealerships crush their sales goals is with direct mail postcards.

3.) Charities (Non-Profits) – Cost Effective Fund-Raising

Fundraising simplified, direct mail marketing campaigns are the ideal way to get back in touch with previous donors, find new donors, and recruit potential volunteers. One of the biggest obstacles charities face is getting their message out there, often due to limited staff which is why they often turn to direct mail agencies. 

Your charity can reach out and ask for donations in a non-invasive manner,  simplifying the donation process with easy-to-use return mail envelopes. Canvas no more! With Every Door Direct, you can be certain that your powerful message will reach every home in the neighborhood or city you target.

Here are 5 surefire tactics Non-profits use to crush their donation goals.  Or check out our nonprofit direct mail services to see how you can target and attract the donors you need to fund your mission.

4.) Marketing & Advertising Agencies – Personalization Perks

When you need to drive qualified leads to your ideal customers you need a marketing method that is highly effective and allows for precise tracking. Direct Mail Postcards & Letters are a perfect way to generate high-quality, organic leads for sales teams.

Variable Data Printing ensures the best possible response rate by allowing you to custom-tailor text and images on each individual mail piece. Don’t be shy, if your client is a veterinarian who wants to ensure his valuable clients keep coming back – Direct Mail is perfect. A customized postcard saying, “Honey is due for her annual check-up!” is a great way to personalize the messaging and show your customers you care. Whether you are sending service reminders or building brand ambassadors via birthday postcards, Direct Mail Marketing is the answer for any marketing strategy.

5.) Schools – For Parents & Students

Charter and private schools are a perfect solution for advertising enrollment and keeping in touch with parents. With Direct Mail you can be confident that you’ll reach the right demographic and families with close proximity.

If you need to remind families of important dates, events, or messages you can send Postcards are a perfect way to notify families of important announcements even on short notice!

6.) Medical Offices – New & Existing Patients

Dentists, physical therapists, physicians, veterinarians, and other medical professionals rely on regularly scheduled appointments to maintain consistency within the business. Direct Mail is a great way to wish patients a happy birthday or remind them of an upcoming appointment or annual exam.

For new patients, send direct mail promotions, new patient coupons and even let them know you’re accepting new clients.

Or check out our medical and healthcare direct mail services to see how you can target and attract the patients you need to increase the bottom line of your practice.

7.) Solar companies – Better Than Knocking

Let’s be honest, canvassing on foot is brutal. The best direct mail campaigns are the ones that allow you to target specific neighborhoods so you’re not walking around a neighborhood endlessly or sending postcards to apartment complexes.

With quality Data Services, for example, you can send Postcards to homes where the median home price fits your ideal customer profile, ensuring you the most conversions possible. To get homeowners to call try offering an incentive or free consultation and using a tracking phone number to monitor the effectiveness of your campaign.

How Can We Help With Your Mailers For Marketing?

When you have questions or want to crush your sales goals with a direct marketing campaign, reach out to us today at contact us today or 602.223.3003. We have years of experience creating effective direct mail campaigns, from conceptualization to deployment.  

Get your 25-page Strategy eBook FREE – Just click the image below!

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5 Tips for Direct Mail Marketing for Private & Charter Schools

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Parents are bombarded daily with digital marketing advertisements. Between email, social media, commercials, etc. it can become overwhelming. The average person receives over 100 emails every day! While people’s inboxes may be flooded, their mailboxes are less so, with an average of only 16 pieces of mail received each week. This makes direct mail marketing efforts highly effective.

Parents do not have time to open, let alone read, all those emails, reflecting the email open rate of only about 30%, whereas direct mail open rates can reach up to 90%.

Use direct mail marketing to avoid getting lost in the sea of digital marketing offers parents receive every day. Direct mail is a compelling and unique marketing strategy perfect for:

One Stop Mail Private Schools Marketing Tips Family

  • Schools
  • Community mailers
  • Higher education
  • Family attractions
  • Family events
  • Tutoring services

The majority of people prefer direct mail marketing because it is more personal than online interactions. Direct mail is also sent to a household, whereas email is sent to one specific person. This is significant for educational marketing since it is a personal topic that is likely to be discussed among family members.

The lifespan of marketing materials is also an important factor. Products and services related to education may require a longer decision-making period. An email has a lifespan of only a few seconds, while direct mail’s lifespan averages 17 days.

Parents juggle countless responsibilities, but they will always prioritize educational opportunities for their children that will set them up for a successful future. Use direct mail to quickly show parents how your product or service will improve their child’s life while making their lives easier. Follow these four tips to increase your campaign’s efficiency using direct mail marketing to parents.

Find Family-Friendly Zip Codes to Mail to

You may have informative and well-designed marketing materials, but if they aren’t sent to an appropriate household, then they will not be effective. Looking at all American households, there is an average of less than one school-aged child per housing unit. So it is important to locate zip codes where high percentages of families with children reside.

When compiling or procuring a mailing list of parents, look for:

  • Households with an average size of three or more people.
  • An average age of about 30 years old. Studies have found that parents between the ages of 25 and 44 are more influenced by direct mail marketing than digital marketing.
  • Persons under the age of 10. These children are entering elementary school or preparing for middle school.
  • Persons aged 14 to 20. Children of this age are preparing for high school and college.

One Stop Mail Private Schools Marketing Tips Home

Surprisingly, the type of home can make a difference, too. A study by the National Association of Home Builders found that detached single-family homes have the highest number of school-aged children per unit. Rented units also have more children than owner-occupied units and existing homes have more children than newly constructed homes.

Prioritize zip codes containing larger households with Millennial-aged parents and high numbers of single-family homes. Avoid zip codes with small, older households and newly constructed neighborhoods. The more specific you can get with your target list, the more likely you are to be successful.

Educational Direct Mail NOT Advertorial

You’re not selling the parent a shiny new widget – you are selling an experience, product, or service that will positively impact their child. As such, your marketing materials should be more informational and less advertorial.

Of course, you want to get the parent’s attention, but direct mail affords the unique opportunity to give consumers a tangible experience with your brand. Use the opportunity to show parents why your school, experience, or product is right for their child.

Share information like:

  • Why kids will enjoy this experience
  • What the product or service means for parents
  • Why the barrier to entry is low
  • Concrete facts and statistics about your service’s impact
  • The versatility of your product or service
  • Images of your product in action
  • Testimonials
  • Upcoming events (like open houses or summer camps)

Direct mail, like postcards or event flyers, have a limited amount of space. Studies show that direct mail campaigns are most effective with a digital call-to-action directing them online for more information.

Use Private Schools Marketing To Show Parents Long-term Impact

Education is an investment and parents want to see how that pays off. Demonstrate the value of your opportunity, product, or service by showing parents the long-term impact it will have on their child. It is especially important for charter schools and post-secondary institutions to demonstrate how their school will influence their child’s academic prospects, future career, and success.

One Stop Mail Private Schools Marketing Tips Graduation

Convey impact by including metrics and qualities such as:

  • Lasting skills developed such as creativity, innovation, and problem-solving skills.
  • New friendships that teach social skills and relationships for potential networking.
  • Long-term success such as graduation rates, acceptance rates, or increases in test scores.
  • For college-bound students or career/tech schools, include job placement statistics and how your school will equip them to meet workforce demands.

Consider sharing a short success story. Parents want to be able to identify with real people and hear about their experiences with your product. Your current students and their parents are often influential spokespersons.

Parents want to know that they are providing their children with the best opportunities and it’s hard to argue with facts. Sharing information like that listed above is both relevant to your service and a great way to resonate with moms and dads who want the best for their kids.

Speak to Parents’ Direct Needs with Direct Mail

The day-to-day needs of parents will always vary, but a constant is occupying their children with enriching activities that will set them up for future success and ideally are fun and entertaining. This should be a clear message in your direct mail postcards and materials.

Be sure to include:

  • Approximate time activity or school will occupy
  • What their child will enjoy
  • What their child will learn
  • The level of parent commitment
  • How do you provide a safe and supportive community

One Stop Mail Private Schools Marketing Tips Art TeacherParents are busy and appreciate efforts to make their lives easier. Help them by making the message simple and easy to scan for significance. Make additional information easily accessible. Try including a QR code that leads to your website and be sure your contact information is clear.

Above all, parents need peace of mind.

Use your education direct mail to demonstrate the value of your service and show them the benefit and enjoyment their child will receive. Make it a clear and easy choice that gives parents peace of mind knowing their child is happy, well cared for, and receiving enriching opportunities.

Charter Vs. Christian Vs. Private School Marketing

A school could be considered one or any combination of a private, charter, or parochial/Christian school. Use your direct mail messaging to highlight which of these is most core to your school. While these aren’t mutually exclusive to one another, they give your marketing a targeted approach to likely households targeted with mailings.

  • Private Schools – messaging geared towards parents looking to provide a better education/experience for their child.
  • Charter Schools – messaging around alternatives to traditional public education options.
  • Christian Schools – messaging about how faith will help inform and shape a child’s education.

At One Stop Mail, our experts help you with your Direct Mail Marketing from start to finish. From mailing lists to design and fulfillment, our cost-effective services help deliver your message to your ideal customer.

Learn more about our Direct Mail Marketing Services or reach out online to tell us about your project and request a quote.

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How to Boost Your Mortgage Leads With Mortgage Mailers

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The competitive housing market is gearing up for another very busy spring season. With mortgage purchase originations expected to grow 9% in 2022, more consumers, businesses, and even organizations will be seeking mortgage programs. If your company is poised to take on new clients, now is a fantastic time to create a mortgage company direct mail campaign to take advantage of the uptick in the mortgage lending market.

As part of a well-rounded marketing strategy, a targeted, data-driven direct mail campaign helps to dramatically increase new leads and mortgage loan conversions. We dig into why direct mail can be an optimal fit for mortgage lead generation and how you can supercharge your marketing efforts.

Why Use Direct Mail For Mortgage Lead Generation

Houses with cactus

In a marketing landscape that’s becoming increasingly digital, direct mail remains one of the best ways to reach potential customers. In fact, direct mail use among mortgage companies alone has grown 439% in the past three years and shows no signs of slowing down precisely because of the overly crowded online space. Modern direct mail can leverage the modern data-driven targeting and list curation strategies to be the perfect complement to mortgage lending marketing programs.

Here are a few of the reasons mortgage companies prefer direct mail marketing:

  • Cost-effective: When done right, direct mail is far more cost-effective than many other alternative marketing strategies.
  • Targeted: With data-driven mailing lists, you can rest assured that your ads will target only the most qualified leads, boosting awareness and conversions.
  • Customizable: Mortgage direct mail products come in a variety of designs and are highly customizable, allowing you to stay on brand while sending the exact message you want to the right people.
  • Trackable: With advances in technology, direct mail marketing strategies are now more trackable than ever before. You’ll be able to see if your efforts are working and adjust when needed.
  • Off-line still works: Online advertising will always have its place in mortgage marketing, but direct mail is still an effective way to generate leads.

Use Custom, Data-Driven Mortgage Direct Mailing Lists

The first step to incorporating direct mail into your marketing strategy is to identify the ideal customer profiles that could become your next potential leads. Using a number of different factors, such as loan type, mortgage/interest rates, and other important demographic information, you can target the households that are most likely to need your services.

Woman Looking at mortgage mailersMortgage direct mailing lists are an essential part of reaching the right customers and informing them about your business. Since these lists are such a crucial element of your campaign’s success rates, it’s a good idea to turn to experts for help creating them. Direct mail experts will conduct a thorough review of the specific demographics in the neighborhoods you’re targeting, so you’ll know exactly whom you should be sending your direct mailers to.

If you already have mailing lists that aren’t performing as they should, direct mail list experts can also analyze them and make recommendations for improvement. They may even suggest additional names to add to your list or provide a “new movers” list.

Use A Range of Letters, Flyers & Postcards

After you’ve compiled your mailing list, the next step is to choose the best direct mail products to help you effectively reach these new leads. The three most popular choices for mortgage company direct mail marketing programs are personalized letters, flyers and postcards, each with its own advantages.

Mortgage Letters & Envelopes

Out of all the options, they feel the most formal and have more space for any information you may want to send. Mortgage letters are great for rate changes, previously funded, and many other types of notifications.

Mortgage Flyers

Somewhere between a traditional postcard and a letter is a customized flyer that can both get a potential client’s attention and deliver a relevant message. Sizes, designs and messaging can vary depending on the marketing goals of the company making them a highly flexible option.

Mortgage Postcards

Simple and straightforward, postcards are the most cost-effective choice to get into every lead’s mailbox. They are ideal for a quick message along with creative imagery and a call to action, featuring your business’ contact information.

Use Personalized Experiences With Variable Data Mailing

The best way for mortgage lenders to generate more potential leads using a direct mail campaign is to create a personalized experience using customer data and evolving trends.

Happy Smiling couple shaking hands with broker

The mortgage types and rates that your company offers will likely vary based on a potential customer’s qualifications, such as credit score and rental/buyer status. By accessing this information, you’ll be able to customize the kinds of direct mail you send to specific addresses and hopefully increase response rates.

For example, direct mail messages offering low down payment options can increase response rates for first-time homebuyers discouraged by the initial financial requirements of a mortgage. A well-executed direct mail campaign using customized imagery and messaging will be able to reach more qualified leads and encourage them to learn more about what your company has to offer.

Learn More About Your Mortgage Company Direct Mail Options

A direct mail campaign integrated into a well-rounded marketing strategy with multiple touchpoints is a great way to ensure that you’re reaching potential customers at every step. The team at One Stop Mail has experience in a wide variety of industries, including finance, and will be happy to help you achieve the best results possible from your mortgage direct mail campaign.

From choosing your direct mail products to compiling targeted mailing lists, our experts will work with you through every step to help your campaign perform at its best.

To learn more about our mortgage direct mail options, contact us at (602) 223-3003. Ready to get started? Request a free no-hassle direct mail quote!

Postcard for Dental Practice

Direct Mail Marketing for Dentists: What Services Will Help You Get More Patients?

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With the ability to effectively reach a local audience, direct mail is the perfect marketing tool for dental practices. From attracting new patients to staying in touch with existing patients–direct mail marketing for dentists can have many benefits. Read on to learn how dentists can benefit from direct mail and how to strategically use this tool to market your practice.

Why Dentists Should Have a Direct Mail Strategy

There are a number of ways that dentists can benefit from having a direct mail strategy in place:

Gives You an Opportunity to Stand Out

In a world that’s increasingly moving online, marketing communications have also shifted mostly to digital spaces even among smaller businesses. A survey by The Manifest found that 69% of small businesses communicate with consumers using only online channels while 23% use a combination of online and direct mail. As such, direct mail gives you the perfect opportunity to differentiate your dental practice from that of the competition.

Dentist- grow your practice with direct mail

Enables Multichannel Marketing

As your practice caters to a wide variety of people across different age groups and having varying behaviors, their choice of communication channel also varies. Direct mail allows you to extend your marketing to a different channel so you can connect with people who prefer to get physical mail with dentist postcards. 

High Response Rates

People are responsive to direct mail. In fact, the Data and Marketing Association found that direct mail campaigns see an average response rate of 9%. Moreover, consumers engage with 96% of all direct mail. 

Helps Fight Dental Anxiety

Dental anxiety is a common issue that plagues not just children but adults too. The proper marketing materials can be used to provide valuable information and ease this anxiety in existing and prospective patients. 

Mailer Marketing Strategies for Dentists

If you don’t want your mailers to end up in the trash, you need to be strategic with your approach. Here are some tips that you can use in your direct mail marketing strategy:

Reach the Right People with the Right Message

This is one of the most important steps in any direct mail marketing strategy. To make sure that your investment pays off, you need to get your marketing message to the right people. This means targeting the right market segments such as new movers who will need to find a dentist in their area, households with children, and households with seniors—target homes only within a few miles of your practice.

New Homeowners

Personalize Your Messaging for Different Segments

Dentists cater to a wide range of patients with varying needs, pain points, and concerns. So, the same marketing message may not have the same level of impact across different segments. For example, parents with several kids may not be too convinced by your top-of-the-line equipment but may be more interested in dental care packages to help them save money. 

It’s important that you craft different messages that will resonate with each of the market segments you want to target. Think about the unique challenges that each segment may be experiencing and develop your message to address those challenges.

Be Strategic About Design

Your dental postcard design should be impactful enough to hook in recipients. For starters, choose the right color representation to create a feeling of trust and security in prospective patients. This is a great way to subtly convince more people about your expertise and get them to make their first appointment with you.

Drive Costs Down With Automation

Leveraging direct mail automation can help you save time and reach your prospects and patients at the best time possible and at the best cost. For example, using a saturation list can help drive postage down as low as 17c per postcard.  

With customized mailing lists and personalized messaging, direct mail can be the perfect tool to attract new patients to your practice. Need help with direct mail marketing for dentists? Get in touch with One Stop Mail to learn more about our Healthcare Direct Mail Marketing service.

 

OSM Blog Hero image How to grow your medical practice 1

How to Grow Your Medical Practice Exponentially with Direct Mail

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When seeking to attract new patients to your practice, you might be inclined to look first toward digital marketing instead of its alternative, direct mail. Let’s face it: most businesses today are focused on social selling and online ads, questioning, “Does direct mail still work?” The truth is, if you’re wondering how to grow your medical practice in 2022, direct mail might be the best option. It’s cost-effective, targeted, and can deliver significant ROI.   

How to Leverage New Mover Direct Mail to Grow Your Practice  

On average, about 41 million Americans move each year. And when they move, they need to find local providers, including medical and dental professionals. They often don’t know the area at all and rely on the information they receive in the mail to make a choice of where to schedule their next appointment.

Consider these statistics about mail from the USPS for why direct mail still works:   

  • 67% of people feel mail is more personal than the internet.  
  • 55% look forward to exploring their mail. 
  • 56% feel that receiving mail is a pleasure.  

Buying a list of new homeowners and sending them direct mail can help them learn about the area, make them feel welcome, and encourage them to call you to learn more.  

Turning New Movers into New Patients  

How to grow your medical practice new moversIf you’re wondering how to grow your medical practice, residents near your practice provide a perfect option. For instance, when a family moves to a new location, they want to gain familiarity with the neighborhood. Mail helps them establish a sense of place. They are looking for a new dentist or physician who is welcoming, knowledgeable, and friendly. The same is true of current residents, who may be considering another medical or dental provider for their family. By showing up in their homes via direct mail, you help develop name recognition and erase barriers there might have been with clicking on a digital banner. They can’t ignore your message when a postcard or newsletter is in their hands.  

Medical offices are crushing sales goals through the use of direct mail. For new movers, just letting them know you’re accepting new patients and including a coupon can help them get over that initial hurdle and schedule an appointment.     

Best Practices for How to Grow Your Medical Practice  

Wondering how to grow your medical practice? With direct marketing, it’s all about the message you’re sending.

How to grow your medical practice mailbox1. Showcase Your Expertise  

While you may be inclined to jump right to advertising your practice, your future patients need to trust you first. By sharing information such as tips for better health, you’ll teach them something and share information without asking them for anything. Certainly, you’ll have your contact information on the piece, but it’s not a hard sell. When they need you, they’ll remember your expertise and generosity.   

2. Calm Fears  

Many people are, unfortunately, afraid of doctors and dentists. Add in the fact that we’ve been dealing with a pandemic for nearly two years now and you can understand people’s anxiety about scheduling a medical appointment. You can assuage those fears by addressing them outright. “We specialize in putting your fears to rest” is a great opening statement, especially for people who are apprehensive. Another approach for how to grow your medical practice is to focus on your practice’s safety and cleaning protocols. Answer the questions they have before they even have the opportunity to ask them.  

3. Help Potential Patients Find You  

People who live in your area may not realize that your office is just a few miles from their home. Help them by adding a map to your direct mail piece. That’s why direct mail works: It gives you plenty of areas to share information, creates a sense of trust, and lets readers know where you are. 

Give New Patients Options with Direct Mail  

How to grow your medical practice man checking mail

According to the USPS, 98% of consumers bring in their mail the day it’s delivered. If you wonder does direct mail still works, there’s your answer. Plus, 73% of advertising gets scanned, if not read, and 76% of consumers trust direct mail. How to grow your medical practice is clear with direct mail.

Learn more about how One Stop Mail makes a difference for medical practices and contact us to get started!   

 

OSM Ebook Image UpdatedWhether you need to generate new business or keep in touch with existing customers, you need to know the best ways to contact them.

Download this free eBook now and learn!

 

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How to Choose Between EDDM, Targeted, or Saturation Mailing Lists

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Searching for new ways to reach out to potential leads and turn them into customers? Every business must develop its own unique combination of three common lists to gain an edge over its competitors and effectively reach its audience. EDDM, saturation, or targeted mailing lists are three direct mail marketing strategies that can be a great addition to any direct mail plan.

Despite so much of today’s advertising being digital, direct mail marketing is a very effective way to bring in new potential customers. In fact, direct mail still accounts for the largest portion of U.S. ad spend. Knowing exactly which direct mail marketing strategies are best for your business can help you get even greater results.

In this article, we will go over the 3 main types of direct mail tactics that your business can employ, weighing the pros and cons of each. Equipped with this information, you’ll be better prepared to work with a direct mail agency to get your business in front of valuable new leads.

EDDM vs. Saturation vs. Targeted: What’s the Difference?

saturation mailing lists woman checking mail arriving homeFirst, let’s start with the difference between EDDM and saturation mailing lists. These two options are often confused with each other, but there are some key differences between them. EDDM (Every Door Direct Mail) is a program designed by the USPS as an easy and cost-effective way to get a business’ ads to customers without the need for a mailing list (as no direct addresses are listed).

Saturation mailing is a very similar program to EDDM, but it does require a mailing list, and addresses are included on the mailed advertisements.

The third option, targeted mailing, is far more personalized. Rather than sending mailers to everyone in a specified area, this method uses specific criteria to send advertisements to the addresses of qualified leads.

With so many options available, it can be difficult to know which direct mail marketing strategy is best for your business. Next, we’ll go into more detail about each service and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using one method over another. Ultimately, direct mail marketing experts can provide you with all the information you need to help you choose the best option.

EDDM (Every Door Direct Mail)

EDDM is an efficient way to distribute your business’ advertisements to every mailing address within a specific region. Since these advertisements don’t require a name or address, they save you the trouble of purchasing mailing lists.

There are many pros to using EDDM, but the most important may be that it is one of the more cost-effective options. Since the post office doesn’t have to do any special handling or preparation, and the program follows a carrier’s regular postal route, you can save on postage and avoid the costs associated with purchasing mailing lists.

There are also a few drawbacks to EDDM. First, the service is only meant to be used for flats (like postcards, newsletters, or folded pamphlets), meaning the mail you can send is limited to very specific sizes. A second disadvantage to EDDM is that, without names or addresses, it can feel less personalized than other methods.

Saturation Mailing Lists

saturation mailing lists mailboxesSaturation mailing campaigns are a more personalized version of EDDM. Saturation mailing works mostly the same way as traditional EDDM, but names and addresses are included on the mailers (or more commonly “Current Resident). In contrast to EDDM, this method does require you to purchase a mailing list.

One standout benefit of this method over EDDM is that a saturation mailing is not limited by size, which can give you more options for your bulk direct mail tactics. Even though you’ll have to pay for mailing lists, the postage will still be inexpensive compared to targeted advertising. Saturation lists qualify for the lowest bulk postage rates of all three methods because of their delivery efficiency.

As with EDDM, one disadvantage to using saturation mailing lists is that they aren’t as personalized as targeted efforts. This means that, although you are reaching more households, you may not always be reaching the right potential customers.

Targeted Mailing Lists

If you’re looking to narrow down your direct mail tactics to a more specific audience, then targeted mailing lists may be the right choice for you. With this strategy, instead of sending your mailers to everyone within a specific geographical area, you purchase one or more mailing lists with the addresses of qualified leads who are more likely to need your products or services.

One obvious benefit of a targeted mailing is that it allows you to focus on the right audience, which can help significantly increase response rates. This is especially helpful for businesses whose products are geared to a more specific or “niche” customer base.

However, one of the biggest downsides of targeted mailing is that it is more expensive than the previous two options. You also need to be sure that you purchase your data-driven mailing lists from a reputable source. When you partner with a full-service direct mail agency, they can even create customized, targeted lists for you.

Which Option Is Right for Your Business?

saturation mailing lists woman opening seeing her mail in front of mailboxThe right option will depend on your marketing goals and the results you want to see from your campaign. Does your company want to generate more potential leads, drive up sales, or increase customer loyalty? To get the most out of a direct mail marketing strategy, you’ll need a clear objective and metrics for tracking your results.

Before you make your decision, take some time to think about the kinds of customers you want to attract and the best ways to reach them. Each of the three direct mail tactics has its own benefits and drawbacks for specific businesses and industries.

For example, larger businesses that want to reach a broad range of potential customers might be better off using EDDM or saturation mailing lists. For businesses that have a specific niche and know exactly who their target audience is, the extra cost of targeted mailing could be offset by the ability to engage with pre-qualified potential leads directly.

A Direct Mail Agency Can Help You Choose

Even if you think you know which option you should choose, you may be missing critical information that could help you make the most effective decision. Partnering with a direct mail agency helps to ensure you get the most out of your direct mail marketing campaign.

Having experienced direct mail marketing experts in your corner can give you all the tools you need to fine-tune your strategy to achieve the best results. Not only will they help you pinpoint your method and create your direct mail campaign, but they can also show you the best ways to execute your plan to achieve maximum results.

Ready to learn more about your options and create your direct mail marketing plan? Reach out to us today at (602) 223-3003 or contact us.

 

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