Tag Archive for: EDDM

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Want to Entice Clients? See Irresistible Offer Examples

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

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7 Industries Still Crushing Sales Goals with Direct Mail Marketing

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

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.

 

Want Help Crushing Your Sales Goals? Get our 25-page Strategy eBook Free! Click the image below.

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Direct Mail Catalogs Are Centuries Old… And Still Relevant!

There’s a very common misconception about the history of advertising, and that’s the idea Arron Montgomery Ward created direct mail catalogs.  While Ward was a pioneer, he was far from the first.

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Direct Digital Printing Allows For Creative Marketing Outreach

Welcome back!  This is part three in our series of articles highlighting some of the less-known or less-often used products that can be produced with direct digital printing services.  (Here are Part 1 and Part 2 if you missed them.)

There’s no need for more buildup; let’s just get right into more great ideas for integrating digital print into your marketing and outreach!

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Digital Printing Service Ideas

More Possibilities In Digital Printing Services, Part 1

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It’s easy to neglect real-world advertising and outreach when there are so many new and trendy ways of engaging in e-marketing.  However, while electronic media have gotten all the press, digital printing service options have been continuing to get ever-better.

Digital printing now offers numerous new options for getting your message out, and physical media is still one of the most effective forms of local outreach you can engage in.  So, we wanted to write a few blogs highlighting some of the lesser-used forms of printed marketing, in hopes of giving you new ideas for your local campaigns.

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More Possibilities for a Digital Printing Company, Part 2

Welcome back!  This is Part 2 in our ongoing series exploring many of the lesser-used options in marketing when businesses uses a digital printing company.  (You can find Part 1 here.)

Digital printing has revolutionized print marketing in many ways, as well as re-energizing some older forms of advertisements which had previously been seen as passe‘ thanks to the outdated technologies behind them.  However, with today’s digital print options, there’s a new world of options for reaching out through printed mediums.

So, we have some more ideas you might be able to employ to kickstart your local marketing campaigns.

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Winter is coming: Get a jump on your holiday direct marketing tactics

When it comes to holiday marketing, it’s time to start planning for it. The Holiday season – starting with Black Friday and continuing through New Years – is prime retail season for everyone, and you should focus your budget on proven direct marketing tactics.

Direct marketing via postal mail can still have a vital role to play, especially for smaller shops looking to compete with the “big box” stores in town. Creative, interesting, and engaging holiday marketing materials will help ensure people remember you, no matter what Macy’s has on special.

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Personalize Your Direct Mail Campaign Without Crossing the Line

One of the most contentious issues in marketing today is the issue of privacy, especially in regards to data-gathering.  A recent Pew Poll showed significant across-the-board concerns about the amount of private information that’s getting into the hands of business, and this is undoubtedly affecting customers’ attitudes towards companies and targeted direct mail campaigns.
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Building the Best Direct Mail Campaigns

With a well-rounded understanding of the difference between branding and marketing, irresistible offers, and tracking methods, any business can craft the best direct mail campaigns. Below is a sample marketing campaign to show the benefits and ease of creation for even small business owners.

Branding or Marketing the Best Direct Mail Campaigns

 

Quality-Auto Used Cars is gearing up for an end of summer marketing campaign. They are purchasing many used vehicles and know they need to sell 200 vehicles during their upcoming weekend event. Jeff, the marketing specialist for the dealership, determines they need a direct mail marketing campaign due to their expectations of trackable results, not simply brand recognition for the dealership. With the understanding that getting people onto the car lot will require incentives, the dealership staff begins to brainstorm ideas.

Crafting an Irresistible Offer

 

The best direct mail campaigns will have a strong core offering that attracts the ideal customer. The dealership staff discuss core offerings for some time and ultimately decide every attendee will receive a hot dog and soda during the “End of Summer Blowout BBQ”. All test drivers who purchase a vehicle will receive a $100 gas card, and 3 lucky winners will receive a BBQ smoker.

Implementing a Tracking Method

 

Quality-Auto Used Cars decides they will design the campaign postcard as cut-out tickets which can be used as food vouchers and raffle prize entry tickets. This allows the dealership to track the turnout based on the response to the direct mail marketing postcards. The dealership will ask customers where they heard of the event during the sale process to ensure all vehicle sales resulting from the direct mail campaign are given due credit.

Contacting a Direct Mail Marketing Company

 

Jeff, the dealership’s marketing specialist contacts Tony from One Stop Mail to get help with the direct mail marketing campaign. Tony suggests using One Stop Mail’s graphic design services to create a captivating illustration for the direct mail postcards. Once Jeff approves the final design, One Stop Mail uses Every Door Direct Mail, a USPS service, to deliver the postcard to all homes within a 5-mile radius of the dealership. One Stop Mail handles the difficult work and ensures the postcards are printed, sorted, and delivered at the local post office to be mailed by USPS.

Analyzing the Campaign

 

Now that the team at Quality-Auto Used cars completes their weekend long sale event, they can analyze the campaign see the benefit of direct mail marketing. Iterations are important in all forms of marketing. As a result, the dealership staff determines if they want to run a second mail marketing campaign using variable data printing, to ensure all prospects who did not purchase a car will receive a voucher for a free oil change and tire rotation with purchase of a vehicle.

This re-marketing allows the dealership to capture a greater percentage of consumers who showed an initial interest in a vehicle and attended the sale event, With variable data printing, the dealership was able to customize each letter sent, using the name of each person who test-drove a vehicle to add a personalized touch and increase the response rate.

As you are planning one of the best direct mail marketing campaigns for your business, contact One Stop Mail for a quote or simply call 602.233.3003 to learn more about how we can help you achieve your marketing goals.