The direct mail industry experienced some big transformations in 2021, proving it is alive and thriving. With the over-saturation of digital tactics, marketing strategists have gained significant momentum from partnering with direct mail companies to fill the need for tangible marketing contact. If you’re unsure of the most effective direct mail ideas for your business, here are some of our best tips to jumpstart the new year, wow your audiences, and build your business in 2022. 

1. Personalized Direct Mail

The days of mass mail blasts with the accompanying high postage cost and long delivery estimates are on their way out. Direct mail today has adopted highly complex, data-driven technology allowing for more personalized and customized mail strategies that bring a higher ROI. 

Mailing lists have progressed to allow a very specific audience. You can use specific data points to create a specific variable piece that will connect with your audience.

2. B2B Direct Mail Ideas for Small Businesses

After COVID-19 devastated brick-and-mortar retailers, many transitioned from in-person to online. With the oversaturation of the online market, direct mail has allowed many businesses that suffered losses, especially local businesses, to reach recipients in a physical way. They can deliver messages to their audiences with special promotions and offers that will bring customers back through the door.

As the world continues to re-open in 2022, so will the opportunities for B2B direct mail, compensating for the new demand for safe, contact-free ways of achieving tangible connections. A direct mail company can help you strategize the best direct mail ideas to connect you with other businesses.

3. Adopt COVID-19 Messaging 

The pandemic has left a lasting impact on humanity and our economy over the past few years. Now that things are opening back up, marketers should emphasize COVID-19 messaging as a critical strategy to inform customers that businesses are safe and conscientious. 

The messaging should be welcoming and reassuring. Words like “contactless delivery,” “social distancing,” and “safety first” help audiences feel confident that your business has taken the necessary steps to stay safe.  

4. 2022: The Year of the Postcard

Sometimes less is more. Postcards come in various small sizes, for example, six-inch by nine-inch postcards have become a great direct mail solution over the past few years as people are spending less time reading lengthy and wordy advertisements in the mail. 

Economical from a printing and production and posting standpoint.

5. Integrate QR Codes

QR Codes have been around for years but have recently become increasingly popular with the boom of online interaction and integration with businesses. Applying QR codes to your direct mail campaign is an efficient way to automate interaction with customers, prompting them to visit a website, view a menu, or visit a social media profile

Adding QR codes also helps with sales funnels, moving customers from physical to digital then back to physical. You can send out a QR code prompting a scan to get a discount, then customers quickly move to the website to redeem, and finally use the discount in-person or online to purchase. 

6. Free Samples

Everyone loves a free sample. Incorporating free samples into your direct mail campaign is a highly effective way to familiarize customers with your brand and jumpstart sales. If your recipients are impressed by the sample they tried, they are more likely to purchase more products and recommend you to a friend. 

Partnering with a direct mail company can guide you to creative ways to utilize samples into your marketing messaging to reap a higher ROI. 

7. Compact Copy

Short and sweet is the trick to direct mail copy. Currently, direct mail copy is nearly half the length it was just a few years ago. In order to grab the recipient’s attention, direct mail demands an effective and easy copy with a clear call to action. 

Keep colors lively and fun. Using bright colors with a bold headline can capture attention. Sentences should be short with as few bullet points as possible. Copy should create a response or emotion, sparking curiosity for the customer to want to know more. Direct mail experts can guide you in drafting eye-catching copy for all your marketing needs. 

8. Highlight Perks

Direct mail is an exceptional way to let your audience know what deals you are promoting. Instead of promoting your business, promote the deal you are offering. That should be the first thing the customer sees. 

For example, Bed Bath & Beyond is well known for its monthly coupon. The largest font on the postcard is the 20% off feature of the coupon. Customers want to immediately know what they will be getting by shopping with you. 

Direct Mail Going Strong in 2022

We definitely won’t be seeing direct mail die down any time soon. It has proven itself to be a powerful player in the pandemic marketing industry. With innovative technologies, adaptive marketing strategies, and fresh takes on the traditional formats, businesses can use it to reach financial prosperity in the new year. Work with a direct mail company like One Stop Mail to help you narrow in on which of these direct mail ideas would work best for your business to kick off a goal-shattering 2022. Contact us at (602) 223-3003

 

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