gain new business with HVAC direct mail campaign

Attracting New Customers with HVAC Direct Mail Postcards

When you rely on local customers to keep your HVAC business moving along, finding those customers is like a trade secret. Word of mouth and online searches can only get you so far. And while digital marketing is keeping you connected to your community, it doesn’t always deliver on new, local business when you need it, unlike HVAC direct mail postcards.

In the face of the digital era, one of the best ways to target new customers close to you is actually through tangible HVAC direct mail postcards. The pieces of print are put in the hands of the specific customers you want to help you grow your business.

Why Invest in HVAC Direct Mail Postcards as ads?

Direct mail postcards for heating and cooling companies provide three clear advantages:

  • High ROI (Return on Investment) on marketing dollars
  • Less competition
  • Potential high volume in conversions

variable data printing mail bundle

Not only is an HVAC direct mail campaign simple to execute, but it’s also cost effective with one of marketing’s best returns on investment. Why does such an “old school” strategy sent via snail mail work?

Because some see direct mail postcards as traditional and old-fashioned, fewer businesses are doing it, so your postcard has the potential to help you stand out in the competitive crowd.

Studies confirm that about twice as many people notice and read direct mail over email messages. Direct marketing emails end up stored away in an overflowing inbox or worse yet, a junk folder. Postcards get passed around or even pinned up on a wall or refrigerator as a reminder.

Nearly 60% of $65K+ households purchase from Direct Mail.

Postcard Template Design Matters

HVAC Direct Mail PostcardsDesigning and printing postcards is the key to a successful direct marketing campaign. To get the best value and most customers, there are five key tips to follow when designing your HVAC direct mail postcards.

  1. Apply the 40-20-20 rule. Direct mail marketers like to use this rule to determine how successful a campaign will be. The success rate is 40% dependent on the offer or promotion, 40% on a quality mailing list, and 20% on copy and design.
  2. Keep it simple. Customers should be able to look at your HVAC direct mail postcard and immediately know who you are and what you are offering. This means it should be easy to read, clearly communicate the value you offer, and build brand awareness. All at a quick glance.
  3. Advertising templates are okay.  Whether you see an ad you’d like to emulate or have crafted a few basic designs yourself, using a proven template that you like and that resonates with your customer saves you time and money on the design itself.
  4. Make it colorful and bold. Use colors and various font sizes to help you communicate key points. Larger, bold, or colored fonts demand more attention and using them then creates an information hierarchy, visually queuing readers what to look at first. Headlines and Calls to Action should be in a font larger than the details.
  5. Research your target market. You can be very precise in building you lists and select exactly who has the opportunity to see your postcard – from economic demographics to local neighborhoods. You can also exclude those outside of your service area and renters, who don’t tend to make HVAC repair or maintenance calls.
  6. Timing is everything. People don’t tend to think about their A/C systems when the weather is cool, or their heaters when the outside temperatures are soaring. To even the flow of work, aim to send your postcards throughout the year by changing up the images, headlines, and offers to remain relevant.

Use a Strong Call to Action in Direct Mail Marketing

Potential customers receiving your postcards should be engaged and left with a clear direction. Why should they respond? Without this direction and subsequent responses, your postcards will gather impressions but no business.

Every postcard should have one clear Call to Action – what the reader should do with the information you’ve just provided. This could mean visiting your website for more information, but ideally it means calling you to schedule service.

Promotions or offers are a great way to engage and entice potential customers, however, discount with caution so that you don’t give away so much that the direct mail postcards are no longer cost-effective.

For example, a $50 discount may bring in less customers than a $100 discount, but those customers attracted to the better deal may not be long-term customers (i.e. they are in it for the deal only).

When including a promotional offer, try to limit one promotion per postcard. This makes the Call to Action crystal clear.

Use HVAC Ads & Mailers to Build Your Brand

As part of a larger strategy that also includes digital marketing, the postcards provide another touchpoint to potential customers. The more places that they see your logo and business name – your brand – the more likely they are to remember and call on you when they need your services.

Direct mail postcards are great for gathering new customers, but they also work well to spark repeat business. Even more so when offering coupons or deals for regular service, such as an A/C tune-up. You can also use postcards to thank those customers, offer a referral bonus, or remind them of the service when the season comes around again.

Analyzing your strategy and tracking your results is also easy with direct mail postcards. Just use unique promotional codes associated with each campaign so you’ll know which campaigns brought in the most business.

Partner with One Stop Mail on your HVAC Direct Mail Postcard Campaign

gain new business with HVAC direct mail campaignFrom finding leads to nurturing repeat business, HVAC direct mail postcards could be your standout marketing strategy, priming you for growth and profits. Is it time for your HVAC business to hit the mailboxes?

By working with One Stop Mail you’ll benefit from our nearly 40 years in the direct mail and print services industry. In addition to direct mail postcards, we also specialize in mailing list, direct mail service, print and graphic design, offset printing, digital printing services, data service, and easy fulfillment.

To reach those new customers via your custom HVAC direct mail postcards, request a quote from One Stop Mail. We’ll provide you with the information you need as we guide you through the options that may be right for you and your HVAC business. Reach out to us today at [email protected] or (602) 233-3003.

Postcard for Dental Practice

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

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.

 

direct mail coupons man holding gift voucher

Simple Ways to Get Explosive Growth with Direct Mail Coupons

Contrary to what many believe, the time-honored method of reaching people by mail is not dead. Catch the attention of potential customers by sending them direct mail coupons, something tangible in this digital world. Customization is key to reaching new clients and inspiring them to act.

Coupons appeal to consumers, and not just the family’s main meal planner. In 2013, 60% of printed coupons were for non-food items, such as clothing, cleaning products, restaurant meals, and office supplies. There is so much opportunity for things other than groceries!

Do Direct Mail Coupons Still Work?

DirectMailCoupon EXCoupons can play a big role in direct mail campaigns. Almost everyone uses coupons, and a good coupon marketing campaign can drive new customers to your business. Did you know that 94% of consumers still use coupons? Keep shoppers coming back to your brand or steal them from your competitors by reminding them of current offers.

Combining direct mail coupons with digital products such as online rewards programs can help reach consumers across multiple channels. A great marketing strategy can bring new business through your doors, to your website or social media, or to your app. “81% of consumers would take additional action, such as enrolling in a loyalty program, to redeem a rebate or coupon.”

Campaign Options

There are many considerations to make when starting a direct mail coupon campaign.

What?

If you’re all set with consistent branding, next is your marketing message.

  • Start with a value statement. Why should the customer take advantage of your product or service? What sets your brand apart from the rest?
  • Use quality messaging. Clearly state the rules of your promotion. Make it easy for them to redeem the offer using a code or something that can be scanned. Use simple, clear language and good design for readability.
  • Offer variety. Include companion offers to entice potential consumers who may not be interested in your first deal.
  • Give the offer an expiration date to create urgency.

How Much?

direct mail coupons opening envelope with a coupon insideRetailers of all sizes can use coupons and anticipate good results. The most common coupons you see are dollar or percentage off. Most of all, make it worth their while. “43 percent of shoppers agree that clipping coupons are a good investment of time when the discount is worth up to 25% off.”

How Many?

The correct frequency and reach is a sweet spot that can only be found by working together to determine the perfect combination to exceed the return on investment.

Coupons are very easy to measure. Calculate direct sales conversions by comparing the number of coupons redeemed versus the number mailed out. Not sure what’s best? Try sending out two or three different offers to see which one performs better.

Tangible Marketing with Direct Mail Coupons

direct mail coupons hand holding two couponsNew brands are harder to overlook when they’re presented as physical objects. Emails can be deleted and digital ads can be ignored, but a piece of paper in your mailbox has a much higher retention rate, even if they only see your logo or retail store colors. Variable data (like a name associated with a postal address) gives your postcard, letter, etc. a level of personal connection.

One of the most popular examples of direct mail coupons is a full-color, two-sided postcard. Make the offer compelling and the design eye-catching and this is a marketing piece that will end up in the “keep” pile or on the refrigerator.

More Information on Direct Mail Coupons

Think of a direct mail coupon campaign as just the beginning. If you provide an excellent buying experience for the customers, they will come back for more! Hook them and then keep them interested with direct mail and follow-ups.

Feeling overwhelmed? The team at One Stop Mail will help guide you through this process. We’re familiar with obtaining targeted lists, designing eye-catching mail products, printing, bulk mailing, and digital follow-ups.

We offer results-driven direct mail marketing focused on achieving your call to action. Still not sure where to start? We can help!

restaurant direct mail restaurant owner and chef

3 Eye-Opening Restaurant Direct Mail Marketing Tips that Fill Seats

Dining out is an integral part of American life. It’s estimated that 163 million adults or roughly 64% of U.S. citizens eat out once a week. That equates to about $602 billion a year. That’s a lot of cheddar! A restaurant direct mail marketing campaign can help you get your share.

There are the three critical direct mail campaign steps that can result in more profit so you can expand into new locations or simply create peace of mind for you and your staff.

Before we get into the basics of restaurant direct mail, you may wonder if mail is still a viable marketing tool. Yes…

Direct Mail Delivers

It’s more than a catchy headline – direct mail converts more prospects to customers than email alone. According to the Association of National Advertisers, 4.9% of direct mail recipients buy from advertisers versus 1% for email alone. That’s four times more new buyers!

Additional research shows that 76% of Americans trust mailed advertisements. Read more about direct mail stats in this recent One Stop Mail article. Or learn specifics about the keys to restaurant direct mail marketing success by reading on.

Targeted Mailings

restaurant direct mail multiracial friends at a restaurantThis is more important than ever for restaurants that depend on ongoing patronage to be successful. A direct mail campaign sent to all the homes and businesses in your geographic area is better than no direct mail, but by segmenting your audience, you can deliver what it is they’re looking for.

New customers may be attracted by your menu, testimonials, or a good rating from a local entertainment guide, while new business customers might want to know about catering or easy pickup service.

Your patrons already like you and may want to know about menu changes or specials that say, “Thank you,” for being a regular diner.

Multiple mailing lists are important so you can target your customers – both consumers and businesses, new customer prospects, and business prospects. Deliver mailers that are meaningful to each of your target audiences.

Variable data printing can customize a postcard or mailer to fit multiple audiences. Add a different introduction, offer or call-to-action to speak to your targeted customer and get the best results.

You can also customize coupons, because…

Coupons are King

restaurant direct mail barista holding gift voucherNo surprise here – consumers love getting a deal. However, you may not have thought that you don’t have to offer deep discounts to new customers.

A new menu item can be an opportunity to cement the loyalty of regular patrons by sending a mailer to your house-customer list announcing the new item and giving them a small “regulars” discount to try something. Your long-time customers will feel valued and special.

If you’d rather capture new customers, send the announcement to a prospect list that targets homeowners in the geographic area of your restaurant. Customize the list to reach individuals in a particular income demographic or homes with children if you own a family establishment. Invite prospects to your restaurant to try the new dish or any of the other succulent items on your menu.

Bonus Pro Tip – Send different coupons to your regular customers and prospects to maximize results. Your goal is different with each group, to preserve an ongoing, valuable relationship versus establishing a new one. New customers may want to try a variety of items and enjoy a free appetizer with the purchase of a full-price main course.

A Restaurant Direct Mail Marketing Must: Standout Color

To ensure that your mailer always rises to the top of a crowded mailbox above your competitors, use show-stopping color. Yes, your restaurant direct mail must align to brand specifications, but the color must be vibrant and jump off the page to stop readers in their tracks.

You also aim to have your mailer stay in your patrons’ homes, on bulletin boards or refrigerators. Although mailers stay around homes an average of 17 days, if your restaurant’s postcard is beautiful, fun, or elegant – you may just exceed the average and get more top-of-mind awareness.

Getting off-the-chart color isn’t easy. Retain the services of an experienced graphic designer and commercial printer with years of experience in creating winning direct mail campaigns.

Fill Every Seat

restaurant direct mail people eating outside a restaurantRestaurants are essential to communities. Help more of your neighbors discover where to enjoy delicious, nourishing meals and a special atmosphere so your restaurant can experience longevity and long-term profitability.

One Stop Mail has professionals who are knowledgeable in restaurant direct mail marketing who can create your mailer from start to finish. Before your next direct mail campaign, call Marty at 602.962.4062 or request a quote online.

For more Direct Mail resources, click here. 

Pool Service Marketing Tips image One Stop Mail web

5 Pool Service Marketing Tips To Attract New Customers

“Summertime and the living’s easy” or so the song goes. A clean, cool pool makes summer living super easy. If you’re a pool service pro, this season is likely your busiest and most lucrative time of year. Keep your calendar full and hold off the competition with the latest targeted pool service marketing tactics.

Whether you have an established route of customers, you’re building from scratch, or expanding into new territory, these 4 steps can make summer an easy, fun season for pool owners in your area!

Pool Service Marketing Tip 1: Stay Within Their Sights

Pool Service Marketing Tips with pool service man cleaning and checking PH level of pool One Stop Mail webIf you’re not ready to expand, it’s smart to stay visible. Even your best customers could be tempted by a “new customer offer” from a competitor. Remind your customers and tell prospects what your super-power is to maintain your customer base.

Remind them why they want your services – you’re the best pool maintenance and repair service with hundreds of perfect Google reviews, or perhaps you include an extra service like basic deck-washing at no additional fee, or maybe you offer pool accessories at rock-bottom prices.

Now that you’ve determined that you need to communicate to your customers, what’s the best reminder? Swimming pool postcards – here’s why:

Postcards have staying power

The results are in, and surveys show that marketing mail stays around an average of 17 days. Imagine how long pool owners will keep a colorful postcard or killer offer. It’s the perfect size to hang on a refrigerator, bulletin board, or tape to a whiteboard giving decision-makers repeated exposure to your service.

People read marketing mail

The same survey says a whopping 42.2% of people read or scan their mail; 59% say that they look forward to receiving it. That’s good news for you and your pool service because your message will probably be well-received in most homes.

Pool Service Marketing Tip 2: Speak Directly to Customers

Pug Postcard for variable data printing personalized for pool party webThere’s a reason why major online brands present browsers with a personalized experience – it’s because they get better responses. And, a 2020 Forbes article tells us why – shoppers prefer personalized experiences.

If it’s true online, wouldn’t it be true for postcards received in their mailbox? Using a customer’s name tells them that they are important to you and can be a door into their world.

Today, the marketing pool services business can personalize every aspect of a postcard – the recipient’s name, the offer, the call-to-action without emptying the piggy bank. Personalization, also called variable data printing, is within reach thanks to digital technology.

Pool Service Marketing Tip 3: Target Best Customers

If you’ve been in business for a while, you know the characteristics of customers who get the high-cost services and stay with you long-term. They probably live in a particular neighborhood, are of a particular age, have kids, and have a college degree.

Compiling a mail list of potential best customers to receive your swimming pool postcards offers the best chance of success.

Reach out to new homeowners. Since they’ve recently moved to the area, they’ll be looking for local service providers – including pool professionals! Remember to include a new mover special to attract their business.

Sure, you could send a postcard to your entire service area, but why not save some budget to do multiple mailings? Remember – you want to target your best new customers, stay in their sights and that means multiple exposures to your service and superpower.

Take Your Pool Service Marketing to the Next Level

If you want to stand out in a crowded mailbox, a professionally designed postcard is a must. The design and offer should be so compelling that the recipient wants to give it an honorary spot in the kitchen or office.

pool service man cleaning pool webAdditionally, mailing list professionals can help you create ideal lists to reach the customers you want. Don’t waste time and cash by using a scattershot approach to pool service marketing – if you want results, get experienced pros.

One Stop Mail has worked with business owners to reach their sales goals through direct mail marketing. They’re mail list experts with professional graphic design services on-site.

For 15+ years, they’ve offered exceptional printing and fulfillment services, and have created direct mail campaigns for business customers of all sizes. They can recommend the type and frequency of mailings to help you meet your goals.

Want more tips to help you reach your business goals? Check out these direct mail resources.

Holly Emerson One Stop Mail Staff


To get a quote on your next pool service marketing project, contact us or call (602) 233–3003.

bulk direct mail services young girl near posting box web

6 Ridiculously Easy Ways to Get More Leads with Bulk Direct Mail

These days it seems like everyone is about building an email list. Customer relationship management exists in solely online spaces and is built to target those whose information can be collected digitally. Is it possible that so many industries are missing out on bulk direct mail services?

Bulk Direct Mail Services One Stop Mail showing letters in a mailbox webThis print service offers a variety of ways to reach potential leads and build out your contact lists. And not only does direct mail work in a variety of industries, but it also fits many budgets. You can tweak a direct mail plan to be affordable or more expensive with just a few simple changes. In the end, you collect more leads.

Discover the six ridiculously simple ways to collect more leads with bulk direct mail services.

1. Increase Brand Awareness

They can’t become your customer if they have never heard of you before. Direct mail is an excellent way to get your name, branding, and value propositions in front of people by delivering directly into their hands.

Bulk direct mail services offer an opportunity to send flyers, coupons, postcards, and more to every address in a given area. For a new business, this can be particularly important as a way to build brand awareness.

2. Get Your Message Out Faster Than an Ad Campaign

Ad campaigns take time and often have multiple stages of rollout. Ad campaigns may also be dependent on the release schedules of the publications they appear in, such as newspapers. Marketing advisors may even suggest scheduling a budget ad campaign over 40 weeks to get the right amount of notice.

A direct mail campaign, however, takes only the time of design and printing to get in the hands of new potential leads. Though you may schedule waves of your direct mailings similar to a traditional ad campaign, you can feel confident that you are getting more individual notice faster as potential leads hold your independent flyer or postcard.

3. Reach Millennials with Bulk Direct Mail Services

bulk direct mail services people with cellphones webOne of the most surprising direct mail statistics is how much it appeals to the Millennial generation. Known for their digital upbringing, Millennials are often thought of as strictly digital prospects. But the novelty of direct mail seems to attract this segment of buyers in a unique way.

In fact, 88% of Millennials look at their mail. They are checking to make sure nothing of value is missed and the vast majority—80%—say they look forward to this chore. When it comes to direct mail, Millennials remain just as engaged, with 66% bringing pieces such as coupons to brick and mortar store locations or following directions to a website.

For businesses that are looking to target Millennials—a group now squarely in their 30s and invested in career-building, homeownership, and childrearing—enacting a direct mail marketing campaign could glean unexpected results.

4. Use Precise Customer Targeting

Bulk direct mail services offer a surprising number of ways to precisely target customers. That’s because most direct mail campaigns are based on curated lists that lump customers together by commonalities.

For instance, a pool company can purchase a list of local, high-income individuals who own their own homes. This can help them target people with the income and space to purchase a pool or pool services. Instead of wasting money accidentally targeting potential customers who rent homes, this curated list betters the chances of the pool company connecting with new customers.

Another approach to use in precise customer targeting is every door direct mail. This permits geographical targeting via mail routes. Businesses work with the United States Postal Service to get contact information from specific neighborhoods. This helps businesses really target groups of people for whom a local business—like a pizza place—would be relevant due to proximity.

5. Stand Out in a Digital World with Bulk Direct Mail Services

bulk direct mail services colorful envelopes webStanding out is a goal for every marketing campaign, but it may be easier to reach than you might think with direct mail marketing.

Mail is novel in a day where you might receive 50 emails but just one envelope. Successful direct mail campaigns capitalize on the immediacy of holding a piece of mail in your hands. From glossy, bright postcards to richly printed, tactile envelopes, using something physical in your marketing campaign can help you stand out from the on-screen inundation most potential customers live with each day.

6. Use Variety to Be More Relevant

Variable data printing makes it possible to deliver more relevant information to customers within the same campaign. You may be targeting middle-class citizens of a particular town with your new store. But amidst that group, you have an even distribution of men and women. What if you could tailor your flyer to hold most of the same information, but slant in the interests of either a male or female reader?

That’s precisely what variable data printing allows you to do, by hyper-targeting within the same printed campaign. This printing technology is simply a better way to create printed direct mail with some personalization.

It also allows you to add contact information rather than a stand-in like “Our Neighbor” so leads feel attention has been paid to them specifically. With over half of shoppers saying personalized advertising helped them make a purchase decision, it’s a smart idea to embrace variable data printing.

Direct mail marketing is a tool your business needs to generate more leads for less time and cost. With these six ridiculously simple ways to get more leads using bulk direct mail services, why aren’t you using them already? Reach out to One Stop Mail today to get a free quote on your direct mail project or call (602) 233-3003 with questions today.

OSM Blog Effective direct mail campaign

Effective Direct Mail Campaigns Repeat Themselves

There’s an adage that says doing the same thing and expecting a different result is the definition of insanity. But what is it called when you repeat behavior that has given you great results to get the same good results? I call it genius, especially when it comes to effective direct mail campaigns.   

Sharp business owners know that repeated mailings can be successful, but that doesn’t mean sending out the same cards with the same messages to the same clients. Sending duplicate offers too many times could result in diminishing results.  

Let’s explore why you want to do repeat mailings and the strategies that you, as a business owner can use to elevate your success with each mailing. First, why would you want to mail, then repeat your mailings? 

Effective Direct Mail Campaigns Pay You 

Despite the proliferation of digital marketing, there’s data that shows that direct mail delivers a bigger return than email marketing. Did you know that direct mail sent to house lists had a 9% response rate and a prospect list yielded a 4.9% response? That’s great compared to email, which got a 1% response rate.  

With response rates like that, who wouldn’t want to repeat their mailings? There are other benefits to mailing customers multiple times.  

Brand Visibility 

effective direct mail campaigns man with laptop opening mail webIn marketing, there’s a theory that a prospect must encounter your brand an average of seven times before they are ready to purchase. This theory is creatively called The Rule of 7.  

Whether or not effective direct mail campaigns will get results after the seventh mailing isn’t the point. The point is, when you’re introducing your business or service to a new prospect, you can’t just expect them to whip out their wallet. You need to woo them and get them comfortable with your brand. Multiple mailings will help.  

Build Credibility 

If you’re a new business or new to an area, you must start from scratch. New prospects can’t rely on word-of-mouth recommendations from neighbors or the presumption of reliability that comes with decades in business.  

When you’re the new kid on the block, you must be noticed before you can ask for a seat at the popular table. This means you must trade a piece of chocolate cake for a mushy apple a couple of times to get invited to the popular table. What that means is a tasty offer mailed several times – at least three in my experience, after your prospect has heard from you at least once.  

Beat the Competition 

If you have business competitors, it’s a matter of getting in front of a targeted audience before the other guys do. That means mailing more frequently. A postcard delivered on the right day can make all the difference.  

Take Advantage of the Novelty 

effective direct mail campaigns woman reading a flyer webDid you know that mail volume has been steadily declining in volume each year since 2006? It was 213 billion units in 2006 and in 2020 it was only 129.2 billion units of mail.  

For direct mailers like me, this isn’t bad news – it’s an opportunity! In 2006, there were nearly double the mail in the mailbox and you had to stand out among heavier competition. Today, it’s half that amount and more of your competitors are online.  

Now, holding your colorful oversized is unique, a novelty – and your business stands out.  

Additional Steps for an Effective Direct Mail Campaign

Planning an effective direct mail campaign includes strategies for multiple mailings. This includes the type of mailer you choose, the strategic positioning of each mailing, offers, and lists. If this all feels too overwhelming, no worries. One Stop Mail has a team full of experts who can help you navigate the intricacies of direct mail.  

And, if you need design services or list expertise, we have that, too. Just contact us or give us a call at 602.962.5104. 

OSM BLOG Tax Postcards

Accountants Get Hefty Returns from Tax Postcards

It’s the start of another tax season! Although most humans find the first quarter of every year cringe-worthy, accountants well-versed in taxes, like you know it can be a highly lucrative time. How do you make it even more profitable and maximize the need for your expertise? Two words: tax postcards.

Consider what happens if you don’t reach out to prospective clients – lost revenue. Today there are online accounting services that charge minimal fees along with budget tax-preparers that provide basic, production-line service and are happy to collect fees that could be coming to you. 

Uninformed taxpayers could be attracted to the price, not knowing that you offer added benefits, like tax savings for the current tax period and strategies to reduce taxes in the coming year. What happens when you don’t secure new clients? As attrition naturally eats away at your customer base, your thriving practice could slowly die. 

Let’s explore how you could get a larger share and attract more clients with an affordable strategy that allows you to advertise your accounting practice to a legion of individuals who need your expertise. 

Direct Mail Is Still Popular & Profitable

These days, everything is online – that doesn’t mean that everyone likes it. The novelty of receiving something colorful, fun, and informative in the mail can help small businesses be more memorable. 

Tax postcards create lasting impressions

According to a number of sources, direct mail has an average lifespan of 17-days while an email will only stay on your prospects’ minds for a few seconds. 

Not only will you stay top-of-mind with your targeted audience, but you can touch their friends and family, too. An attractive offer may end up under a refrigerator magnet. When a friend says they need tax help, all the recipient needs to do is share your name and phone number on the mailer or pass along the tax postcard!

Tax Postcards millennial receiving mail webMillennials like mail 

This generation has grown up using digital resources, banking, going to school, and work online. It’s logical to assume that they prefer to get all of their information online. 

Quite the contrary, surveys show that 76% of Millennials say they feel special when they receive personalized mail. With the personalization costs plummeting, thanks to digital printing, it’s worth the cost to make future clients feel special by sending a personalized postcard.

Take the stress out of tax time with tax postcards

Busy clients have a lot on their mind and often have competing priorities vying for their attention. By sending reminder postcards, you’re easing their stress by letting them know that you’re ready to offer expert advice and take a stressful task off their hands. 

Turnkey Tax Postcard Solutions

Attract more revenue by targeting your best clients with a postcard that’s 4.25”X6” in size. According to Accounting Today, this accounting postcard size that gets the best results. 

Next, how to position your accounting and tax service practice to reach your ideal customer? Choose an experienced direct mail marketing service and commercial printer, like One Stop Mail (OSM) to drive the right leads to your business. 

Tax Postcards business woman opening mail webList services that target new clients and movers

Mail lists are critical for successful direct mail campaigns. If you don’t get the results that you want from each mailing, experts in list building and direct mail can suggest how to improve results, from changing your demographics or reach new movers in your neighborhood. 

You can also customize a list that’s specific to your practice to optimize your budget and return on investment.  

Eye-catching graphic services for your tax postcards

Reaching your targeted client-base requires standing out among all of the “noise” in the mailbox. If you want to create a one-of-a-kind look for your accounting postcards, OSM’s professional graphic designers can create a design that aligns with your quality, trusted brand. 

Affordable printing options

As mentioned, personalized messages are more memorable and appreciated. OSM’s digital printing services allow you to greet every prospect by name without costing you an arm and a leg. Ask our printing pros the cost of a printed message, and you may be pleasantly surprised. 

EDDM

Every Door Direct Mail” may be the answer if you want every household on a specific mail route to receive your tax prep postcards. OSM will make sure that all of your neighbors receive your message, and it saves you the cost of a mail list, too. 

Consider More Than Tax Postcards

Tax Postcards promotional products webClient giveaways pack a punch. When you provide clients with pens, magnets, and other promotional products with your name, logo, and contact information, you’re reminding them of your service and providing them a way to contact you. 

If clients are presented with copies of returns in a folder that’s personalized with your name and number, they’ll remember you when it’s time for next year’s taxes. 

In today’s competitive business environment, savvy business professionals leverage every advantage they can. When you have direct mail marketing and printing experts like One Stop Mail in your corner, you can create a unique campaign tailored to your practice. 

Don’t delay getting your tax prep postcards on the press – contact us or call 602.962.9243 and start maximizing your tax time revenue today!  

Fitness postcards Work postcard example web

Hey Fitness Industry. Direct Mail Works!

Pack Your Gym with Next-Level Fitness Postcards Target Marketing

Everybody needs a good kick in the butt every now and then. Fitness postcards, combined with targeted marketing are the best way to drive memberships, especially after those New Year’s resolutions, summer-bod goals, and holiday parties. Gym postcards are an easy, efficient way to stay ahead of your competition and in front of potential new customers, right in your neighborhood. 

There are Many Potential Targets

One of the great advantages of fitness industry marketing is there are always new prospects available. With fitness postcards, gyms and health clubs can saturate the neighborhood to offer great membership benefits.  

Fitness postcards Work direct advertising webWhen I want to hit the gym at 5:00 a.m. before work, I’m looking for a place that’s close to my house and easy to get to.  Targeting the neighborhood of gyms’ locations, especially with fitness postcards that highlight specials, classes, personal training, and smiling, happy people with dream bodies your prospects hope to have is a great way to capture attention.

Lists to use in fitness industry marketing are easy, affordable, and accessible. Keep it simple with an EDDM, a saturation list to keep your costs down and increase your target area.  These types of lists are like a good hot yoga class — they help you stretch your budget farther. You can even create a more targeted list that looks at age, household income, and much more if you offer specialty services or classes.

People Need Motivation, Catch Them at the Right Time

While there is never a bad time to recruit new members, there are definitely great times to invest in fitness industry marketing materials, especially fitness postcards.  People are always more motivated before and after the holidays, at the start of a new year, and in the summer. While it’s always a good idea to stay in front of potential customers consistently, blasting your fitness postcards during these times can only help drive memberships.  

Another pro tip: stand out from the crowd!  Competition in the fitness industry is high. The best way to catch attention is with high-quality, unique fitness postcards that stand out in the mailbox.  

Entice people with new membership offers, motivate them with pictures of fitness enthusiasts in their natural setting (ahem – a gym!), and have a clear view of all the great classes you offer. Utilize great offset or digital print options at One Stop Mail to customize your message, as well as our expert design services to help make sure you stay on top of your competition in the mailbox.   

The Value of Repeat Gym Postcard Mailings 

Fitness postcards Work big printer webYou don’t want prospects to only visit your gym once, so why would you only mail to them once?

In the direct mail advertising world, it’s important to market constantly and consistently.  Salesforce notes it takes six to eight touchpoints to drive a buying decision. 

I know when I try out a new gym and take advantage of a few free workouts, my first stop isn’t at the bench press, it’s to a representative to talk through my needs. That’s a touchpoint.  Direct mail marketing is no different and the most cost-effective way to attract new members is fitness postcards mailed multiple times.  We highly recommend at least three to four touchpoints through the mail over a nine-week period, minimum. Again, utilizing cost-efficient list and data services, high-quality printing, and quick turnaround times extends your budget.

Need to Fill a Class? Send Fitness Postcards Today

Driving membership traffic is always needed, but keep in mind your postcard must stand out with dynamic images, new membership offers, and relevant information about fun classes. Let the professionals at One Stop Mail help you design an eye-catching postcard that will fill up those classes. We can also help you highlight personal trainers, or new equipment, or the gym facilities that set you apart from the competition.

Start a Campaign with Fitness Postcards with One Stop Mail

Pump up your membership numbers today by speaking with one of our direct mail experts.  Highlight your great classes and membership offers to get people off the couch and into your gym. There is no better way to attract more business than fitness postcards in a direct mail campaign to get your neighbors motivated and in front of your sales reps. Contact us or call 602-233-3003 and talk to one of our experts today!

Direct_Mail_Postcards_Still_Relevant

Postcards Are Still One Of The Most Cost-Effective Methods Of Outreach

There are so many different ways of reaching out to customers these days that it’s hard to even settle on which methods to use.  Plus, the rush of technology means there’s always potential to deploy the latest-and-greatest gimmicks to grab people’s attention.

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