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

December 28, 2021/0 Comments/in EDDM (Every Door Direct Mail), Lists & Data Services, Mail Services, Variable Data Printing

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?

First, 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 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?

The 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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Direct Mail Marketing Envelopes

October 26, 2021/0 Comments/in Direct Mail, Direct Mail Marketing

The magical potion that Alice in Wonderland consumes to begin the once-in-a-lifetime adventure said, “Drink me.” As the magical potion, your marketing offer can start a life-changing journey for your customer. That’s why your direct mail marketing envelopes should say, “Open me.”

Arguably, envelopes are the most overlooked direct mail marketing element – yet they play a pivotal role. Your envelope can say, “fun,” “mystery,” ”sophistication,” and can pique a viewer’s interest. Here’s how to leverage their unmistakable allure –

Tactic #1 – Size Matters

When most folks think about envelopes, their minds turn to a plain, white business-size envelope with or without the cellophane window, typically used to send invoices. These types of envelopes DO NOT say, “Open Me!”

In terms of direct mail sizes, use atypical large envelope sizes. Larger envelopes get a better response rate than postcards and standard-sized envelopes. Because they attract attention and sometimes create curiosity, oversized envelopes have the greatest response rate with 6.6, with postcards getting a respectable response rate of 5.7%. The average email click-through rate is about 2.6%.

If you use a large envelope, your mailer must fit the larger size, otherwise, it creates an unfavorable impression of your business. And larger or oddly shaped envelopes cost more to mail. If oversized mailers and envelopes don’t align with your brand or budget, consider using 9X12 envelopes to stand out.

Tactic #2 – Mesmerize with Color

White envelopes are boring. Try using an eye-catching color or a color that matches your brand. Colored envelopes are 20% more likely to be opened than white envelopes.

You can even use color on your envelope marketing to create a mood. Not only does color stand out in the mailbox, but you have the opportunity to influence how your customers and prospects respond to your direct mail marketing envelope:

Red – Conveys excitement – often used for limited-time sales
Green – Calmness, nature, growth – can inspire trust
Blue – Experience, strength – offers a sense of security

Keep in mind that dark colors make logos and printing more difficult to read – stick with lighter colors.

#3 – Ignite Action with Offers

The face and back of an envelope are useful for more than addresses and postmarks. Create an added incentive to open your envelope by adding an intriguing line on the outside of the envelope, like:

Hurry! Limited Time Offer Enclosed
You’re one of a few to get this special offer.
This preview is just for you …

Entice customers and prospects with a few choice words that generate excitement and ignite curiosity to get your envelope opened!

You can also ignite action using envelopes with QR codes. This strategy combines online and offline marketing and helps to drive traffic to your website. An appealing offer paired with a QR code can get customers to engage before they even open the envelope! And don’t forget to include a powerful call to action on your direct mail envelopes.

#4 – Create Curiosity

The examples above definitely create curiosity about what’s in the envelope – but you can also do that with other elements, including:

Clever graphics and images
Make it look like a personally addressed envelope
Tease, tease, tease

The last item is about creating fun, even flirty relationships between your brand and your customer. You could include a short teaser that hints that there’s something fun inside. Here are some of the best direct mail envelope teasers:

You’ll love what’s inside…
Excitement awaits…
Can you stand not knowing what’s inside?
Shhh! It’s a Secret >>

Of course, the tactics have to fit your brand, so if you are an investment firm you may want to be more professional in your approach.

Tactic #5: Engage the Direct Mail Marketing Experts

If you don’t want to spend time and money on costly re-dos, hiring direct mail professionals can save you time and money. Seasoned pros can tell you techniques for direct mail envelopes that work, suggest cost-saving hacks that still get results, and make recommendations for ongoing campaigns that pay off year after year.

Although technology has made direct mail marketing more affordable, who wants to spend more when they don’t have to? When you rely on a direct mail marketing professional, you can spend your time doing what you do best – running your business.

Engage a direct mail marketing firm with more than 20-years of expertise, like One Stop Mail for creative marketing envelopes and profitable direct mail marketing campaigns.

With list experts, graphic designers, writers, printers, and more on staff, the One Stop Mail team can take your campaign from conception to distribution.

Get a quote online or contact us at (602) 223-3003.

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Use Customized Mailing Lists for Massive Results

October 7, 2021/0 Comments/in Lists & Data Services, Mail Services, Variable Data Printing

Marketing campaigns can be time-consuming and costly. Make sure your collateral is seen by the right people with customized mailing lists! Use Variable Data Printing to your advantage.

Our goal is to provide you with a cost-effective solution that will provide the highest response rate. Read on to learn why personalization in marketing matters and how well-researched mailing lists get you massive results.

Why You Need a Customized Mailing List

In a direct mail marketing campaign, the most important factor is the number of eyes on the page. This means that when your mailer arrives in a potential customer’s box, it’s actually looked at instead of just tossed in the trash. To achieve this, your mailing list needs to be accurate and capture the correct audience. The list of people who receive your marketing mail needs to be individually created, just like your marketing strategy.

Targeted marketing exponentially increases the chances of response and conversion of leads into clients because you only communicate with the customers who are interested in your product or service. This can include timing as well as messaging. If you have enough information about the client, you can pitch your product in a way that is bound to strike a chord with that person.

But how do you get a customized mailing list?

Expert Data Services

One-Stop Mail’s Mailing List Service provides access to thousands of target criteria to help you deliver your products or services to your ideal customer. Reach prospects across diverse demographics with segmented lists, built just for you.

Some examples of mailing lists are:

Consumer Residential
Business to Business
Saturation
Every Door Direct Mail
New Mover

It’s very important to ensure your mailing list is as up-to-date as possible, or you’re just throwing your money (and results) away. One Stop Mail always removes duplicate data as part of our service. Our data specialists are here to help enhance your response rate and merge multiple fields of data for truly personalized direct mail pieces.

The Importance of Personalization in Marketing

Potential audiences differ from campaign to campaign. For that reason, marketers cannot keep using the same marketing strategy for every product.

A majority of people prefer a personalized customer experience over a traditional, generic one. Personalization helps you:

Attract new business
Keep proven customers returning
Remind infrequent customers about services/products

The personalized approach pays off in the long run by winning customers over and earning their loyalty.

Your content should be targeted toward a broad enough audience so that it’s read by many, but has the most emotional appeal for your narrower audience. Some examples of potential audience groups include:

New homeowners
New businesses
Residential or commercial
Area-specific (within a certain radius of retail locations)
Age-specific
Income-specific

Get the best outcome for your goal. Make sure you’re hitting your target while still fitting your campaign within the desired budget.

One Stop Mail Can Help You with Customized Mailing Lists

With the overwhelming amount of customer data available, finding the right mailing list for your specific direct mail campaign can be confusing. Our team of data experts will research and suggest the proven criteria and type of direct mailing list to pull off a successful campaign.

Whether you know what already works for your business or need advice, we are here to help! Find out more about what we do here or call us at (602) 223-3003

restaurant direct mail restaurant owner and chef

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

July 23, 2021/0 Comments/in Digital Print Postcards, Direct Mail, Direct Mail Flyers, Direct Mail Marketing, Direct Mail Postcards

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

This 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

No 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

Restaurants 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.

Millennials and Direct Mail – Made for Each Other?

June 1, 2021/0 Comments/in Direct Mail, Mail Services

Any adult who was raised during the digital age is thought to be tied to their devices and impossible to reach any other way, right? No! While it’s counter-intuitive, recent research shows Millennials and direct mail are a near-perfect match.

OSM Healthcare Marketing Budget Blog feature image

What Should Your Healthcare Marketing Budget be in 2021

March 11, 2021/0 Comments/in Direct Mail, Direct Mail Flyers, Direct Mail Marketing, Direct Mail Postcards, Lists & Data Services, Mail Services, Variable Data, Variable Data Printing

When most healthcare providers attend school, they don’t usually think about what it takes to run a practice; the last thing on their minds is a healthcare marketing budget – or any direct marketing plan. But planning to reach and acquire new patients is crucial if you want a thriving practice.

Why? Because no matter how exceptional your care, how much your patients love and trust you, some will leave your practice. Some patients will move out of the area, grow out of your specialty, or won’t be a fit for your practice.

If your patient acquisition plans don’t outpace the rate that patients leave, then your practice is at risk. To get the best results, use the best strategies to attract new patients.

Healthcare Direct Mail Marketing Delivers

Why direct mail? Because people spend more time with it, it stays in the minds of your prospects longer, and it has a good rate of return. This isn’t just lip service, the statistics prove it:

BMC Health Services Research demonstrates that healthcare direct mail marketing is an effective tool for patient acquisition and retention when it’s done properly. The overall message is to use organizations that are proficient in communicating to various patient streams.

42% of individuals look over their direct mail – which means that if you send out 1,000 postcards in a campaign, then 420 people looked at it. That’s an impressive rate.

73% of Americans say they prefer direct mail. When comparing direct mail to other methods of communication, including email, people prefer to receive mail.

Direct mail offers a 29% return on investment. So, if you spend $5,000 on your campaign, you can expect to make at least $6,450; a $10,000 campaign can expect a return of about $12,900. These numbers only show the results of a one-time purchase, the lifetime value of a new patient is much higher.

With impressive statistics like this, how much of your healthcare marketing budget should be allocated to direct mail?

Your Healthcare Marketing Budget

How much should you allocate to marketing? A good rule of thumb is between 5 to 10% of a practice’s revenue should go toward marketing [1], but if you’re building the practice or establishing a new practice, then as much as 12% should be allocated.

After you’ve determined the marketing budget, it’s time to decide what percentage should be spent on different marketing channels. To determine this, decide which channel will give you the best results.

Direct mail vs. email

You may naturally think of email and digital marketing as inexpensive, easy options, but they don’t deliver the results that healthcare direct mail does. Plus, an effective email campaign requires an “opt-in” from the receiver – so it’s not the best option to gain new patients.

Plus, recipients remember direct mail longer than an email – direct mail has an average lifespan of 17 days. That’s because an attractive offer or colorful postcard will make it to the refrigerator, bulletin, or whiteboard. But emails are often victims of group email purges and not be thought of at all.

If you’re concerned that only older adults like direct mail, the Small Business Association says that younger individuals don’t look at direct mail as “junk mail” and often prefer direct mail to receive service and product offers.

People spend more with direct mail

According to a 2018 article by Email Insider, not only do they confirm direct mail’s prolonged shelf life and that Millennials like it, but they also show that direct mail recipients spend 5 times more than email recipients.

Cost of Patient Acquisition vs. Patient ROI

As mentioned above, your initial investment in a healthcare direct mail campaign will get about a 29% ROI, according to SEO marketing guru Neil Patel. Using this formula, the more you’re willing to invest, the bigger your return.

To calculate your ROI, use this handy calculator. Simply estimate the size of your direct mail campaign and other elements, including the initial fees new patients will pay, the percentage of new patients that will stay with your practice, and more. The tool will help you determine your break-even point and likely revenue for the campaign.

New patients who return and create long-term relationships with you, your staff, and patients can return a lifetime of value. What is that worth to you? More than the cost of a healthcare direct mail campaign.

Direct Mail Works for Patient Communication

Although acquiring new patients is important, retaining your patients is essential. You can use your patient list to send direct mail and communicate:

Special holiday hours – It’s also important to communicate how to receive treatment when your office is closed.
Special protocols – The COVID-19 pandemic is creating concerns, which you can ease by sharing sanitation methods and mask-wearing requirements.
How to reschedule missed appointments
Telehealth offerings, virtual appointments, and other new services
Office and service updates to keep the community close

A postcard, flyer-letter, or newsletter are wonderful ways to keep your practice top-of-mind. They also provide the perfect way for your patients to refer you with a “pass-along” communique that can give prospects an idea of what it will be like to become your patient.

The effectiveness of direct mail demonstrates the importance of establishing a healthcare direct mail budget for your practice. Direct mail delivers the best results and should have a significant portion of your budget. Choosing an expert to partner with you to develop and deploy direct mail campaigns deserves significant consideration.

One Stop Mail has experts who can assist you with every element of direct mail, including creating lists, eye-catching healthcare designs, and the highest quality offset and variable data printing. Contact us or give us a call at 602-233-3003 if you want to raise your ROI on your next healthcare direct mail marketing campaign.

Top 7 Direct Mail Statistics You Can Use

September 26, 2017/0 Comments/in Direct Mail

With the business world about to enter into the last quarter of the year, it is a good time to take stock of direct mail’s effectiveness in 2017 so far. Although the volume of direct mail went down last year, direct mail garnered a larger percentage of all mail. With technology and other tools to improve the timing of direct mail, this year’s statistics have shown that direct mail is not only still relevant in the marketing world, but that it is, in fact, one of the most successful channels available to marketers. Here are the top direct mail statistics you can use for this year.

#1 Direct Mail Statistics You Can Use – Household Response Rates Are at 5.1%

Yes, that decimal is in the right spot. According to compu-mail, direct mail has earned the highest response rate, with email and paid search at .6%, social media at .4%, and online display at .2%. Part of the reason why response rates are so high with direct mail is an increase in tools and information through technology that has enabled well-timed and personalized direct mail marketing campaigns.

77% of People Sort Through Their Mail

Many marketers are finding it difficult to get prospects to open emails. I personally usually delete without even looking any extraneous emails and promotions. It has just become routine, which is unfortunate for marketers, for I can only imagine how many other people are like me. Average open rates are typically below 20% in comparison to mail. I for one always sort through my mail, and when I see something that stands out, I usually take a few seconds to see what it is, which bodes well for direct mail.

Every $167 Spent On Direct Mail Resulted in $2,095 Of Sold Goods

I believe that ROI speaks for itself, but one must ask what industries reaped the most benefit from direct mail. The largest users of direct mail include companies that offer financial services and also consumer packaged goods. With print still playing such a large role in marketing, coupled with cost-effective green methods of print, one can only imagine that direct mail will still be a major component of marketing campaigns going forward.

98% of Consumers Bring Their Mail In The Day It’s Delivered

Many are concerned that after putting all of the effort to create a personalized direct mail piece that it will just end up in the trash with the rest of the junk mail. If it does, it is probably not due to a diminishing trend in the public’s responsiveness to direct mail, but rather the direct mail piece itself missing the mark. As the direct mail statistics you can use from the U.S. Postal Service exemplifies, whatever you send out will get eyes on it. Whatever happens after will, for the most part, be within your power to control.

Customer Response Rates Increased Year-Over-Year by 48%

Companies who have never thought of using direct mail would be smart to start considering using it as one of their marketing channels. Not only did customer response rates increased, but prospective response rates more than doubled with a reported 190% increase. As noted by the Direct Marketing Association (DMA), this is in part due to the “pairing of mailings with digital intelligence. “

Adding A Person’s Name and Color Can Boost Response Rates By 135%

We have discussed the importance of personalization time and time again, and if for some reason you didn’t believe it before, then perhaps this statistic can lend some credence to this idea. Personalization, particularly with the introduction of variable data printing, is now within reach of most budgets. And in turn, can improve your ROI, and make the money you spend go a greater distance.

Print Is 43% Less Annoying than the Internet

Bottom line, we all hate spam. I for one get irritated when advertising videos start on websites yet it is nearly impossible for me to find it to shut it off. Many of us have become blind and aggressively against online advertising in many ways. That is why direct mail is refreshing to most since it is usually personalized, relevant, and recognized as something that took a lot of effort on the part of the company sending it. This makes the consumer feel important and valued, which at the end of the day, is just good marketing.

When it comes time to rely on direct mail experts, don’t leave it to chance. Go with an organization with vast experience and diverse mail services so you can be sure that your goals are taken seriously. One Stop Mail’s mail and list services will target the audience that will respond to your specific offer. Learn more by calling 602.932.7984 or send a request and we’ll be ready to help.

DIrect Mail Marketing Targeted Mailing Lists

How To Target Baby Boomers: A Direct Mail Strategy

February 6, 2017/in Direct Mail

How To Target Baby Boomers: A Direct Mail Strategy

According to the Population Reference Bureau (PRB), the number of baby boomers currently in the U.S. numbers around 76 million. That is almost one-quarter of the entire U.S. population, making them a prime target for marketers. One of the best ways to reach the baby boomer generation is through direct mail. However, it is critical that you don’t approach this like your other direct mail marketing campaigns. Here are some things to keep in mind as well as some useful tips when developing your direct mail marketing campaign targeting baby boomers.

Besides Their Population Size, Why To Target Them

The baby boomer generation controls approximately 70% of all disposable income in the U.S. This generation is quite affluent and empowers them to make buying decisions. But this does not explain why direct mail would be a good marketing channel to use. According to Neil Patel in his article, “How to Reach Baby Boomers, Gen-Xers and Millennials with Your Online Marketing,” the baby boomer generation “are more likely to respond to direct mail campaigns than any other generation.” Another factor to consider is how many of them are reaching retirement age, and have more free time to engage with content. According to a Marketing Chart Study that surveyed purchase influence among baby boomers between the ages of 50-68, they found that “more than 3 in 10 survey respondents reporting that direct mail had influenced them to purchase a product or service during the prior 6 months. Interestingly, that was the most commonly-cited purchase influencer of 16 identified, ahead of word-of-mouth and online consumer reviews.” With these things in mind, you can see why direct mail is a prime marketing option. To make sure that your campaign reaches them effectively, keep these things at the forefront when crafting your message.

Be Straightforward Rather Than Creative

When you are drafting your copy, make sure that your message hits home on everything and does not come off vague. According to the Entrepreneur in “5 Ways to Effectively Market to Baby Boomers,” they say, “seniors want to see everything spelled out in print. It’s far more important to use the right language than catchy copy.” Any sort of ambiguity or lack of information can cause them to not trust your offer or leave with them unanswered questions. This is why the article goes on to say, “Address every potential question a user may have. Include the answers in printed brochures, direct mail materials, and make the information easily available on the website.” Brainstorm all of the questions that someone may have after your reading your copy, and find a way to work the answers into the final marketing piece.

Dump Conventional Wisdom

Many of us have a certain predisposition to retirees, which misleads marketers into thinking falsely about baby boomers. In Eric Cosway’s article, “Send baby boomers direct mail and let the magic unfold,” he states that, “conventional wisdom has long been that retirees value comfort, stability and the relaxation of a quiet life. Just as they defied the conventional wisdom of their era as teens, baby boomers are defying today’s stereotypes of retirees.” It is important not to cater your message with this in mind, for it will most likely fall flat on its face. Cosway makes a good point that the baby boomer generation actually shares more things in common with their children than they did with their parents, such as, “adventure, change, achievement, and happiness.” He boils it down to one basic principle, “don’t make them feel old.”

Shoot Straight and Focus The Message

Considering how the baby boomers are quite receptive to direct mail and are in a position with greater spending power that other generations, you want to make sure that you nail your message. Your call-to-action should be very clear and simple. When composing your copy, don’t leave anything out. Any question unanswered is just one more reason why they should throw your copy in the trash rather than following through with the action you want them to take. And lastly, keep their personal values in mind, and flush the retiree stereotypes down the toilet.

OSM SM Post Target the Consumers Desire to Save 1

A Marketing Strategy that Targets the Consumer’s Desire to Save

October 25, 2016/0 Comments/in Direct Mail Postcards

No matter what level of income someone makes, everyone cares about saving money. It is a misconception that coupon users are confined to a certain income level. In fact, recent studies have found that affluent shoppers do indeed care about saving and are receptive to offers. This is why it is important for companies to incorporate print promotions into their omnichannel marketing strategy.

Connecting People to Your Brand

Coupons are still one of the best ways to build a bridge between your brand and your potential customer. The desire to save money will never wane from people’s minds, and that is why it is so reliable. According to a Valassis study, 92% of shoppers use paper coupons and about half use them always or very often. With direct mail, you have an opportunity to target an age range that most would consider unreachable unless using a digital method. However, paper is still strong, and is not ending up in the trash but rather are being redeemed in stores. The same study found that more than 50% of all consumers like receiving print coupons in the mail. It is clear that mail is still one of the strongest delivering methods for deals and other specials that can get more customers purchasing online or at your brick and mortar locations.

Influencing the Purchase of New Products

Trying to get consumers to switch to a new product from a different brand can be a challenge. A new marketing strategy can offer a variety of tactics that influence a shopper’s decision making, but one of the most effective methods has been tied to one’s desire to save money. A RetailMeNot survey found that about 80% of participants made a first-time purchase using a coupon. You can influence new customers with an offer that reduces the risk of trying something new and sets the foundation for new customer relationships.

Marketing Strategy that Incorporates Direct Mail

Providing opportunities for shoppers to save will never go out of style. Consider how effective your marketing strategy is now, and how much more you can improve its performance by adding a direct mail marketing campaign to the fold. Put the coupons right in the hands of the consumer so that you can empower them to make their next purchase without breaking the bank. In doing so, you will build a valuable relationship with new customers while also achieving the goals of new products. Contact us today to get started!