Direct Mail Part 5: Increasing effectiveness

The final instalment of our Direct Mail series is just some quick hints and tips that can increase your mailshot effectiveness.

1. Change the headline on your letter. Your product may not change but your opener can
2. Change the timing of your mailshot. By varying the day of the week we increased readership of our own e-mailer by over 20%.
3. Focus on a different product benefit each time to see what works best
4. Get the right message to the right people. Send different messages to different people based on demographics
5. Include a brochure as well as a letter.
6. Include a free gift. It can convince people to respond
7. Learn from experience. Use your direct mail to improve your data
8. Offer a payment option such as interest free credit
9. Provide an early bird incentive. Prompt early action by limiting the time an offer is valid for
10. Offer a number of ways in which people can get in touch.

I hope you have found this series useful and if you wish anymore information please do not hesitate to contact us on;

01356 625033

enquiries@printmatters.info

PrintMatters on Facebook www.printmatters.info/facebook 

Direct Mail Part 4:

Last week we discussed how to successfully design your mailshot so this week we will make the natural progression onto production and despatch.

There are a few things you have to decide when producing your mailshot mainly whether it will be a standard letter or a fully designed mailer. PrintMatters can do both for you.

The important thing is that you maintain your database to assist mailshot production. Accuracy of information is key as an up-to-date database;

•  Increases response rates
• Reduces production and postage costs
• Helps ensure compliance with data protection regulations

So what about responses?

You really need to sort out your response method before you send out your direct mail. If you have not planned your response then a warm prospect can quickly turn to a cold shoulder.

Don’t fall into the trap of swamping yourself in responses.

Start off with smaller mailshots initially to gain an idea of the feedback you will receive, and then slowly increase the volume until you are comfortable.

There is no point in performing a large mailshot then not being able to handle the responses. This would not only result in a lost order, it will be a lost prospect that will be reluctant to do business with you again.

Next week I will give you the final part in our Direct Mail series.

Direct Mail Part 3: Writing your mailshot

Last week we discussed how to plan your mailshot. This week we will cover the main points to consider when writing your mailshot.

1.     After your greeting entice the reader with a Main benefit headline.

2.     Expand on this benefit

3.     Give other reasons to buy the product or service

4.     Give reassurance such as highlighting popularity or giving a guarantee

5.     Explain in one sentence what makes your company special

6.     Give details of opening hours, locations or just basic contact details encouraging the customer to respond

7.     Stipulate an end date to the benefit to encourage a quick response

8.     If you wish you can also include a further incentive, free gift, giveaway or such like to be redeemed by returning a voucher.

Of course you can write a non-sales mailer which could be thanking customers for repeat business, season’s greetings or congratulating on special dates. All the while highlighting other products or services you offer. Be discreet.

When designing the letter make sure to keep it simple, do not be afraid of white space.

Finally the envelope, we all receive special money off colourful envelopes but this can have an adverse effect. If you are not doing a large mailshot why not handwrite the envelopes?

You always open those ones first don’t you!

Next week we will discuss production and dispatch. 01356 625033 enquiries@printmatters.info 

Direct Mail Part 2: Planning your mailshot

Last week I discussed how direct mail can help you. This week you need to decide what you want to realistically achieve from your mailshot. Set yourself some targets whether it is number of enquiries, revenue generated or encouraging visits to your website.

If you want to target new customers then you will need new names and addresses. An external supplier can source names for you or you can generate the data yourself.

• Business directories
• Online sources such as yell.com
• Other peoples lists. Look at the person sitting next to you; they are a non-competing business in your area so why not swap lists?

To get a response you have to understand what people respond to.  Self interest and the need for news are two things that you need to focus on.

People take notice if they can make money, save money, save time or impress others.

Now you have grabbed the attention you need to give the recipient the opportunity to respond.

This could be a tear off slip, an order form an entry form for a competition. Whatever it is, make sure to gain more contact information.

Next week we will discuss writing and designing the mailshot.

enquiries@printmatters.info 01356 625033