The Importance of Direct Mail Today

Though it seems every time you blink you're hit with another email, text message or social media update, there is still room for direct mail.  In fact direct mail is still an important and effective tool.

Whereas much of what arrives in your e-mail inbox is never read, (if it even gets past your spam filter), a letter sent by direct mail has a much better chance of being read and prompting action.

And, there are many ways you can use this letter.  It's not just for generating sales, it can be used for educating customers, soliciting feedback, and distributing coupons, etc.

In his artice on bdaily, Grant Pettersson, shares many more ideas as to how and why direct mail can benefit your company. Click here to read the article.

Some Statistics on Direct Mail

Looking back at , The 2014 Essential Guide Direct Mail Marketing, from Direct Marketing News, revealed some interesting statistics:

- response rate for direct mail is 4.4%, vs.  the response rate for e-mail of 0.12%

- 79% of consumers act immediately with direct mail, vs. 45% who act immediately with e-mail

- 40% of consumers reported trying a new business after receiving direct mail

- 70% of consumers renewed their relationship with a company they had stopped doing business with after receiving direct mail.

- direct mail is 10-30 times more effective than e-mail

Click here  to read the complete report where you will find many informative articles which could aid in the growth of your business.

It's Not Just What's Inside That Counts

Granted there are many factors critical to the success of your campaign.

However, the first step is to get the envelope opened.

This article by Ben Lobel details how it all begins with the envelope and the choice of the right envelope can significantly impact the likelihood of getting your message across.  An oversized or colored envelope may increase the chance to be opened than a standard envelope.

Remember that an oversized envelope may have higher postage costs, so check with your post office.

The author discusses different types of envelopes and seals which could be the difference in your next mail campaign.

What is DMARC?

DMARC stands for Domain based Message Authentication, Reporting and Conformance.

DMARC is of consequence to both senders and receivers of e-mails.  So if e-mail marketing is part of your campaign, it is important for you to learn how DMARC will impact you.

Click here for Sophia Jacobson's article which clearly explains all you need to know about DMARC.

Reduce Costs on Your Next Mailing

For many marketers, a simple letter or postcard just isn't going to cut it.
Often times, depending upon the product, or offer, your creativity can be handsomely rewarded.

However, if you are going to get creative, it is important to focus on the costs.   This article, by Laura Jahn at American News Report, has some helpful hints to reduce costs production and mailing costs which could benefit your bottom line.

CEU Requirements for NYS Social Workers

New York Gov. Cuomo is expected to sign into law a bill requiring continuing education for Social Workers in New York state.  This would take effect on Jan. 1, 2015.

Click here to read a statement from NASW-NY regarding this policy change.

Response Rates

A common question we get is, "What kind of response rates can we expect?"

Obviously, a number of factors come into play.  These would include: the product (program and presenters); the offer; timing with respect to other available programs.

With consideration to the above, a professional quality, targeted mail campaign can normally expect a .8-1% response.

Click here to read a great article by Taylor Clark, which discusses realistic expectations with respect to response rates for educational programs.

Please feel free to share your response rates with us.

Marketing: Truth or Fiction?

There are a lot of misconceptions regarding marketing. 

Jason Moreau at Amsterdam Printing has exposed 5 common myths in marketing.

Click here to read this insightful article which discusses direct mail, e-mail, google and advertising.