Benefits of Direct Mail vs. E-mail

Today, with people so focused on their cell phones and tablets, it is easy to overlook traditional marketing.  Between e-mails, social media and viral videos people forget that direct mail is still a powerful tool that should not be dismissed.

In a great article on entrepreneur.com, Craig Simpson discusses four solid reasons to use direct mail instead of e-mail marketing. Craig gives you strong reasons for each.  Check it out, it's a great read.

I'll give you two bonus reasons, based on the experiences of clients we have worked with.
Bonus 1: Spam Filters : People have different types of spam filters on their e-mails.  Some people will only see messages from people in their contact list.  Just because you have a valid e-mail address does not mean that it will get to the intended recipient, and even if it does, it could easily be ignored.  Careful, one wrong word in the subject line can get you straight in the spam folder.

Bonus 2: Reach :  Simply put you can contact more people through direct mail than e-mail.  There are more verifiable names available.  Be wary of those trying to sell you a large e-mail contact list cheap.
Most likely you'll waste your money and not help your marketing campaign.

Feel free to share your thoughts on direct mail vs. e-mail below.

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.