All too often we see direct mail designs come in that are well-intentioned, but we know right off the bat, the well-intentioned design simply won’t receive the response the client’s after. After several revisions with our in-house design team, we are able to deliver a compelling, ready-to-rock campaign sure to make the phone ring. As good as it feels to help clients move their designs from simply “printable” to awe-inspiring, the process takes time. In an effort to hit the nail on the head in the first go-around, we’ve put together some tips for designing a direct mail campaign that’s sure to sell.
Don’t Be Too Wordy
You have a story to tell, we get that, but please remember consumers have a short attention span when it comes to sorting the mail. Your opportunity to enrich and enlighten begins after they’ve responded to the small stuff. Grab their attention, give them the highlights, and give them a simple step to respond. Too much text on the page and an unclear call to action are the most common issues we see with new direct mail campaign designs.
Focus on Value
Imagine you’re shopping for a new home. The realtor or developer launches into a long-winded speech about the size of nails used or the fact the crawl space under the home is free of rocks and debris, should you crawl under there once in the 30 years you live there. Most homebuyers’ eyes would glaze over; what you want to know is why is the way the home is constructed better for my family and lifestyle.
The same is true for crafting that message to the prospective customer: show them the value your product or service brings in a simple and succinct way.
Incentivize With An Offer
No, you don’t need to take a loss on each sale through the campaign, but instill a sense of urgency for them to respond. An example might include a carpet cleaner offering to clean two rooms for the price of one for new customers. The cost isn’t in the materials, it’s the travel and set-up time for the equipment, making this deal a win for the buyer and seller. Another offer might be a low-cost add-on for purchase, such as a wall-mount with the purchase of a television. Wouldn’t you say selling that $1,200 television is worth the mark-down of a $49 wall mount?
Be Consistent
Ensure your logo, colors, fonts, and tagline are consistent between all mediums your prospect may encounter your business. Seems simple, right? Ever been through a re-brand with your company and not want to re-order collateral or business cards until the box of 3,000 are used up? Prospects don’t know your backstory, so seeing two logos or taglines may cause them to question whether they’re dealing with the same business.
Follow Up
When a prospect responds to your campaign, whether it’s an email, phone call, website form-fill, or walks in your store—follow up with them. Make those engagements a priority.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to launch a new direct mail or multi-touch campaign, give us a call. Our sales and design teams are happy to help you craft the perfect message to your audience. We’re equipped to take your design (or idea) from sketch or screen through print and mailing fulfillment. Have an idea for a campaign? Give us a call or fill out our quote request form!
Direct mailing offers an extraordinary chance to put a message specifically under the control of potential and returning clients. Similarly, as with any promoting approach, an all-around arranged methodology is the best. In the wake of recognizing an intended interest group, it is essential to make an extensive mailing program, for steady client contact. At long last, a reasonable brief message, in the ideal organization, will boost the adequacy of a regular direct mail campaign.
Only one out of every odd regular postal mail needs to totally rethink the wheel. The imperative thing is to discover some approach to separate yourself from your opposition – whether that is an innovative new kind of bundling or essentially an alluring logo.