Since I am an optimist, I see the good and positive side of just about everything. I’m rarely negative. Although I always encourage people to have a positive outlook, I want to take a moment to mention there are times when you might want to be a bit negative. I’m not talking about having a […]
copywriting, direct-mail, direct-mail-marketing, sales-piece
Purchasing from a direct mail solicitation can be a bit of a gamble – or at least that’s the way it may appear to many potential buyers. The problem is one of “perceived risk,” and it can make a promising sale simply disappear. But there’s something direct mail marketers can do to alleviate a prospect’s […]
customers, direct-mail, direct-mail-marketing, perceived-risk
One of the most effective ways to get a prospect to try a new product is to have it recommended by a friend. There are a couple of big advantages to using this kind of feedback. First, friends listen to friends and trust their opinions and recommendations more than they do an obvious advertisement. Second, […]
customers, direct-mail, direct-mail-marketing, sales, word-of-mouth
With growing awareness of environmental issues, and so much interest in businesses “going green” these days, the mailing industry has responded with a number of interesting alternatives and guidelines that cover every aspect of your mailing activities. I’m often asked the following question: “My retail business is very focused on being environmentally friendly. I successfully […]
direct-mail, direct-mail-marketing, environment, environmental-impact, mailing, printing
Options, options, options. There are so many direct mail formats to choose from: letters, postcards, magalogs, oh my! Some of them are perfectly suited for you, and others – not so much. Some pieces will work for certain products and offers, others will not. It’s time to start considering all the possibilities and make a […]
dimensional-mail, direct-mail, direct-mail-marketing, letter-package, postcard, sales-pieces, self-mailer
Some direct mail marketers focus so much on WHAT they mail to WHOM, that they lose sight of another variable that’s just as important – and that’s WHEN they mail. In my experience, most industries have a good time of year to mail (when they get stellar results) … and a bad one (when you […]
direct-mail, direct-mail-marketing, mailing, planning, seasons
Other marketers may have great ideas for running direct mail campaigns – that you could benefit from. It’s not exactly cheating. After all, imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. We’re all bombarded with marketing messages all the time. As a marketer yourself, you should start paying attention to them. See if you can pick […]
competition, direct-mail, direct-mail-marketing, mailing-lists
Most direct marketing pros have their own lingo for easy communication. It may all sound like alphabet soup to you, but you want to sound like a professional. So, here is a list of terms and acronyms that might come in handy. AIDA: Gain ATTENTION, Create INTEREST, Build DESIRE, and Request ACTION. This acronym is […]
acronyms, direct-mail, direct-mail-basics, direct-mail-marketing, quick-tips
Your House File Don’t ignore the people who have proven that they like you and want to give you their credit card number. These are people who have already bought from you and should be on your House File. Keep coming back to your House File with reminders of your products and services. Come up […]
back-end, customer-retention-path, customers, direct-mail, direct-mail-marketing, sales-funnel
Rick is a client of mine for whom I’m trying to help “crack the code” on direct mail for his Medical Clinic. I sent out a tear-sheet mailing for Rick last year with marginal results. He didn’t lose any money and he didn’t make any money. Actually, marginal results on your first mailing are not […]
direct-mail, direct-mail-marketing, mailing, testing