Genius Offline Example To Get Your Mail Noticed

[2ndAccount]

The following is a great example of how you can increase the likely hood of any offline mail drops getting read instead of being thrown straight into the bin.

I came home last night to find a plain white envelope on the doormat with the res of the mail. hand written on the front was the following:

"Happy Christmas, from a Secret Admirer xxx"

Well unsurprisingly that got opened long before the usual bills etc. Inside was a 10% off voucher for a new hair salon that has opened in the local area!

If you have an offline element to your business this is a sure fire way to make sure any mailshots you do at least get opened and people talking about your business/services!!!

[Kneb Knebaih]

Great for offline postcard ads...

Dan Kennedy stuff

[Pat Ordenes]

Thats a great approach, but unfortunately the offer is weak.
I think thats the major problem with Offline prospects, they are afraid to go out on a limb on their offers...
How about half price... better still:
"Merry Christmas! Visit Us for your Free..."
Thats an offer that makes you look and take notice...
An for a service such as a Hair Salon, a free offer is perfect, because if the service is good, you KNOW they'll be back for more...

[Frank Murphy]

Yes, thats is a good way to increase your..open rate..lol..Find it a little misleading though..

[Gene Pimentel]

I'm sure this will get your mail opened, but unless you are in fact a 'secret admirer', you're going to build a lot of distrust. I prefer Tim Castleman's idea... simply mark the outside of the envelope with "photo enclosed, do not bend". And enclose a photo of some type relevant to what you're promoting. It's truthful, and builds massive curiosity.

[Kenster]

Just thought of a way to use this concept in one my offline methods. Appreciate it!

[Steven Carl Kelly]

I have a very effective physical mailing method that virtually GUARANTEES your mail piece will be opened.

[Riz]

The method described by the OP could be very effective in geting the mail opened but i agree with Gene about building distrust.

I love the photo idea - this would work wonders in Offline marketing.

Originally Posted by Gene Pimentel

I'm sure this will get your mail opened? but unless you are in fact a 'secret admirer', you're going to build a lot of distrust. I prefer Tim Castleman's idea... simply mark the outside of the envelope with "photo enclosed, do not bend". And enclose a photo of some type relevant to what you're promoting. It's truthful, and builds massive curiosity.

[Riz]

care to share?

would be appreciated ;-)

Originally Posted by Steven Carl Kelly

I have a very effective physical mailing method that virtually GUARANTEES your mail piece will be opened.

[Mark Jordan]

Originally Posted by Steven Carl Kelly

I have a very effective physical mailing method that virtually GUARANTEES your mail piece will be opened.

Please, tell us about it!

[Steven Carl Kelly]

Originally Posted by Mark Jordan

Please, tell us about it!

I hadn't previously seen what Gene posted above... it's that idea but taken to a an even more serious level. Mail your pieces in one of these:


You can buy them in quantity for 4.5 cents each. You can even include a photo along with your sales letter. The photo can be of you, your product, your service, one of your happy clients, or whatever...

[josspam]

I think is different on mails because most people send those emails to spam...

[Gene Pimentel]

Brilliant!

Originally Posted by Steven Carl Kelly

I hadn't previously seen what Gene posted above... it's that idea but taken to a an even more serious level. Mail your pieces in one of these:


You can buy them in quantity for 4.5 cents each. You can even include a photo along with your sales letter. The photo can be of you, your product, your service, one of your happy clients, or whatever...

[Brian Alaway]

Direct mail gets expensive fast so how about some ideas for getting cheap photos to stuff in those mailers? Lots of places to buy digital photos but how about places to buy actual prints in bulk?

[Matt Jutras]

Originally Posted by balaway

Direct mail gets expensive fast so how about some ideas for getting cheap photos to stuff in those mailers? Lots of places to buy digital photos but how about places to buy actual prints in bulk?

I would suggest Shutterfly, pretty cheap..especially with the bevy of coupon codes available for them. Nice quality prints, too.

[Vagabond 007]

I have a bunch of experience in this type of direct mail. If you guys want, I'll make a video sharing what I know. I have used something way more attention getting than the above examples. One of my favorites is a bit more expensive, so it only makes sense when you are selling higher ticket items. But trust me, there is no way to ignore it when it gets mailed to you.

Also have a few other tricks to use, some have been mentioned here. But I have another piece that is similar to the "photos enclosed" mentioned above, but with a slight twist. And I am betting 99% of people have never seen it before.

Again, if you guys are interested, let me know and I'll do my best to get it done sometime today.

[jaybaker]

Sure Vagabond 007! I would love your input on this subject not to mention a video or two would also be awesome!

[The Brian]

Originally Posted by Steven Carl Kelly

I hadn't previously seen what Gene posted above... it's that idea but taken to a an even more serious level. Mail your pieces in one of these:


You can buy them in quantity for 4.5 cents each. You can even include a photo along with your sales letter. The photo can be of you, your product, your service, one of your happy clients, or whatever...

That's a pretty sweet idea.

[Brian Alaway]

Originally Posted by Vagabond 007

I have a bunch of experience in this type of direct mail. If you guys want, I'll make a video sharing what I know. I have used something way more attention getting than the above examples. One of my favorites is a bit more expensive, so it only makes sense when you are selling higher ticket items. But trust me, there is no way to ignore it when it gets mailed to you.

Also have a few other tricks to use, some have been mentioned here. But I have another piece that is similar to the "photos enclosed" mentioned above, but with a slight twist. And I am betting 99% of people have never seen it before.

Again, if you guys are interested, let me know and I'll do my best to get it done sometime today.

absolutely, thanks

[Gene Pimentel]

Of course! Thank you.

Originally Posted by Vagabond 007

I have a bunch of experience in this type of direct mail. If you guys want, I'll make a video sharing what I know. I have used something way more attention getting than the above examples. One of my favorites is a bit more expensive, so it only makes sense when you are selling higher ticket items. But trust me, there is no way to ignore it when it gets mailed to you.

Also have a few other tricks to use, some have been mentioned here. But I have another piece that is similar to the "photos enclosed" mentioned above, but with a slight twist. And I am betting 99% of people have never seen it before.

Again, if you guys are interested, let me know and I'll do my best to get it done sometime today.

[Steven Carl Kelly]

Originally Posted by The Brian

That's a pretty sweet idea.

Ask yourself: if you got a photo envelope in the mail, would YOU open it or toss it aside?

[Steven Carl Kelly]

Originally Posted by balaway

Direct mail gets expensive fast so how about some ideas for getting cheap photos to stuff in those mailers? Lots of places to buy digital photos but how about places to buy actual prints in bulk?

The lowest I know of is PE Photo, they do 4x6 prints for 6 cents each. Here's a non-affiliate link:

High Quality 4x6, 16x20 Photo Printing Service of Digital Film Development Pricing | Wedding & Holiday Gift Ideas

So if you buy the mailer and insert a 6 cent photo, you're spending 11 or 12 cents before the other paper you want to put inside and the postage.

[The Brian]

Originally Posted by Steven Carl Kelly

Ask yourself: if you got a photo envelope in the mail, would YOU open it or toss it aside?

I'd definitely open it, of course... and I'm sure most people would too. That's the genius of it!

[Vagabond 007]

Ok, I'll work on the video tonight. Going to dig through my files and see if I can find examples. I know I have a picture saved of the above referenced method (where I said there is no way to ignore it). The other method, the one similar to the "photos enclosed", I have an example printed out. Gonna go digging for it.

If I don't finish everything up today/tonight, I'll tackle it tomorrow and get it done. I tend to have OCD when it comes to making things. So I don't want to half a$$ this.

If you have any questions regarding this subject, feel free to post them here or PM me and I'll go over them in the video.

[Vagabond 007]

I'm gonna have to finish up that video tomorrow. Started working on it, found some example pieces to show you guys. But then went out to dinner with the family.

Been working on it a little bit the past 30 minutes or so. But I'm exhausted, been a long day.

So I'll get it finished tomorrow. Again, if you have anything you would like covered, let me know.

[ASM Marketing]

Guys,

The easiest way to guarantee your mail gets opened is with one of these:


Nothing beats the draw of the colour red in direct mail. Expensive ploys like photos are a waste of money compared to the good old fashioned red ink, white envelope and authorative language...

Alex

[Vagabond 007]

Originally Posted by Paul McQuillan

You still doing this Vagabond?

I am, Paul. Actually put a good deal of time into it today.

Powerpoint slides are 95% done.
Gathered some live examples.

Still need to do the voice over on the PP slides and either take pics of the live examples or I was thinking of showing them in front of a video camera.

Either way, you guys are going to learn a lot. I kept adding things as I was creating the PP slides.

As for a time frame on when it will be done...not sure. Tonight is pushing it. I know I said I would have it done by today. And I am still going to push for that. But hopefully you understand if I need more time....this is a bit of a side project. Plus, it's free.

All kidding aside, I will do my best to get it done asap.

I'll let you all know when it's ready.

Side note...I spent some time on another project today. Gave away my AdSense guide. Free, no catch or opt in. That's part of what my time went to today. Posted about it here in case any of you can benefit from it... http://www.warriorforum.com/main-int...-no-catch.html

Back to work on the video.

[Dan Klatt]

Hi Vagabond,

I would be interested in your guidance on the best way to do the address, as well as your test/usage results from using your method.

For example if someone's using the photo envelopes, I would guess hand printing the recipient's address on a label, with stamps.

Thanks,
Dan

[Vagabond 007]

I will definitely need more time to complete the video.

Just to give you guys a teaser, here is everything I am covering...


Getting Attention – The Whole Point Of All This
Lumpy Mail
Envelopes – Types of envelopes, use return address or no, teaser copy on envelope?
Paper – Color, types, inserts
Tearsheet Mailing
Yellow Lined Paper Mailing
Trash Can Mailing
J. Squirrel Letter
Post-It Notes
Handwritten Fonts
Dollar Bill Letter
Wallet Mailer
Ticket Mailer
Testimonials – Great Way To Use Them Properly
How Many Pieces You Should Mail Out
Mailing Lists
The 2 Mailings GUARANTEED To Demand Attention (probably never heard of them before)


Now you can see why it is taking some time.

[Vagabond 007]

Originally Posted by Dan Klatt

Hi Vagabond,

I would be interested in your guidance on the best way to do the address, as well as your test/usage results from using your method.

For example if someone's using the photo envelopes, I would guess hand printing the recipient's address on a label, with stamps.

Thanks,
Dan

Hey Dan,

For the most part, I used a handwritten type font for addresses. Always used a real stamp for letters/envelopes. Used metered once on a postcard mailing.

The obvious goal is to get your envelope opened. Using metered postage may set off the "they are trying to sell me something" alarm. Then again, it might not hurt.

Only way to know for sure is to test. Even then, things change from market to market.

[Thomas]

I never understood where the notion that people sort their mail standing over the rubbish bin, and throw away anything they THINK looks like something they don't want to see, came from.

Who actually does that?

It seems like the ultimate in "judging a book by its cover". (What happens if somebody sends you a cheque payment in an envelope that doesn't tickle your fancy?)

Surely I can't be the only one who opens ALL my mail and THEN decides what to throw away.

Can I?

Tommy.

P.S. - And, as for metered postage (unless it means something different elsewhere), it's normal here for most medium and large businesses (and even many small ones too) to have their own franking machine. It doesn't indicate anything other than the fact that the person sending it has access to such a machine. Is that not the case elsewhere?

[Vagabond 007]

Originally Posted by Thomas

P.S. - And, as for metered postage (unless it means something different elsewhere), it's normal here for most medium and large businesses (and even many small ones too) to have their own franking machine. It doesn't indicate anything other than the fact that the person sending it has access to such a machine. Is that not the case elsewhere?

I personally don't pay attention to the postage.

But some people do. I don't think it's a big of a deal as most people make it out to be.

In some cases it makes sense to use real stamps though. For example, I've used invitation envelopes, actual handwritten address, and no return address. It would be silly to use metered postage in this case.

But say, on postcards, no I don't think it's an issue.

[ronr]

These guys have some GREAT lumpy mail products to get your mailings noticed and great information how to use them.

3DMail

Ron

[WareTime]

Originally Posted by Lady NaNa

Yes, thats is a good way to increase your..open rate..lol..Find it a little misleading though..

That's me too. Just my personality I guess, but I'd go out of my way not to do business with someone that essentially tricked me into opening their stuff. Sorry, that's just the way it is.

[Kevin Riley]

Originally Posted by Thomas

I never understood where the notion that people sort their mail standing over the rubbish bin, and throw away anything they THINK looks like something they don't want to see, came from.

Who actually does that?

I do. We have a bin right beside the mailboxes. Get lots of flyers from real estate agents, restaurants (home delivery), pizza (worth a look, but often very strange pizza - like corn and eggplant), hair salons (you know I reject those), and the girls who offer to come give "special" massages (Rieko won't let me keep those).

The bin gets fed about 80% of our mail.

Surely I can't be the only one who opens ALL my mail and THEN decides what to throw away.

Can I?

When you have few friends and you've killed all the leprechaun, you'll open the few scant missives you receive.

[ronr]

Originally Posted by WareTime

That's me too. Just my personality I guess, but I'd go out of my way not to do business with someone that essentially tricked me into opening their stuff. Sorry, that's just the way it is.

The higher level is to tie the photo or lumpty mail into the offer. Then it becomes cute and clever and not a trick or deceptive.

Ron

[rdraiss]

I remember reading once of a marketer that bought paper barf bags in bulk and used them for mailing with a message inside like "does your current advertising make your customers sick" . Thought it was defintley thinking out of the box. Also if you want to send lumpy packages take a sandwich bag and fill with shredded paper, inside the envelope include a message like" is this where your advertising ending up ?"

[SirThomas]

Originally Posted by Kneb Knebaih

Great for offline postcard ads...

Dan Kennedy stuff

offline postcards? ...saying "Happy Christmas, from a Secret Admirer xxx"?

I think, the idea is to make you open the envelope and see who it was from...
With postcards, you don't really need to do this. They can see you message right away... ?

Please explain, perhaps you're referring to something similar that could be used with
postcard marketing?


Thomas

[Nightengale]

Where DO you get barf bags for a campaign like this?

Just curious...

Michelle

[Thomas]

Originally Posted by Kevin Riley

I do. We have a bin right beside the mailboxes. Get lots of flyers from real estate agents, restaurants (home delivery), pizza (worth a look, but often very strange pizza - like corn and eggplant), hair salons (you know I reject those), and the girls who offer to come give "special" massages (Rieko won't let me keep those).

Ah, but you don't OPEN flyers, do you?

(And how come I'm never offered any "special" massages? My little toe is killing me; it could really use one. )

Originally Posted by Kevin Riley

When you have few friends and you've killed all the leprechaun, you'll open the few scant missives you receive.

I'd like to disagree but... well... even I can't argue with that one...

[Vagabond 007]

Just to update you guys on the video.

Slideshow is done. Voice over is done. Still have to render the video and then upload it. And I'm looking into using Amazon S3 because the video is well over the 10 minute limit YouTube has. And ideally I want to have it as one video instead of being in parts. But S3 is new to me, so I am trying to figure it out asap.

I apologize for the delay. But 2 things to keep in mind. It's free. And I guarantee it is going to be VERY valuable. I obviously wouldn't think something I've created is crap, but no BS here, this will be jammed pack full on content. You'll see.

I'll be sharing real life examples. Showing the actual mailings. Basically spilling the beans on everything I know about getting attention using direct mail.

Off to bed in a few.

But please hang tight. Doing my best to get it done and available to you. I promise it will be worth the wait.

[loenex]

I guess this is a really good strategy. But the promotion just say a little.

[MRomeo09]

Can't find that photo envelope online anywhere. Anyone know where I can order one? I'd like to test it out with some marketing ideas I have.

[MADULALI]

Guys,

A very simple way to get your envelope opened is to use something lumpy.

Here are the simple steps:

1) Hand write the address on the envelope

2) Do not include a return address

3) On the inside of the envelope, place an aspirin to your salesletter.
-Your message in your salesletter could be..Is The Lack Of Customers?Clients Giving You A Headache?

Hope you like this simple strategy.


Michael

[JMB Marketing Group]

You need to check out this site. It's quite fascinating.

Look at all the different products you can purchase, or even all the ideas you can garner from.

DOUBLE Your Direct Mail RESPONSE RATES with LUMPY MAIL

Enjoy!

JMB

[Tmilli]

Good post, interesting Ideas. It really gets the ideas flowing!

[Peter.Anthony]

Someone told me they put a penny or a nickel in the envelope to make a bit lumpy. He said that his response rate jumped when he started doing that.

[Vagabond 007]

The Videos Are Finally Done!!

Go over to my thread to learn everything I know about getting attention using direct mail. I show well over a dozen real life examples.

Click here to be taken to my thread and watch the videos.

.

[MADULALI]

Interesting post. Getting your direct mail opened is the 1st step to touching your prospects.

A very simple approach is to use postcards. The larger the better.

Michael

[TimCastleman]

I use postcards on a weekly basis.

Heck I like them so much I wrote a book about postcard marketing:

Learn My Postcard Money Making Program

There is a way to personalize them to boost response as well.

Tim