Direct Mail: Split Tests | Your Predictions.

10 replies
Basically doing split tests of a couple different sales letters and sending them to manufacturing companies in hand written #10 envelopes to promote our web design service (Note: they already have websites)

#1) First page of letter is a case study of a past client we had.

headline reads something like, "HOW WE CREATED A MANUFACTURING COMPANY'S WEBSITE TO GO FROM ___ LEADS A MONTH TO ___ LEADS A DAY AND HOW YOU CAN BE NEXT"

then there is one more page of the sales letter describing how they can contact us to schedule a phone appointment

#2) first page of the sales letter has a picture of their website with 2 things on their website circled in red.

headline reads as this, "ARE YOU ABLE TO HANDLE MORE CLIENTS?"

"This picture of your website with the red circled areas says I can show you 2 things which are costing you at least $10,000 in missed revenue from your current website.
Best part, it costs you nothing to implement." (gives them the free 2 suggestions)

...goes on to say specifically what needs to be changed and the rest of the letter goes on to say stuff like, "if you want to increase inbound leads and double your sales through your website call us to schedule an appointment to find out how. etc. etc.


#3) this last sales page is pretty average its 4 pages long and it follows the AIDA formula.

Headline reads, "ARE YOU ABLE TO HANDLE MORE CLIENTS? YOUR WEBSITE COULD BE OUTRAGEOUSLY PROFITABLE OVER YOUR COMPETITORS."

the rest of the sales page addresses problems in their industry (manufacturing), has some qualifying questions, and how to find out more at the end.

#4) This is the same as #2 with the exception that it won't give away that free information on how they can increase their websites sales. We will say that they have to schedule a phone appointment with us (we try to close them on our services) and if they are un-happy then at the end of the call they will receive a free report on how their website can increase sales.

The only thing that scares me is the prospects just listening through our sales pitch and saying "no" so they can just receive a free report at the end.

*Note I am not copywriter and have zero experience (until now) in this field.*

I am aware this is very brief and to have the most accurate predictions/suggestions you would need the actual sales letters. But based on what I have given you what do you think will get the highest response rates?
#direct #mail #predictions #split #tests
  • Profile picture of the author lotsofsnow
    #2) will get the highest response.

    If you show their web site you get their attention.
    The other 2 approaches are just boring and will get some kind of response but way less.
    Signature

    Call Center Fuel - High Volume Data
    Delivering the highest quality leads in virtually all consumer verticals.

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9190898].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author TakenAction
      Originally Posted by hpgoodboy View Post

      #2) will get the highest response.

      If you show their web site you get their attention.
      The other 2 approaches are just boring and will get some kind of response but way less.
      Thank you! That's what I was thinking also but I was just thinking of other methods because I was being lazy and would have to find 2 problems with each website to critique for free and when your doing hundreds of those it can be a daunting task.

      Anyways, I added a #4 if that might change anything. thanks for the response.
      Signature

      The best thing you can do is put yourself out there.

      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9190902].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author lotsofsnow
    Originally Posted by TakenAction View Post

    #4) This is the same as #2 with the exception that it won't give away that free information on how they can increase their websites sales. We will say that they have to schedule a phone appointment with us (we try to close them on our services) and if they are un-happy then at the end of the call they will receive a free report on how their website can increase sales.

    The only thing that scares me is the prospects just listening through our sales pitch and saying "no" so they can just receive a free report at the end.
    Just give them all the information upfront. Free.

    You only want to talk to educated callers that know exactly what they could do but they are business owners and not web developers.

    You want the callers that are professionals and that are successful. The ones that have to do everything themselves will not even have the time to pick up the phone to call you. LOL
    Signature

    Call Center Fuel - High Volume Data
    Delivering the highest quality leads in virtually all consumer verticals.

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9190981].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author 06blawton
    Originally Posted by TakenAction View Post

    Basically doing split tests of a couple different sales letters and sending them to manufacturing companies in hand written #10 envelopes to promote our web design service (Note: they already have websites)

    #1) First page of letter is a case study of a past client we had.

    headline reads something like, "HOW WE CREATED A MANUFACTURING COMPANY'S WEBSITE TO GO FROM ___ LEADS A MONTH TO ___ LEADS A DAY AND HOW YOU CAN BE NEXT"

    then there is one more page of the sales letter describing how they can contact us to schedule a phone appointment

    #2) first page of the sales letter has a picture of their website with 2 things on their website circled in red.

    headline reads as this, "ARE YOU ABLE TO HANDLE MORE CLIENTS?"

    "This picture of your website with the red circled areas says I can show you 2 things which are costing you at least $10,000 in missed revenue from your current website.
    Best part, it costs you nothing to implement." (gives them the free 2 suggestions)

    ...goes on to say specifically what needs to be changed and the rest of the letter goes on to say stuff like, "if you want to increase inbound leads and double your sales through your website call us to schedule an appointment to find out how. etc. etc.


    #3) this last sales page is pretty average its 4 pages long and it follows the AIDA formula.

    Headline reads, "ARE YOU ABLE TO HANDLE MORE CLIENTS? YOUR WEBSITE COULD BE OUTRAGEOUSLY PROFITABLE OVER YOUR COMPETITORS."

    the rest of the sales page addresses problems in their industry (manufacturing), has some qualifying questions, and how to find out more at the end.

    #4) This is the same as #2 with the exception that it won't give away that free information on how they can increase their websites sales. We will say that they have to schedule a phone appointment with us (we try to close them on our services) and if they are un-happy then at the end of the call they will receive a free report on how their website can increase sales.

    The only thing that scares me is the prospects just listening through our sales pitch and saying "no" so they can just receive a free report at the end.

    *Note I am not copywriter and have zero experience (until now) in this field.*

    I am aware this is very brief and to have the most accurate predictions/suggestions you would need the actual sales letters. But based on what I have given you what do you think will get the highest response rates?
    OP,

    With B2B prospects don't focus on trying to get the sale straight away. It hardly ever happens.

    The point of your first contact -- in this case, direct mail -- is to start a conversation. Begin a relationship with the client.

    I'd suggest testing #2 against this:

    Still critique their website, but don't go too overboard on the information you provide. Show them WHAT, not HOW.

    Instead of offering to book an appointment straight away -- which might be seen as being pushy -- try offering to send them a free report that solves a problem your prospects will be having. Do a bit of research.

    If you follow up on those who request the free report, I'd wager you'll get a higher conversion rate than using an appointment as the offer.

    I'm starting my own direct mail campaign next week aimed at IT/Software companies, so I'll keep you posted on my results. I'll be testing a few variations as well.

    Good luck.

    -- Ben Lawton
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9191571].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author TakenAction
      Originally Posted by 06blawton View Post

      OP,

      With B2B prospects don't focus on trying to get the sale straight away. It hardly ever happens.

      The point of your first contact -- in this case, direct mail -- is to start a conversation. Begin a relationship with the client.

      I'd suggest testing #2 against this:

      Still critique their website, but don't go too overboard on the information you provide. Show them WHAT, not HOW.

      Instead of offering to book an appointment straight away -- which might be seen as being pushy -- try offering to send them a free report that solves a problem your prospects will be having. Do a bit of research.

      If you follow up on those who request the free report, I'd wager you'll get a higher conversion rate than using an appointment as the offer.

      I'm starting my own direct mail campaign next week aimed at IT/Software companies, so I'll keep you posted on my results. I'll be testing a few variations as well.

      Good luck.

      -- Ben Lawton
      Thank you I think I will end up testing #2 and the one you mention. Would it work to tell them to call our phone and leave a request for a free report on our recording? After that lets say we create the free report I will have my cold caller call them and tell them it has been sent via email? Then what? Follow up a few days later to book an appointment?
      Signature

      The best thing you can do is put yourself out there.

      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9192739].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author 06blawton
        Originally Posted by TakenAction View Post

        Thank you I think I will end up testing #2 and the one you mention. Would it work to tell them to call our phone and leave a request for a free report on our recording? After that lets say we create the free report I will have my cold caller call them and tell them it has been sent via email? Then what? Follow up a few days later to book an appointment?
        No problem.

        I'd give them a few options. Let them call you directly, email you, or (if you have the inclination to set one up) visit a dedicated download page on your website.

        I wouldn't bother sending it them in the post. Your campaign costs start to double once you do that and -- depending on how much you charge -- your margins will start to fade away. I'd just email it to them.

        I'd recommend emailing it to them, and then following up by phone in a couple of days. Even then, don't try and go for the hard sell.

        Just start a conversation with them.

        Ask them what they thought of the report.

        Do they have any upcoming needs for a designer? Mention a few things on their website that could be improved to increase conversions.

        Have a look what's going on in their industry. Strike up a conversation about it.

        It's always baffled me that by not going for the direct sale, and instead trying to build a relationship, you'll actually get the sales coming in quicker than hard selling. Hey ho; that's how the mind works.

        I'd also recommend that you call them yourself. It helps to build up a relationship and increase the response rate than someone calling on your behalf.

        Just out of curiosity, where are you getting your data from? And how large is your mailing list?

        -- Ben Lawton
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9192983].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author TakenAction
          Originally Posted by 06blawton View Post

          No problem.

          I'd give them a few options. Let them call you directly, email you, or (if you have the inclination to set one up) visit a dedicated download page on your website.

          I wouldn't bother sending it them in the post. Your campaign costs start to double once you do that and -- depending on how much you charge -- your margins will start to fade away. I'd just email it to them.

          I'd recommend emailing it to them, and then following up by phone in a couple of days. Even then, don't try and go for the hard sell.

          Just start a conversation with them.

          Ask them what they thought of the report.

          Do they have any upcoming needs for a designer? Mention a few things on their website that could be improved to increase conversions.

          Have a look what's going on in their industry. Strike up a conversation about it.

          It's always baffled me that by not going for the direct sale, and instead trying to build a relationship, you'll actually get the sales coming in quicker than hard selling. Hey ho; that's how the mind works.

          I'd also recommend that you call them yourself. It helps to build up a relationship and increase the response rate than someone calling on your behalf.

          Just out of curiosity, where are you getting your data from? And how large is your mailing list?

          -- Ben Lawton
          Thanks again for your response. I will most definitely split test this with #2, for sure it seems like a better option. I currently am getting the data from:
          ReferenceUSA which is basically like InfoUSA but free.

          We just gathered first name, last name, address, and website for a particular industry. We have about 250 currently that we plan on mailing.

          We are also going to send out some priority mail ($5.60) a piece and see how those turn out.
          Signature

          The best thing you can do is put yourself out there.

          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9193036].message }}
          • Profile picture of the author 06blawton
            Originally Posted by TakenAction View Post

            Thanks again for your response. I will most definitely split test this with #2, for sure it seems like a better option. I currently am getting the data from:
            ReferenceUSA which is basically like InfoUSA but free.

            We just gathered first name, last name, address, and website for a particular industry. We have about 250 currently that we plan on mailing.

            We are also going to send out some priority mail ($5.60) a piece and see how those turn out.
            I know it's time consuming, but I'd x2 check the details before you send out the mailer. Just have a look on the companies' websites.

            Could you PM me the copy? It'd be nice to compare notes!
            {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9193506].message }}
            • Profile picture of the author TakenAction
              Originally Posted by 06blawton View Post

              I know it's time consuming, but I'd x2 check the details before you send out the mailer. Just have a look on the companies' websites.

              Could you PM me the copy? It'd be nice to compare notes!
              Sent the PM
              Signature

              The best thing you can do is put yourself out there.

              {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9200350].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author ThomasOMalley
    I recommend you use a hard offer (ie., an appointment with a consultant about their website) and a soft offer (a free report offer) in your sales letter. Get great info.on this in Bob Bly's book, Power Packed Direct Mail. Study this book carefully...very helpful.

    Best regards,
    Thomas O'Malley
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9191621].message }}

Trending Topics