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Question About Direct Mail Campaign

by alphajamil
25 replies
Hello Warriors,

I'm doing my first direct mail Campaign. I've already compiled a list of targeted prospects.

I guess my question here is: What is the best Direct Mail Service as far as pricing and speed of delivery?

Every response will be greatly appreciated.

Kind Regards,
Alpha
#campaign #direct #mail #question
  • Profile picture of the author ewenmack
    What country are you located?

    Best,
    Doctor E. Vile
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    • Profile picture of the author alphajamil
      United States
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      • Profile picture of the author ewenmack
        Originally Posted by alphajamil View Post

        United States
        Are you using postcards or envelopes
        and how many?

        Have you planned a follow up campaign?

        Best,
        Doctor E. Vile
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  • Profile picture of the author alphajamil
    I'm using Envelope with a the decision makers name on the front. I'm sending out about 50 envelopes because that's what I can afford right now.Yes I've planned a follow up campaign, but Ewen you're an expert on these kinds of subjects, so what kind of tips would you give me as far as follow ups go.
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    • Profile picture of the author ewenmack
      Originally Posted by alphajamil View Post

      I'm using Envelope with a the decision makers name on the front. I'm sending out about 50 envelopes because that's what I can afford right now.Yes I've planned a follow up campaign, but Ewen you're an expert on these kinds of subjects, so what kind of tips would you give me as far as follow ups go.
      Before fhe follow up sequence, first make the offer
      very easy to get a yes from.

      Most don't due to making the reader make a BIG decision,
      which means he won't.

      Best,
      Doctor E. Vile
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    • Profile picture of the author MichaelWinicki
      Originally Posted by alphajamil View Post

      I'm using Envelope with a the decision makers name on the front. I'm sending out about 50 envelopes because that's what I can afford right now.Yes I've planned a follow up campaign, but Ewen you're an expert on these kinds of subjects, so what kind of tips would you give me as far as follow ups go.
      I'd cold call prospects first and see if they have some interest in your offer.

      Then I'd mail them.
      Signature
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    • Profile picture of the author Oziboomer
      Originally Posted by alphajamil View Post

      I'm using Envelope with a the decision makers name on the front. I'm sending out about 50 envelopes because that's what I can afford right now.Yes I've planned a follow up campaign, but Ewen you're an expert on these kinds of subjects, so what kind of tips would you give me as far as follow ups go.
      For 50 envelopes I'd say putting a stamp on them yourself or better still multiple stamps and something lumpy inside is the way to go.

      We used to run large databases and merge mailings up to 15000 (still do on and offline) but the most successful results we have is still Hand Written envelopes with normal stamps and good copy inside the envelope using lower volumes that are well targeted.

      Even now with all the tech I get staff to write an address on an envelope usually whilst on the phone to a client or just after they've left our store or whilst reading their email.

      We have pre-printed campaigns that we personalise on the fly and then the staff member seals the envelope and pops it in our outgoing box.

      Doing this everyday whilst doing other things we get out anywhere from 400 - 600 pieces monthly and we have good returns on our investment.

      We usually track manually via the offer we mail and the postage we spend because we se the different offers being redeemed which we code into our recording system when clients purchase.

      Hope this helps
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      • Profile picture of the author MRomeo09
        If you're only doing 50, then what's going to be most important is to make sure every single one of them counts. Hell I might not even mail them, I'd pay the $7-8 to fedex 10 of them.

        But the point is, what can you do to personalize the letter so it's all about them, and what they want/need, etc. You have to make the letters count if you're doing such a small mailing. Also you HAVE to be commited to doing a telephone follow-up. It's cheap, and easy and will improve response 3-4x.

        What can you send them that is personalized for each business? Can you send them a critique of their website? Yellow Pages ad? Some reviews online? What can you do to stand out? Again if you can only do 50, make them count.
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  • Profile picture of the author alphajamil
    Yes it should be easy to say yes to because I offered to the their marketing for FREE. And all I asked for is an appointment. Didn't include a reply card, just a phone number. That should be good enough right?
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    • Profile picture of the author ewenmack
      Originally Posted by alphajamil View Post

      Yes it should be easy to say yes to because I offered to the their marketing for FREE. And all I asked for is an appointment. Didn't include a reply card, just a phone number. That should be good enough right?
      Offering to do their marketing for free is NOT seen as valuable
      and a appointment is NOT seen as valuable.

      Best,
      Doctor E. Vile
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      • Profile picture of the author MichaelWinicki
        Originally Posted by ewenmack View Post

        Offering to do their marketing for free is NOT seen as valuable
        and a appointment is NOT seen as valuable.

        Best,
        Doctor E. Vile
        +1

        Great answer.
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    • Profile picture of the author savidge4
      Originally Posted by alphajamil View Post

      Yes it should be easy to say yes to because I offered to the their marketing for FREE. And all I asked for is an appointment. Didn't include a reply card, just a phone number. That should be good enough right?
      interns are inexperienced and work for FREE. I am assuming you are not applying for an intern position.

      When you say marketing, I would suggest being more specific. What if they say great make us a TV ad?

      I just sent out a mailer that introduced myself as a Optimization Specialist. Very clear with "what" that is, and how that might help them.

      A far cry from "Hi I want to do your marketing for free."
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      Success is an ACT not an idea
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      • Profile picture of the author alphajamil
        Originally Posted by savidge4 View Post

        interns are inexperienced and work for FREE. I am assuming you are not applying for an intern position.

        When you say marketing, I would suggest being more specific. What if they say great make us a TV ad?

        I just sent out a mailer that introduced myself as a Optimization Specialist. Very clear with "what" that is, and how that might help them.

        A far cry from "Hi I want to do your marketing for free."
        I just used the general term but I'm introducing myself as a Copywriter/Marketing Consultant because i think most small business owners are not familiar with the term copywriter. And they only pay me if they're satisfied with the result.

        I've only been writing sales letters for myself and even though I know can write a good sales letter. I can't know for sure how good I am unless I put my copy out there and measure the results. I don't want to 'experiment' my skills using somebody else's money so I figured why not just offer to do it for free initially.
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        • Profile picture of the author ewenmack
          Originally Posted by alphajamil View Post

          I don't want to 'experiment' my skills using somebody else's money so I figured why not just offer to do it for free initially.
          You will be.

          They will be buying advertising to run your ad or their existing ad,
          either way.

          Best,
          Doctor E. Vile
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          • Profile picture of the author alphajamil
            You're right about that Ewen but I'm doing my best to control what I can, and that is shouldering the risk on my part. At least that's what I think. I could also write their website copies. and I noticed most of them don't even have a site but I don't know anything about website building, maybe I could outsource that if I get the chance.
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            • Profile picture of the author savidge4
              Originally Posted by alphajamil View Post

              You're right about that Ewen but I'm doing my best to control what I can, and that is shouldering the risk on my part. At least that's what I think. I could also write their website copies. and I noticed most of them don't even have a site but I don't know anything about website building, maybe I could outsource that if I get the chance.
              The question then bears to be asked... how did you pre qualify your list? no web site? do these people even advertise?

              A better approach that you might want to consider is offering your services to local web designers? as in ALL of them...

              You just don't have the "Angle" to really approach a business per se. or at least from what I have read here.
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              • Profile picture of the author alphajamil
                Originally Posted by savidge4 View Post

                The question then bears to be asked... how did you pre qualify your list? no web site? do these people even advertise?

                A better approach that you might want to consider is offering your services to local web designers? as in ALL of them...

                You just don't have the "Angle" to really approach a business per se. or at least from what I have read here.
                In an earlier post I said they're already spending between 10 to 20,000 on advertising. So yes they actually do advertise or I wouldn't be targeting them.
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  • Profile picture of the author alphajamil
    It's geared toward them paying me only if they're happy with the results. So what would you suggest to be seen as valuable?
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    • Profile picture of the author ewenmack
      [QUOTE=alphajamil;9653523. So what would you suggest to be seen as valuable?[/QUOTE]

      That's your job to find out as a marketer.

      That's the reason why businesses are in business because
      they have figured out what people want to buy from them.

      Best,
      Doctor E. Vile
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  • Profile picture of the author bob ross
    To answer your direct mail service question... it won't make sense to use a mailing provider for this... just buy 50 stamps and hand write the envelopes or pay someone to do it.
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    • Profile picture of the author alphajamil
      Originally Posted by bob ross View Post

      To answer your direct mail service question... it won't make sense to use a mailing provider for this... just buy 50 stamps and hand write the envelopes or pay someone to do it.
      Yes my not so smart self just figured that out.

      Thanks a lot Bob, much appreciated.
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    • Profile picture of the author AmericanMuscleTA
      Originally Posted by bob ross View Post

      To answer your direct mail service question... it won't make sense to use a mailing provider for this... just buy 50 stamps and hand write the envelopes or pay someone to do it.
      I was wondering why he needed a mailing service for only 50 pieces. ha

      If I had to guess... you probably won't even get any replies with only mailing 50 pieces out.

      How targeted is your list?
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      • Profile picture of the author alphajamil
        Originally Posted by AmericanMuscleTA View Post

        I was wondering why he needed a mailing service for only 50 pieces. ha

        If I had to guess... you probably won't even get any replies with only mailing 50 pieces out.

        How targeted is your list?
        I know the number is not that great but it's what it's the best I can do with what I have.

        It's targeted towards local business owners that are spending at least $10,000 to $20,000 on advertising. So at least I have an idea that they know the value of effective advertising.
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  • Profile picture of the author amcg
    The Royal Mail in the UK do a decent job. Pricier than most though I'd imagine.
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  • Profile picture of the author alphajamil
    Thank you guys I really appreciate the help. And yes it's very easy to kinda shoot of a generic letter and hope you get a sale. Or you can do your research and make it personal where in you get a lot of positive responses because you showed the person you cared. I think it all boils down to the good ole human connection. I've learned my lesson well thanks to all you guys.

    May God bless you all for all the help you give on this forum. You deserve it!
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