How To Get Offline Local Business...With Direct Mail

Doran Peck

15 years ago

I can help you from start to finish. What is it you are promoting and who do you want buying it?

[ 1 ] Thanks
3 replies

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mattbaehr

15 years ago

I got on odesk and hired someone to cut and paste business contact info from chamber of commerce web directories.

Then I sent them a folded invite to a free seminar, complete with business card in it. People RSVPd to my seminar, some becoming clients. Others who didn't even go to the seminar just called to have me do work for them.

[ 3 ] Thanks
4 replies

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Phillip Lambert

15 years ago

Yes I use it all the time.

Latest direct mail project: I wrote a hand written letter with red ink on a yellow lined pad (very short letter) Included a mini dart board and inserted both into a very large white envelope and wrote in black vivid on the outside teaser copy - "Dart Board Inside"

I had a 50% appointment rate after I followed up with an phone call.

Cost $5 per piece.

Second direct mail project: Wrote a JV letter. Very basic letter - no frills. Sent a sms to recipients giving them the heads up about the letter.

got a 34% response rate no follow up call.

Cost peanuts per piece.

[ 5 ] Thanks
1 reply

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Whatl

15 years ago

Originally Posted by Phillip Lambert

Yes I use it all the time.

Latest direct mail project: I wrote a hand written letter with red ink on a yellow lined pad (very short letter) Included a mini dart board and inserted both into a very large white envelope and wrote in black vivid on the outside teaser copy - "Dart Board Inside"

I had a 50% appointment rate after I followed up with an phone call.

Cost $5 per piece.

Second direct mail project: Wrote a JV letter. Very basic letter - no frills. Sent a sms to recipients giving them the heads up about the letter.

got a 34% response rate no follow up call.

Cost peanuts per piece.

Hello Phillip,

The use of SMS in this way is very interesting. I've recently sent out letters to businesses to establish JV's and followed up with a phonecall, which worked, but I like your idea of using SMS.

My questions is how did you acquire the mobile (cell) phone numbers of the business owners in the first place?

~ Tom

Thanks
1 reply

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Phillip Lambert

15 years ago

Hello Phillip,

The use of SMS in this way is very interesting. I've recently sent out letters to businesses to establish JV's and followed up with a phonecall, which worked, but I like your idea of using SMS.

My questions is how did you acquire the mobile (cell) phone numbers of the business owners in the first place?

~ Tom

Yep hey Tom - Obviously you wouldn't be targeting alot of potential JV partners so what I do is exhaust all public domain info on the individual (website, yellow pages, online business directories, company register) and if I can't get it that way then I call and ask the secretary for their cell phone number.

open your conversation as per normal - Hopefully they're out of the office explain to them that you find it easier to connect directly to them via cell phone and ask for their number.

But usually you wont need to do this step.

Or your can go to their office walk in and grab some business cards from the front desk.

The SMS as you're probably aware increases anticipation and primes them to look out for your letter - Much better to have people calling you instead of the other way around.

It would be great if someone could compile lead gen methods that work and are tested and package them into a WSO.

Too many people are still very much stuck on this part of offline consulting.

However I have given tips and advice to many lone rangers of business and they have never implemented what Ive told them.

You see I love to experiment on what works in led gen and what doesn't. And I'm kinda like "Monkey See, Monkey Do" if I come across something that someone says works I try it out for myself.

I would love to put together a WSO - I see many gaps in the market place and love the Warrior Forum for market research purposes its a goldmine.

I charge anywhere from 5-20k per client. Some of the income guys a quoting is pitiful - Though I don't believe that their WSOs are worthless. Give me a simple system and I'll make more money than most because of my mind set.

The kick in the guts about that is - is that you can't box mindset its an abstract - airy fairy concept that you can't bottle hand it to someone else and say "drink this and your income will skyrocket"

[ 1 ] Thanks
2 replies

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Whatl

15 years ago

Originally Posted by Phillip Lambert

Hello Phillip,

The use of SMS in this way is very interesting. I've recently sent out letters to businesses to establish JV's and followed up with a phonecall, which worked, but I like your idea of using SMS.

My questions is how did you acquire the mobile (cell) phone numbers of the business owners in the first place?

~ Tom

Yep hey Tom - Obviously you wouldn't be targeting alot of potential JV partners so what I do is exhaust all public domain info on the individual (website, yellow pages, online business directories, company register) and if I can't get it that way then I call and ask the secretary for their cell phone number.

open your conversation as per normal - Hopefully they're out of the office explain to them that you find it easier to connect directly to them via cell phone and ask for their number.

But usually you wont need to do this step.

Or your can go to their office walk in and grab some business cards from the front desk.

The SMS as you're probably aware increases anticipation and primes them to look out for your letter - Much better to have people calling you instead of the other way around.

It would be great if someone could compile lead gen methods that work and are tested and package them into a WSO.

Too many people are still very much stuck on this part of offline consulting.

However I have given tips and advice to many lone rangers of business and they have never implemented what Ive told them.

You see I love to experiment on what works in led gen and what doesn't. And I'm kinda like "Monkey See, Monkey Do" if I come across something that someone says works I try it out for myself.

I would love to put together a WSO - I see many gaps in the market place and love the Warrior Forum for market research purposes its a goldmine.

I charge anywhere from 5-20k per client. Some of the income guys a quoting is pitiful - Though I don't believe that their WSOs are worthless. Give me a simple system and I'll make more money than most because of my mind set.

The kick in the guts about that is - is that you can't box mindset its an abstract - airy fairy concept that you can't bottle hand it to someone else and say "drink this and your income will skyrocket"

Ah cool, nothing fancy just simple guerilla tactics. I can't honestly said I've thought about using SMS messages in that way though.

You're right, though, getting a foot through the door seems to be the most difficult thing for people, and it all comes down to their mindset.

I charge 1500 to 3500 (GBP) per project, and usually start off with 4 projects. Go figure.

Out of interest, Phillip, what kind of services do you provide? The usual Internet Marketing shabang?

Thanks

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tpw

15 years ago

Originally Posted by Phillip Lambert

It would be great if someone could compile lead gen methods that work and are tested and package them into a WSO.

Too many people are still very much stuck on this part of offline consulting.

The Offline Consulting Goldmine has just such a module in it.

Module #1 is defined as "How to get your foot in the door." It contains a mindmap, outlining the Local Lead Gen Methods, and it contains more than 2 hours of video where the topic is discussed in-depth.

Thanks

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iamchrisgreen

15 years ago

Originally Posted by mattbaehr

I got on odesk and hired someone to cut and paste business contact info from chamber of commerce web directories.

Then I sent them a folded invite to a free seminar, complete with business card in it. People RSVPd to my seminar, some becoming clients. Others who didn't even go to the seminar just called to have me do work for them.

Seminars have worked great for us too. But I have been using LinkedIn to invite local business owners to the seminars.

Thanks

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alanpedersen

15 years ago

Originally Posted by mattbaehr

I got on odesk and hired someone to cut and paste business contact info from chamber of commerce web directories.

Then I sent them a folded invite to a free seminar, complete with business card in it. People RSVPd to my seminar, some becoming clients. Others who didn't even go to the seminar just called to have me do work for them.

Yeah I do agree thanks for the great information .

Thanks

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nofearman

15 years ago

Aren't most Chamber Directories Private, only for member access?

Originally Posted by mattbaehr

I got on odesk and hired someone to cut and paste business contact info from chamber of commerce web directories.

Then I sent them a folded invite to a free seminar, complete with business card in it. People RSVPd to my seminar, some becoming clients. Others who didn't even go to the seminar just called to have me do work for them.

Thanks

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Edwards WOrld 15 years ago

Originally Posted by Doran Peck

I can help you from start to finish. What is it you are promoting and who do you want buying it?

Hey i am going after local businesses restaurants, dentist, retail shops any local business that needs SEo an SMS marketing.

I want to make a flyer like the Dish , Lapband kinds with my own copy etc. Where can i get more info on pricing an printing thanks!

Also lists to send out..

-EA
- Thanks
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tdorland 15 years ago

Originally Posted by Doran Peck

I can help you from start to finish. What is it you are promoting and who do you want buying it?

Hi Doran,
Please pm me if you can. I'd love to have you do some work for me. I promote sms, mobile websites, apps, and mobile appointment reminders for local businesses. I'd like to target ALL local restaurants ASAP with a direct mail piece.

If you cannot pm me email me at tdorland at gmail dot com.
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danielkanuck

15 years ago

You can look in the SRDS for business lists. I believe that it's found at your local library. I discovered it when i was in college.

In the SRDS (standard rate and data services), you can look through hundreds of mailing lists, and get even more specific with your search. The more specific you get with your list, the more it will cost you. But usually with a specific list, you'll stand to earn a profit on the campaign because your target market is so drilled down.

Thanks

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mattlaclear

15 years ago

I always had better conversions using home fliers than I did with direct mail. Was always simpler to target as well. We'd pull a new city map every spring and then would pay folks to hand them out in a way that we could verify that the flier was actually delivered. Worked like a charm for grabbing house painting clients at the time.

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Mike Grant

15 years ago

When I first started years ago, I would print a screenshot of keywords they should be ranked for, along with a screenshot of the estimated traffic. Then included a simple non-salesy letter explaining the screenshots, showing them how to check to validate everything themselves, and included my contact information. I sent these in the large brown envelopes. Writing "Classified" on the exterior of the envelope increase my response rate.

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iamchrisgreen

15 years ago

Originally Posted by Mike Grant

When I first started years ago, I would print a screenshot of keywords they should be ranked for, along with a screenshot of the estimated traffic. Then included a simple non-salesy letter explaining the screenshots, showing them how to check to validate everything themselves, and included my contact information. I sent these in the large brown envelopes. Writing "Classified" on the exterior of the envelope increase my response rate.

How did you work out what they "should" be ranked for?

Thanks
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Mike Grant 15 years ago

Originally Posted by iamchrisgreen

How did you work out what they "should" be ranked for?

Well, if it's a dentist then obviously "city dentist", "dentist city", etc.
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KenB

15 years ago

I've been using the good old cold-calling method. I've been getting clients from all different areas on a monthly subscription for my SEO services. There are many other methods work, Direct Mailing is definitely a winner. I usually send out a brochure with a lot of nice pictures, I do these in bulk campaigns and usually get boat loads of calls within the next 24 hours.

Thanks

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TriWin

15 years ago

We are a direct mail house that can help you form beginning to end with your direct mail needs. We can buy lists, design the mailer, print the pieces, stuff, fold, insert, and mail. We have been doing this over 15years. If you are looking for a turn key mail house look us up at tri-win.com

Thanks
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myob 15 years ago

Buying targeted leads for offline marketing is one of the best and most cost-effective advertising bargains available. Try to obtain full contact info including telephone number and email address as well for follow-up.
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Bruce NewMedia

15 years ago

Originally Posted by Edwards WOrld

hi has anyone had success with direct mail an local businesses like the ones you get in the mail from dish , the lap band etc. what is the cost of that an where do you get just business lists to send out?Thanks-EA

I've been using direct mail to get local business leads for over 15 years.
I use a semi-custom letter (a template that I modify certain items) and send to a list of current advertisers, not just a list from a directory or something like that.

Regular #10 business envelope, first class stamp, no company name, instead a personal name and include only one other item, if available. The overall quality of the leads I get from this approach has exceeded other methods I've tried, and I've tried a lot.

I forget who it was that said this, maybe Tim Castleman, but everything works to some extent, you just have to tweak and adjust what's working best.
_____
Bruce

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danielkanuck

15 years ago

Originally Posted by brucerby

I've been using direct mail to get local business leads for over 15 years.
I use a semi-custom letter (a template that I modify certain items) and send to a list of current advertisers, not just a list from a directory or something like that.

Regular #10 business envelope, first class stamp, no company name, instead a personal name and include only one other item, if available. The overall quality of the leads I get from this approach has exceeded other methods I've tried, and I've tried a lot.

I forget who it was that said this, maybe Tim Castleman, but everything works to some extent, you just have to tweak and adjust what's working best.
_____
Bruce

Also include a real live stamp on the mailing piece instead of a label. Also, hand address your envelope in blue ink. It makes the piece more personable.

Also, if the post office doesn't accept a name only in the "from" area of your envelope, simply use your business address with no name. This builds curiosity and diminishes the chance of your mail getting thrown in the trash.

Thanks

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Nathan Alexander

15 years ago

Originally Posted by brucerby

I've been using direct mail to get local business leads for over 15 years.
I use a semi-custom letter (a template that I modify certain items) and send to a list of current advertisers, not just a list from a directory or something like that.

Regular #10 business envelope, first class stamp, no company name, instead a personal name and include only one other item, if available. The overall quality of the leads I get from this approach has exceeded other methods I've tried, and I've tried a lot.

I forget who it was that said this, maybe Tim Castleman, but everything works to some extent, you just have to tweak and adjust what's working best.
_____
Bruce

Great info Bruce...just a question.

I know a personal name for the return address is obviously better than a company name (I'm sure better than an address without either). But were you referring to that? Or were you referring to the address/person you were sending it to?

Thanks

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majestictaxis

15 years ago

hi has anyone had success with direct mail an local businesses like the ones you get in the mail from dish , the lap band etc. what is the

Thanks

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jdwolfe

15 years ago

I will be starting another direct-mail campaign next week.

Will be sending out 4,000 postcards to local businesses.

Also, I always use a live stamp...not the post office permit stamp,
that I always throw in the trash without even reading.

PS: Put the stamp upside down or side-ways...looks like human error,
not some machine put it on. (this tid bit of info is priceless...your cost is FREE)

Thanks
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jspmedia

15 years ago

Originally Posted by jdwolfe

I will be starting another direct-mail campaign next week.

Will be sending out 4,000 postcards to local businesses.

Also, I always use a live stamp...not the post office permit stamp,
that I always throw in the trash without even reading.

PS: Put the stamp upside down or side-ways...looks like human error,
not some machine put it on. (this tid bit of info is priceless...your cost is FREE)

Please update with stats..what kind of campaign? SEO service?

recently, I mailed out around 80 Post Cards for Mobile Site design to local locksmith & restaurants but not a single call.. maybe my postcard is suck at selling...redesigning and will send out more next 2 weeks..

is bigger size post card works better? anyone have experiences with bigger size?

Thanks
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Steve Solem

15 years ago

Originally Posted by Phillip Lambert

Yes I use it all the time.

Latest direct mail project: I wrote a hand written letter with red ink on a yellow lined pad (very short letter) Included a mini dart board and inserted both into a very large white envelope and wrote in black vivid on the outside teaser copy - "Dart Board Inside"

I had a 50% appointment rate after I followed up with an phone call.

Cost $5 per piece.

I love creative ideas like this and kudos for not being afraid to spend a few bucks to get some good clients! I'm always amazed at the guys trying to sell products and services worth hundreds or thousands of dollars by the cheapest most common means possible. You've got to be different to stand out from the crowd and get noticed like this (Purple Cow anyone?) and lumpy mail like this works great with the right offer.

If you don't mind sharing - how did you tie the dart board into your offer?

Originally Posted by jspmedia

Please update with stats..what kind of campaign? SEO service?

recently, I mailed out around 80 Post Cards for Mobile Site design to local locksmith & restaurants but not a single call.. maybe my postcard is suck at selling...redesigning and will send out more next 2 weeks..

is bigger size post card works better? anyone have experiences with bigger size?

How you're getting your message to prospects is one thing, and you may need to mail larger postcards or mail to prospects a few times before they take notice, but once you get their attention the offer you make can make or break you too (along with mailing to people who aren't ideal prospects of course!)

What kind of offer did you make to these businesses?

Have you called any of the people that received these postcards like Phillip did with his mailing? Following up a mailing with a phone call can dramatically increase its effectiveness.

Here's a thought - why not visit some of these restaurants for lunch (you've got to eat somewhere, right?) and prepare a quick sample mobile website in advance that you can show to the owner/manager while you're there? I think as a paying customer you'd certainly have their attention for a few minutes (as long as you come before or after their lunch rush) and if you can't convince them to buy on the spot, tell your server you'll pay him a commission if they can help you make the sale. I'm sure they'd appreciate any extra income, and if you're selling a mobile site for say $300 or more, you can afford to pay a decent finders fee to someone.

Cheers,

Steve

Thanks
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SarahRose

15 years ago

Originally Posted by Steve Solem

I love creative ideas like this and kudos for not being afraid to spend a few bucks to get some good clients! I'm always amazed at the guys trying to sell products and services worth hundreds or thousands of dollars by the cheapest most common means possible. You've got to be different to stand out from the crowd and get noticed like this (Purple Cow anyone?) and lumpy mail like this works great with the right offer.

If you don't mind sharing - how did you tie the dart board into your offer?

How you're getting your message to prospects is one thing, and you may need to mail larger postcards or mail to prospects a few times before they take notice, but once you get their attention the offer you make can make or break you too (along with mailing to people who aren't ideal prospects of course!)

What kind of offer did you make to these businesses?

Have you called any of the people that received these postcards like Phillip did with his mailing? Following up a mailing with a phone call can dramatically increase its effectiveness.

Here's a thought - why not visit some of these restaurants for lunch (you've got to eat somewhere, right?) and prepare a quick sample mobile website in advance that you can show to the owner/manager while you're there? I think as a paying customer you'd certainly have their attention for a few minutes (as long as you come before or after their lunch rush) and if you can't convince them to buy on the spot, tell your server you'll pay him a commission if they can help you make the sale. I'm sure they'd appreciate any extra income, and if you're selling a mobile site for say $300 or more, you can afford to pay a decent finders fee to someone.

Cheers,

Steve

When you say 'prepare a sample mobile site', do you mean in your example, prepare a sample mobile site for restaurants?

SarahRose

Thanks

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RRG

15 years ago

Originally Posted by jdwolfe

I will be starting another direct-mail campaign next week.

Will be sending out 4,000 postcards to local businesses.

Also, I always use a live stamp...not the post office permit stamp,
that I always throw in the trash without even reading.

PS: Put the stamp upside down or side-ways...looks like human error,
not some machine put it on. (this tid bit of info is priceless...your cost is FREE)

Absolutely! I would add to that: multiple stamps are even better than one. So if the rate is .28, get 2 stamps that equal .28.

Thanks

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Doran Peck

15 years ago

If you are sending out a postcard that was obviously massed produced, then putting a stamp on it doesn't make a lick of difference. If youve got a great headline and offer, that will make 98% of the difference. Believing it's all in the stamp is foolish. Letters benefit more from a stamp.

If your sending out 5000 postcards at 44 cents when you could have paid 19 is just really lousy business sense.

Many companies are now employing the use of variable data technology to create insanely personalized postcards by the hundreds in just minutes...these are getting upwards of 15 to 40% response consistently.

And all of them have bulk permit numbers up in the corner.

The substance of your postcard is far and away more important than anything else your doing with it.

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2 replies

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Bruce NewMedia

15 years ago

Originally Posted by Doran Peck

If you are sending out a postcard that was obviously massed produced, then putting a stamp on it doesn't make a lick of difference.

If youve got a great headline and offer, that will make 98% of the difference. Believing it's all in the stamp is foolish. Letters benefit more from a stamp.....

Couldn't agree more.
_____
Bruce

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jdwolfe

15 years ago

Originally Posted by Doran Peck

If you are sending out a postcard that was obviously massed produced, then putting a stamp on it doesn't make a lick of difference. If youve got a great headline and offer, that will make 98% of the difference. Believing it's all in the stamp is foolish. Letters benefit more from a stamp.

If your sending out 5000 postcards at 44 cents when you could have paid 19 is just really lousy business sense.

Many companies are now employing the use of variable data technology to create insanely personalized postcards by the hundreds in just minutes...these are getting upwards of 15 to 40% response consistently.

And all of them have bulk permit numbers up in the corner.

The substance of your postcard is far and away more important than anything else your doing with it.

I could not agree with you more!
Except for the "Great Stamp Debate of 2011"

I never said that it was all in the stamp. I just implied that it is a technique to use to make your postcard stand out, so the reciepent will take a second glance...not just throw it in the trash.

When I receive an envelope that has a bulk postal permit and my name is machine printed on it to look like it was hand written, I just throw it in the trash. (That is just me)

Whatever marketing techniques work for you...Great!

All, I did was make a suggestion about using stamps, if you choose to do so.

Thanks
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RRG

15 years ago

Originally Posted by jdwolfe

I could not agree with you more!
Except for the "Great Stamp Debate of 2011"

I never said that it was all in the stamp. I just implied that it is a technique to use to make your postcard stand out, so the reciepent will take a second glance...not just throw it in the trash.

When I receive an envelope that has a bulk postal permit and my name is machine printed on it to look like it was hand written, I just throw it in the trash. (That is just me)

Whatever marketing techniques work for you...Great!

All, I did was make a suggestion about using stamps, if you choose to do so.

I agree. Use a live stamp if you're sending to cold prospects. If it's to customers who know you, Presort is OK.

Thanks

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danielkanuck

15 years ago

Originally Posted by Edwards WOrld

hi has anyone had success with direct mail an local businesses like the ones you get in the mail from dish , the lap band etc. what is the cost of that an where do you get just business lists to send out?

Thanks

-EA

No matter what you do, be sure to have a good offer with the right list. Be wary of list brokers because some of them are only out for your money and could care less if your campaigns succeed. You would think they would want you to succeed so that they can get repeat business from you, but i've found this not to be true.

Thanks

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Bruce NewMedia

15 years ago

Nathan, I was referring to the return address slot. So, yes. Actually, on the slot for the addressee, the 'TO' portion, I try to use a name, if available, but I don't get hung up on that.

In these companies today, people leave overnight, ownership changes fast, etc.
So, I will address it "Bob Jones/Manager".....if Bob leaves, at least it may get directed to whoever is the "manager" NOW. ..thats one way to do it, and there are other ways as well.
_____
Bruce

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MaxReferrals

15 years ago

OP answer:

Try InfoUSA.com mate. Good luck

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TriWin

15 years ago

You can use a semi-custom letter with great effect. If you use variable data printing (VDP) to change the fist name on the letter it adds a nice personal touch. Take that up a level and you can use the VDP to change images on each mailer to target specific demographics based on your data list.

I'm going to side with Doran Peck on the stamp debate. slap and indicia on the postcard, save the postage, and let the offer and creative do the selling work. No one is going to think a postcard was specially printing just for them no matter how you personalize it. Now an envelope might be a different story, but again most people can't/don't pay attention the type of postage on something in their mailbox.

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WillR

15 years ago

A lot of people get lazy with direct mail. The more personal you can make each direct mail piece the better your response rate will be - for obvious reasons.

Yes, it takes more time and money to personalize your pieces but there's no point sending out 5,000 generic postcards that won't get you one meeting. Put in the little bit of extra time and the results will be much better.

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TriWin 15 years ago

WillR you are right, if you are going to invest in advertising (and you SHOULD) make sure you will get a good return on your investment.
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netcowboy

15 years ago

Originally Posted by WillR

A lot of people get lazy with direct mail. The more personal you can make each direct mail piece the better your response rate will be - for obvious reasons.

Yes, it takes more time and money to personalize your pieces but there's no point sending out 5,000 generic postcards that won't get you one meeting. Put in the little bit of extra time and the results will be much better.

I attend a few Chamber of Commerce meetings and send a follow up mailing afterwards to the address I get from the business cards I collect. I personalize them with their first names I write down at the Chamber meeting. Send the follow up letter the next day so they remember you. It seems like not many people are doing this but it really works well for me.

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WillR

15 years ago

Originally Posted by netcowboy

It seems like not many people are doing this

That line right there hit the nail on the head. Most people will not put in any effort when contacting people via direct mail, and it shows.

The more effort you put in to personalizing each and every message you send out the more attention it will command from the receiver.

I think that must be one of the best lessons you can learn in advertising. Most people look to see what all their competitors are doing and do the same thing. One of the best things is to look at all your competitors and then do the exact opposite! This is how you stand out and differentiate yourself from all the other white noise.

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drmarket

15 years ago

Originally Posted by WillR

That line right there hit the nail on the head. Most people will not put in any effort when contacting people via direct mail, and it shows.

The more effort you put in to personalizing each and every message you send out the more attention it will command from the receiver.

Will - You are spot-on !
I joined this forum to seek some insights on online marketing and my interest grew 10x into deep personalization of content with online services that fellow warriors recommended.

I got in touch with a good acquaintance and we are planning a system set to streamline Direct Mail Campaigns to an all new level of personalization with response codes for the reader to take action (Unique URL to visit online/SMS Code that tracks response/Toll Free number with unique extension) so that way, with a well formatted letter/flyer with a Call to Action (Any of the three mentioned). This way the campign i seffectively tracked than shooting in the dark.

Let me know your thoughts and we believe we going to create a marvel !

- Dr

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O0o0O

15 years ago

I've also heard of companies using GPS tracking to ensure the fliers get to the doorsteps of each household. Has anyone had any experience with that?

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Eddie Spangler

15 years ago

Speaking of stamps, on our next campaign we are going to try custom branded stamps through Zazzle. Cost about 2x what regular postage costs. May be worth it though from a wow factor. Thinking about a one page flier placed in a large handwritten envelope, with our branded stamp that they have never seen before. Seems like that has to get attention.

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mattbaehr

15 years ago

Originally Posted by Eddie Spangler

Speaking of stamps, on our next campaign we are going to try custom branded stamps through Zazzle. Cost about 2x what regular postage costs. May be worth it though from a wow factor. Thinking about a one page flier placed in a large handwritten envelope, with our branded stamp that they have never seen before. Seems like that has to get attention.

Eddie - please reply back to this thread after you try this. I would love to hear your success rate.

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CopyAcolyte

15 years ago

Writing these businesses directly, as mentioned, works really well. You could also take a look a flyers and ads that arrive at your door and contact the advertisers. There's usually a way you can improve these particular ads for them.

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hireseoexpert

15 years ago

Local Search Engine Marketing Manual and Envelope Marketing can be helpful for Offline Local Business.

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Vagabond 007

15 years ago

Instead of sending out thousands of postcards or letters, send out like 100 that are HIGHLY targeted and personalized.

Less time to create. Less money to mail. Higher impact. Better response.

Or do the same but use lumpy mail. This way you can spend more per piece and still not break the bank since the list is much smaller (but highly targeted).

Here is a thread I did awhile back with more info on using direct mail and lumpy mail.

http://www.warriorforum.com/main-internet-marketing-discussion-forum/147784-getting-attention-increasing-profits-using-direct-mail-video-lessons.html

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Ashley Gable

15 years ago

Originally Posted by Vagabond 007

Instead of sending out thousands of postcards or letters, send out like 100 that are HIGHLY targeted and personalized.

Less time to create. Less money to mail. Higher impact. Better response.

Or do the same but use lumpy mail. This way you can spend more per piece and still not break the bank since the list is much smaller (but highly targeted).

Here is a thread I did awhile back with more info on using direct mail and lumpy mail.

http://www.warriorforum.com/main-internet-marketing-discussion-forum/147784-getting-attention-increasing-profits-using-direct-mail-video-lessons.html

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This is exactly what I do. Right now I am writing a direct mail piece for a new local seo start up.

I wrote a letter to one specific person on the mailing list. Now I will go and personalize names, images (screen shots), word usage, and even whole paragraphs will be changed based on who it is being sent to.

Just watching your videos you linked to, great so far. Any little nuggets I can find to help the mailing I will take.

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Mac the Knife

15 years ago

Some Chambers do sell their lists, but if you aren't a member, your response rate will be much lower. If you are marketing to a Chamber, make sure you are a member, simply put.

Mac the Knife

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Pmac721

15 years ago

Very informative thread...Thanks for all the great tips!!

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