Easy Direct Mail Method - Copy and Paste for Easy Profits

70 replies
Over the past month or so I have sent out several hundred letters to local businesses. My method begins with finding a business niche to target, for my most recent mailing it was local dentists. I then create a subdomain off my website (example: [location]dentist.[yourwebsite].com) which features a high-quality Wordpress theme customized for that business niche and location. Next I print letters with a link to the website, info about my business, and inform them that I have created a website for the business.

What is great about this method is that all of the future work has been done for you. When someone contacts me with interest in the website all I have to do is copy that website "demo" to a new domain, change the business name, and I'm on to the next project. Not only have I gotten paid for nothing, but I have received a trusting client that will use more of my services.

Believe it or not, I have found direct mail to be my least successful marketing method, but don't let this discourage you. The mailings that I have done in the past were not very targeted, and not nearly as extensive as some of the other methods on this forum. Never send anything that looks like spam, poor-quality, or confusing - it will get thrown out immediately. If it doesn't look like something you would read, chances are your potential clients aren't going to read them either.

Before jumping into direct mailing realize that you need some upfront funds for printing, packaging and shipping, but most of all you need time. It takes DAYS to complete one of these small mailings by yourself, but if you put in the time you are nearly guaranteed to see at least some results.

The last thing I'd like to note is that if you are encouraging your prospects contact you through the phone it is very important to be a good talker. When marketing your business, no matter what methods you choose, you are simply trying to generate leads. Getting 20 phone calls from interested clients isn't going to do you any good if you can't get them to sign the dotted line. They want your service, don't be afraid to provide it to them.
#copy #direct #easy #mail #method #paste #profits
  • Profile picture of the author Jon Martin
    Direct mailing is something I'm thinking about looking into in the near future. Thanks for sharing the information.

    Do you have any statistics you may be willing to share? I'm curious! How many did you send out? What were your results?

    Thanks!
    Signature
    "Be the hero of your own movie."
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    • Profile picture of the author kebertt
      Originally Posted by Alanis Morissette View Post

      Direct mailing is something I'm thinking about looking into in the near future. Thanks for sharing the information.

      Do you have any statistics you may be willing to share? I'm curious! How many did you send out? What were your results?

      Thanks!
      My most recent mailing targeting dentists I sent out 40 letters. I received 5 calls and made 2 sales.
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      • Profile picture of the author abbot
        Banned
        Why do I feel like I have read this same exact post, word for word, about a month ago at BHW..
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        • Profile picture of the author kebertt
          Originally Posted by abbot View Post

          Why do I feel like I have read this same exact post, word for word, about a month ago at BHW..

          Yes that's my account, I removed the post though if it's against the rules
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          • Profile picture of the author abbot
            Banned
            Well I don't think it's against the rules if it's your account. I was just wondering if I had really lost my mind or if it was in fact the same person. No need to remove the post bud.
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          • Profile picture of the author Prince Vegeta
            Originally Posted by kebertt View Post

            Yes that's my account, I removed the post though if it's against the rules
            So why'd you delete the post?
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      • Profile picture of the author Jon Martin
        Originally Posted by kebertt View Post

        My most recent mailing targeting dentists I sent out 40 letters. I received 5 calls and made 2 sales.
        Those are honestly FANTASTIC numbers. Nice job!

        Did you specifically target dentists without websites and/or with poorly designed websites, or did you just grab 40 addresses from a directory?
        Signature
        "Be the hero of your own movie."
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    • Profile picture of the author Johnny Danes
      Banned
      Originally Posted by Alanis Morissette View Post

      Direct mailing is something I'm thinking about looking into in the near future. Thanks for sharing the information.

      Do you have any statistics you may be willing to share? I'm curious! How many did you send out? What were your results?

      Thanks!

      If I were to do direct mail. I would not send mailings promoting my services. I'd create a free report related to the problem and of course I'd be the solution.

      The direct mail pieces (or any other adverts) would promote visiting my squeeze page to opt in for the free report and of course, they'd get follow up emails after that.


      You're more likely to get more customers that way than mailing and selling.

      With the free report method it's less threatening and they can "get to know you" via your follow up emails. Once the prospect fells comfy, than they'll call you. That's the best ROI for direct mail.

      Once you get that set up, do the same thing with classified ads. Promote the free report. Advertise in the trade journals in which your target market reads.

      Every mailing,advert, etc....should be about promoting the free report so you can build the prospect list. Even with your blog, get eyeballs on your site so they can opt in.

      Direct mail
      Classified Ads
      Blogging
      Online content distribution( articles,Press Releases, free blogs all leading back to your squeeze page)


      The above 4 will give you a steady flow of leads every days once you have it all set up.

      That's how you put your marketing on auto pilot.

      Build the list!
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      • Profile picture of the author Prince Vegeta
        Originally Posted by Johnny Danes View Post

        If I were to do direct mail. I would not send mailings promoting my services. I'd create a free report related to the problem and of course I'd be the solution.

        The direct mail pieces (or any other adverts) would promote visiting my squeeze page to opt in for the free report and of course, they'd get follow up emails after that.


        You're more likely to get more customers that way that mailing and selling.

        With the free report method it's less threatening and they can "get to know you" via your follow up emails. Once the prospect fells comfy, than they'll call you. That's the best ROI for direct mail.

        Once you get that set up, do the same thing with classified ads. Promote the free report. Advertise in the trade journals in which your target market reads.

        Every mailing,advert, etc....should be about promoting the free report so you can build the customer list.
        No offense, but OP's method is far superior to sending a free report to prospects.
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        • Profile picture of the author Johnny Danes
          Banned
          Originally Posted by Prince Vegeta View Post

          No offense, but OP's method is far superior to sending a free report to prospects.

          No offense taken.
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      • Profile picture of the author kebertt
        Originally Posted by Johnny Danes View Post

        If I were to do direct mail. I would not send mailings promoting my services. I'd create a free report related to the problem and of course I'd be the solution.

        The direct mail pieces (or any other adverts) would promote visiting my squeeze page to opt in for the free report and of course, they'd get follow up emails after that.


        You're more likely to get more customers that way than mailing and selling.

        With the free report method it's less threatening and they can "get to know you" via your follow up emails. Once the prospect fells comfy, than they'll call you. That's the best ROI for direct mail.

        Once you get that set up, do the same thing with classified ads. Promote the free report. Advertise in the trade journals in which your target market reads.

        Every mailing,advert, etc....should be about promoting the free report so you can build the prospect list. Even with your blog, get eyeballs on your site so they can opt in.

        Direct mail
        Classified Ads
        Blogging
        Online content distribution( articles,Press Releases, free blogs all leading back to your squeeze page)


        The above 4 will give you a steady flow of leads every days once you have it all set up.

        That's how you put your marketing on auto pilot.

        Build the list!
        I disagree. In my circumstance, my clients are all small business owners. These owners are dinosaurs when it comes to internet marketing. Most of my current clients had no idea what SEO, PPC, or even internet marketing meant before I became their consultant. One thing they vaguely understand is a website. They know that they should be able to type in a website, and see some information about their business. They don't care about how I made it, they just know that their customers can type in their business name and their professional website comes up. This is how I sell website's successfully. I show them a shiny object (their potential website) and reel them in. From there the sky is the limit.

        What I'm saying is that there is no need for in-depth "reports", it's unnecessary when selling something as simple as a website.
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        • Profile picture of the author Steve Solem
          Originally Posted by kebertt View Post

          I disagree. In my circumstance, my clients are all small business owners. These owners are dinosaurs when it comes to internet marketing. Most of my current clients had no idea what SEO, PPC, or even internet marketing meant before I became their consultant. One thing they vaguely understand is a website. They know that they should be able to type in a website, and see some information about their business. They don't care about how I made it, they just know that their customers can type in their business name and their professional website comes up. This is how I sell website's successfully. I show them a shiny object (their potential website) and reel them in. From there the sky is the limit.

          What I'm saying is that there is no need for in-depth "reports", it's unnecessary when selling something as simple as a website.
          Good points for sure, but you're overlooking one of the best things about two-step marketing like this, building a warm list of interested prospects! Prospects who may not now have interest or desire to buy from you, but if you keep your name in front of them with an email or printed newsletter on a regular basis, when the time is right, you'll be the first one they call.

          I'd go as far as to say you could probably double your response rate if you offered a freebie to get prospects on your email list, and same goes for if you called the people you mailed to see that they got your letter. Wouldn't take much to test either one of those ideas out and you'll never know unless you try.

          Steve
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          • Profile picture of the author kebertt
            Originally Posted by Steve Solem View Post

            Wouldn't take much to test either one of those ideas out and you'll never know unless you try.
            I've had my best response rates with cold calling, so following up with a cold call is a great way to increase the amount of leads you generate
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          • Profile picture of the author mojo1
            Originally Posted by Steve Solem View Post

            Good points for sure, but you're overlooking one of the best things about two-step marketing like this, building a warm list of interested prospects!

            Steve
            I think Kebertt is keeping things simple doing as Rus Sells has often said and that is "he's looking for that guy". As Perry Marshall has said also, you want the person to raise their hand with interest after coming into contact with your message or at the very least enter the conversation the prospect is already having in their head.

            The letter he has devised certainly does that in a quite hassle free way. Either they've qualified themselves in or their out as Jason K says.

            2 step, 3 step, sales funnels all work and have been proven but sometimes folks a simple duplicatable system like Kebertt has outlined will do and do quite well.
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            • Profile picture of the author DaniMc
              Originally Posted by mojo1 View Post


              2 step, 3 step, sales funnels all work and have been proven but sometimes folks a simple duplicatable system like Kebertt has outlined will do and do quite well.
              This is so true, and don't forget that he can still always add steps2,3,4,5,6...

              He still has their address. It has been shown that on average it takes 7 "touches" to get the most response. This can be in the form of letters, postcards, phone calls...whatever.

              Awesome results man. Have you tried to send your offer more than once to see what happens? The people who didn't respond maybe just missed it or were too busy to contact you at the time?
              Signature
              Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.
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  • Profile picture of the author azurews
    Sounds like a good method. It sure beats making an individual mockup for each business you contact, that gets very time consuming (especially if they don't buy).
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  • Profile picture of the author zoro
    Your thead subject line says Easy Direct Mail Method - Copy and Paste for Easy Profits so where is your example?
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  • Profile picture of the author mojo1
    I read the post earlier and thought it was a solid, valuable contribution to the forum.

    Don't feel intimidated. Put it back up bro.
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  • Profile picture of the author mrfinnj
    cool thanks for that
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  • Profile picture of the author kebertt
    The content has been re-posted - I have a ton of content that I write in my free time and save on my computer, sometimes I don't remember what I've posted where... I will be posting a lot more prospecting methods soon.
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  • Profile picture of the author zoro
    I guess one could use OP's method for other services too. I'm currently setting up niche directories and was thinking of sending prospects a direct mail letter.
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  • Profile picture of the author kebertt
    Originally Posted by Nathan Robinson View Post

    I wanted to add one thing. A lot of times when yellowpages claims the business does not have a website, they do. So before adding their address to the list, just type their name and city into google real quick to see if in fact they don't have a website.
    That's a great point, and is something I forgot to mention. When building my list of target businesses I found that a large amount of them didn't have their website listed on Yellowpages.

    One other point to add is that most of the time you can find the owner's name by using Manta.com. When I send my mailings, instead of writing the business name I have found that you get better responses by writing the business owners name. This way the letter goes right into their hands, and not an assistants.
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  • Profile picture of the author Michael Nguyen
    I have 100 letters ready to send out, stamped, privately marked, based on this template, site has been built. Just deciding if the site is good enough before I send out the letters. To save cost I'm sending it 2nd class stamps so 3 days to get to the prospect. All names/businesses were pulled from Google places.

    Will keep you updated.
    Signature
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    • Profile picture of the author kebertt
      Originally Posted by Michael Nguyen View Post

      I have 100 letters ready to send out, stamped, privately marked, based on this template, site has been built. Just deciding if the site is good enough before I send out the letters. To save cost I'm sending it 2nd class stamps so 3 days to get to the prospect. All names/businesses were pulled from Google places.

      Will keep you updated.
      Goodluck Michael - let us know how it goes! If you want me to take a quick look at your website I would be happy to.
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  • Profile picture of the author allandavids53
    Originally Posted by kebertt View Post

    Over the past month or so I have sent out several hundred letters to local businesses. My method begins with finding a business niche to target, for my most recent mailing it was local dentists. I then create a subdomain off my website (example: [location]dentist.[yourwebsite].com) which features a high-quality Wordpress theme customized for that business niche and location. Next I print letters with a link to the website, info about my business, and inform them that I have created a website for the business.

    What is great about this method is that all of the future work has been done for you. When someone contacts me with interest in the website all I have to do is copy that website "demo" to a new domain, change the business name, and I'm on to the next project. Not only have I gotten paid for nothing, but I have received a trusting client that will use more of my services.

    Believe it or not, I have found direct mail to be my least successful marketing method, but don't let this discourage you. The mailings that I have done in the past were not very targeted, and not nearly as extensive as some of the other methods on this forum. Never send anything that looks like spam, poor-quality, or confusing - it will get thrown out immediately. If it doesn't look like something you would read, chances are your potential clients aren't going to read them either.

    Before jumping into direct mailing realize that you need some upfront funds for printing, packaging and shipping, but most of all you need time. It takes DAYS to complete one of these small mailings by yourself, but if you put in the time you are nearly guaranteed to see at least some results.

    The last thing I'd like to note is that if you are encouraging your prospects contact you through the phone it is very important to be a good talker. When marketing your business, no matter what methods you choose, you are simply trying to generate leads. Getting 20 phone calls from interested clients isn't going to do you any good if you can't get them to sign the dotted line. They want your service, don't be afraid to provide it to them.
    Thanks for sharing the valuable in information. I have a question regarding direct mail marketing. What do you think whether this direct mail marketing is good for health products? I would like to know what my options are for easy to understand marketing methods.
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  • Profile picture of the author Paul Barrs
    Originally Posted by kebertt View Post

    Not only have I gotten paid for nothing.....
    Wow, with attitude like that you're bound to succeed :-)

    OK, more seriously though, it's great that you're getting out and doing things, but I've been doing OFFLINE sites for over 10yrs, and have never ONCE had to advertise.

    Why?

    Because i don't build crappy $300 websites. I build sites that offer long term value to the customer... and they love it so much they keep telling their friends about me.

    Word of mouth... best Advertising around.

    Paul Barrs
    Signature
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    It's Simple... I don't "sell" IM anymore, but still do lots of YouTube Videos
    **********
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    • Profile picture of the author kebertt
      Originally Posted by Paul Barrs View Post

      Wow, with attitude like that you're bound to succeed :-)

      OK, more seriously though, it's great that you're getting out and doing things, but I've been doing OFFLINE sites for over 10yrs, and have never ONCE had to advertise.

      Why?

      Because i don't build crappy $300 websites. I build sites that offer long term value to the customer... and they love it so much they keep telling their friends about me.

      Word of mouth... best Advertising around.

      Paul Barrs
      Paul, when you first started offline marketing did you wake up one morning and know the ins-and-outs of the business? There are hundreds of new offline marketers on this forum, who are looking for a method to get their foot in the door.

      This is a cookie-cutter method for generating revenue, clients, and most importantly improving your overall marketing and communication skills. If you're new to offline marketing these are the types of methods you start out with. You don't offer $2000 websites and expect your client to be pleased.

      Now, regarding your comment about providing clients with a $300 crappy website; how someone designs the website is up to them. I have had plenty of returning business, and even SEO, PPC and graphic design customers come from these websites - so to those reading this, up-sells are realistic and they will occur if you provide your client with a quality service.

      Word of mouth is great, but to get the ball rolling you're going to have to start somewhere.

      Your negativity and comments aren't relevant to this thread, which was created for offline marketers looking for their first method that works.
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      • Profile picture of the author Paul Barrs
        Originally Posted by kebertt View Post

        Paul, when you first started offline marketing did you wake up one morning and know the ins-and-outs of the business? There are hundreds of new offline marketers on this forum, who are looking for a method to get their foot in the door.

        This is a cookie-cutter method for generating revenue, clients, and most importantly improving your overall marketing and communication skills. If you're new to offline marketing these are the types of methods you start out with. You don't offer $2000 websites and expect your client to be pleased.

        Now, regarding your comment about providing clients with a $300 crappy website; how someone designs the website is up to them. I have had plenty of returning business, and even SEO, PPC and graphic design customers come from these websites - so to those reading this, up-sells are realistic and they will occur if you provide your client with a quality service.

        Word of mouth is great, but to get the ball rolling you're going to have to start somewhere.

        Your negativity and comments aren't relevant to this thread, which was created for offline marketers looking for their first method that works.
        Hi kebertt, I appreciate your reply, and even agree with you ... except on one point. - Teaching people to offer low cost 'desperation' pricing is wrong. If you don't have the skills to build a decent website (evening using Wordpress ), then you need to improve your skill level.

        I spend my days re-doing nasty websites that were built by people with no regard for customer.

        So... let me offer a few ideas to increase the value to(tofor you AND them).

        * Make sure they have a blog as well as pages. Teach them how to update the blog.
        * Make sure they have the big social networks plugged in. Help them understand the value.
        * Set up a newsletter subscription for them... show them how to use it, market with it.

        Teach them how to MARKET !

        Combine these things with you site, and you're starting to build a long term sustainable business.

        Paul
        Signature
        **********
        It's Simple... I don't "sell" IM anymore, but still do lots of YouTube Videos
        **********
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        • Profile picture of the author Gabby12
          Originally Posted by Paul Barrs View Post

          So... let me offer a few ideas to increase the value to(tofor you AND them).

          * Make sure they have a blog as well as pages. Teach them how to update the blog.
          * Make sure they have the big social networks plugged in. Help them understand the value.
          * Set up a newsletter subscription for them... show them how to use it, market with it.
          Paul
          And if they do not have the time or desire to learn to do these tasks do you offer this as an extra service?
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          SEO Content Writing
          Quality Content Writing Service

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        • Profile picture of the author kebertt
          Originally Posted by Paul Barrs View Post

          Hi Kerbet , I appreciate your reply, and even agree with you ... except on one point. - Teaching people to offer low cost 'desperation' pricing is wrong. If you don't have the skills to build a decent website (evening using Wordpress ), then you need to improve your skill level.

          I spend my days re-doing nasty websites that were built by people with no regard for customer.

          So... let me offer a few ideas to increase the value to(tofor you AND them).

          * Make sure they have a blog as well as pages. Teach them how to update the blog.
          * Make sure they have the big social networks plugged in. Help them understand the value.
          * Set up a newsletter subscription for them... show them how to use it, market with it.

          Teach them how to MARKET !

          Combine these things with you site, and you're starting to build a long term sustainable business.

          Paul
          Just because the price is affordable and lower than the industry standard, doesn't mean that the quality of the website has to suffer. What's so great about this method is that you can put in days of work, create a high-quality site, and offer it for an affordable price; and in the end you can still turn a great profit. The lower the price, the higher the demand - simple economics.

          I encourage this method for those starting out because it's not a custom website, and you don't need incredible design skills. Heck, you can even have someone create the initial website for you market it and make the sales.

          The idea is that the same website is to be used several times, so that less work has to be done, customizations are limited, and advanced design skills aren't required - but in the end a quality website is provided at a low price, and the customer is happy.
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    • Profile picture of the author GeorgeO7
      Originally Posted by Paul Barrs View Post


      Because i don't build crappy $300 websites. I build sites that offer long term value to the customer... and they love it so much they keep telling their friends about me.

      Paul Barrs
      I fix $300, $500 (insert number) websites.
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      • Profile picture of the author AussieT
        Originally Posted by GeorgeO7 View Post

        I fix $300, $500 (insert number) websites.
        Then you should be thanking us!
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  • Profile picture of the author 300SMG
    Thank you for the letter template you send out - I would change one thing; where it reads "Want more? Send me anything you want published on the website and I will put it up for you, free of charge! "

    I would word it differently "Your website will be customized specifically to your business. Your logo, business name, services and images can all be included in your finished website to make you stand out from your competition."

    This of course is just a suggestion. I just think it reads as less of a task that the would-be client has to complete and answers a question I'm sure is at the top of their 'to ask' list.
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  • Profile picture of the author DesertSand
    I had a list of questions before I read the whole thread.

    I have a huge printer at work and can print off 100's of these in second in color.

    The wife is about to quit her job..(Preggo) She can start stuffing envelopes.

    What is the easiest, cheapest way to send these out?

    K Bert, Do you feel like the price could be bumped up? Or is the 299 for a very basic design. As soon as pages, other things are needed, it goes up?
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    • Profile picture of the author kebertt
      Originally Posted by DesertSand View Post

      I had a list of questions before I read the whole thread.

      I have a huge printer at work and can print off 100's of these in second in color.

      The wife is about to quit her job..(Preggo) She can start stuffing envelopes.

      What is the easiest, cheapest way to send these out?

      K Bert, Do you feel like the price could be bumped up? Or is the 299 for a very basic design. As soon as pages, other things are needed, it goes up?
      By having the printer at work you're taking a huge expense out of the equation.

      If you're looking to run with this full-throttle you could go as far as printing the addresses on labels to ease/automate the process. Some will argue that this will make it look less personal, and more like junk mail. I know for me, I would be more inclined to open a piece of mail that is handwritten, rather than printed. Do some trials, and see what you get a better response with.

      The great thing about this method is that it's so flexible. You could go as far as offering different services right off the bat - it's all preference. I encourage you to do your own testing and respond back, prices will vary greatly on the industry, and of course the quality of the website/service provided.

      Jump right into this. Do trial campaigns, and find what works best for you. You will get results!
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      • Profile picture of the author DesertSand
        Originally Posted by kebertt View Post

        By having the printer at work you're taking a huge expense out of the equation.

        If you're looking to run with this full-throttle you could go as far as printing the addresses on labels to ease/automate the process. Some will argue that this will make it look less personal, and more like junk mail. I know for me, I would be more inclined to open a piece of mail that is handwritten, rather than printed. Do some trials, and see what you get a better response with.

        The great thing about this method is that it's so flexible. You could go as far as offering different services right off the bat - it's all preference. I encourage you to do your own testing and respond back, prices will vary greatly on the industry, and of course the quality of the website/service provided.

        Jump right into this. Do trial campaigns, and find what works best for you. You will get results!
        I will do just that. As far as postage goes, whats the cost efficient way? I imagine carrying a huge box of letters into the post office :\
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    • Profile picture of the author DABK
      The US Post Office has a program where they charge only $0.142 per piece, if they deliver to everybody on the route. So, if you could find a route that only has businesses, that would be cheapest.

      They're hard to find. I know of 2 in my area, 300 addresses between the two of them, 299 are businesses, 1 is a private residence. There are also a couple that have 75% businesses, 25% residences. It still comes cheaper.

      Look up business parks in the area that interest you and see how the post office set up the routes. Usually, it's mostly residences. The post office lets you select to deliver to residences only, but it doesn't let you to deliver only to businesses on a route.

      https://www.usps.com/business/every-...irect-mail.htm tells you about the program.

      https://eddm.usps.com/eddm/customer/routeSearch.action is the tool you'd use to find carrier routes.

      Originally Posted by DesertSand View Post

      I had a list of questions before I read the whole thread.

      What is the easiest, cheapest way to send these out?
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      • Profile picture of the author kebertt
        Originally Posted by DABK View Post

        The US Post Office has a program where they charge only $0.142 per piece, if they deliver to everybody on the route. So, if you could find a route that only has businesses, that would be cheapest.

        They're hard to find. I know of 2 in my area, 300 addresses between the two of them, 299 are businesses, 1 is a private residence. There are also a couple that have 75% businesses, 25% residences. It still comes cheaper.

        Look up business parks in the area that interest you and see how the post office set up the routes. Usually, it's mostly residences. The post office lets you select to deliver to residences only, but it doesn't let you to deliver only to businesses on a route.

        https://www.usps.com/business/every-...irect-mail.htm tells you about the program.

        https://eddm.usps.com/eddm/customer/routeSearch.action is the tool you'd use to find carrier routes.
        I'm sure there's a way to send out a EDDM postcard with an offer such as this, but in order for it to work every type of business the mailing is sent out to would have the be in the same industry; because this is the type of website you've already created and are marketing.

        Perhaps you could send out a mailing through EDDM that markets a website template that relates to ALL businesses. After going through all of the effort, you may be better off just sending out an EDDM mailing advertising your services, rather than a pre-made generic website. Although, it would be less direct, you would get a lower conversion rate, and more work would be involved - due to the custom development of every website.
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        • Profile picture of the author DABK
          Correct. The offer would have to be modified. Mea culpa.

          Maybe the cheapest method is to find businesses that advertise in the paper or groupon but don't have a website. I just came across a groupon ad for a restaurant that took me to a facebook page that looked 'primitive.' Maybe they think facebook is great on its own, maybe they think websites are too expensive.

          Been debating with myself whether to propose to them a mobile site. Have not decided yet. If I do, I'll know for a fact... Till then, it seems to me that if they're advertising anywhere and you can point out to them how they're losing some of the sales...


          Originally Posted by kebertt View Post

          I'm sure there's a way to send out a EDDM postcard with an offer such as this, but in order for it to work every type of business the mailing is sent out to would have the be in the same industry; because this is the type of website you've already created and are marketing.

          Perhaps you could send out a mailing through EDDM that markets a website template that relates to ALL businesses. After going through all of the effort, you may be better off just sending out an EDDM mailing advertising your services, rather than a pre-made generic website. Although, it would be less direct, you would get a lower conversion rate, and more work would be involved - due to the custom development of every website.
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  • Profile picture of the author kebertt
    Originally Posted by DesertSand View Post

    I will do just that. As far as postage goes, whats the cost efficient way? I imagine carrying a huge box of letters into the post office :
    I purchase a large amount of stamps, put them on the envelopes, and drop them in the post office box; the postage is going to add up, and unfortunately there's no way around it unless you want to drop the letters off personally.
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  • Profile picture of the author Michael Nguyen
    100 letters was sent out today. They will arrive by Thursday. Will keep you updated.
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    • Profile picture of the author Michael Nguyen
      Originally Posted by Michael Nguyen View Post

      100 letters was sent out today. They will arrive by Thursday. Will keep you updated.
      The letters should have arrived yesterday/today. No responses yet. Not looking hopeful...

      Monday/Tuesday I should say whether it was a success.
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      • Profile picture of the author DesertSand
        Did the 100 letters go to places Without websites?
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        • Profile picture of the author Michael Nguyen
          Originally Posted by DesertSand View Post

          Did the 100 letters go to places Without websites?
          yes all sites from google places with no website.
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          • Profile picture of the author DABK
            Did you give them a good reason to act fast (short deadline to get a discount or some extras)?

            Originally Posted by Michael Nguyen View Post

            yes all sites from google places with no website.
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            • Profile picture of the author Biz Max
              Very good thread Kebertt, thanks for sharing.
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              Small Business Marketing & Branding Specialist
              http://BrandWhisperer.net
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            • Profile picture of the author Michael Nguyen
              Originally Posted by DABK View Post

              Did you give them a good reason to act fast (short deadline to get a discount or some extras)?
              No deadline, limited to 100 orders

              I've attached a copy of the letter I used.
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              • Profile picture of the author DABK
                Your letter needs a lot of work. One of the things you should change in the future is the 100. 100 is way too many. You should also give them a reason to act fast. A reason to act, period. Don't talk features but what the features mean for them.

                Also, segment, target. Even if you don't really care whether it's lawyers or mortgage brokers, to the mortgage broker, you say something like,

                Attention mortgage brokers who want more leads.

                Attorneys get the same letter that says, Attention attorneys who want...

                And if the attorney gets to see a website that's for attorneys and the mortgage broker sees one for mortgage brokers, it's even better.

                You'd benefit a lot from reading a book by Dan Kennedy called The Ultimate Sales Letter. It will do wonders for your response rates.

                Originally Posted by Michael Nguyen View Post

                No deadline, limited to 100 orders

                I've attached a copy of the letter I used.
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      • Profile picture of the author Michael Nguyen
        Originally Posted by Michael Nguyen View Post

        The letters should have arrived yesterday/today. No responses yet. Not looking hopeful...

        Monday/Tuesday I should say whether it was a success.
        No call/emails yet.
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        • Profile picture of the author DaniMc
          Originally Posted by Michael Nguyen View Post

          No call/emails yet.
          Start calling emailing and visiting them in advance don't wait for them to come to you. The more times you contact them the higher you chances of selling.
          Signature
          Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.
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  • Profile picture of the author Seantrepreneur
    The best thing you did was narrow it down per profession. I'm thinking that's one of the reasons you have a good response rate. I see too many times ppl sending out mailers that aren't targeted at all and they expect big numbers. It's smart making a separate sub-domain for each industry to make it look even more targeted. If a dentist see's you specifically work with dentist they are going to be much more likely to use you than a marketing company that says they do it all.

    Solid work!

    Sean
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  • Profile picture of the author HeavyK
    I am new to the idea of marketing websites I have made. I made a few niche websites, only one of which still earns any profit, so now that I know how to use wordpress profieciently I think this would be a good idea for me to try. I do have one question though. Where does the website get hosted? I don't see where you charge a monthly fee. If you do, how much do you think is fair and how do you set it up? Should I get a reseller account or just host it like I would my own website in my personal hosting account?
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    • Profile picture of the author kebertt
      Originally Posted by HeavyK View Post

      I am new to the idea of marketing websites I have made. I made a few niche websites, only one of which still earns any profit, so not that I know how to use wordpress profieciently I think this would be a good idea for me to try. I do have one question though. Where does the website get hosted? I don't see where you charge a monthly fee. If you do, how much do you think is fair and how do you set it up? Should I get a reseller account or just host it like I would my own website in my personal hosting account?
      You can charge a $10-30/month fee for hosting, or go as far as setting up a reseller account and take in the profits. It's all preference. Many businesses will want you to take care of the hosting for them, if this is the case you can easily set up a Host Gator account that hosts 40+ of these websites.

      If the client asks for admin access to their website, give them the Wordpress Dashboard login information.
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      • Profile picture of the author Huskerdarren
        Really nice share Kebertt. It's very low pressure for anyone that wants to begin but does not want to tele-market for sales.

        Wordpress has some excellent themes and plug ins. Anyone can build an excellent looking site with WP so I ignore those who speak down to it as a CMS. The beauty of your idea is that you can roll it out to several cities and refine it along the way, getting better as you become more knowledgeable about the dental profession.

        I would recommend Bill Glazer's book "Outrageous Advertising That's Outrageously Successful" for out of the box direct mail letters. He's got some fantastic ideas that will get your letter read by almost every prospect. They're so good they are impossible to ignore. Good luck and keep us updated.
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      • Profile picture of the author HeavyK
        Originally Posted by kebertt View Post

        You can charge a $10-30/month fee for hosting, or go as far as setting up a reseller account and take in the profits. It's all preference. Many businesses will want you to take care of the hosting for them, if this is the case you can easily set up a Host Gator account that hosts 40+ of these websites.

        If the client asks for admin access to their website, give them the Wordpress Dashboard login information.
        Great. Thanks for the tips. I think I am going to try this with a few different professions. Luckily I already pay for an unlimited hosting account, so I will just use that one. $300 up front and $15 a month could add up to a pretty nice residual income. Plus as my skills grow I will have a ready made group to market other services to. Such as managing an email list for them with a possible coupon/newsletter service or something along those lines.
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        • If you sent out 40 letters, cold, and got 5 calls, and 2 sales, then, honestly, you must be quite the magician. Good for you, and I don't mean that sarcastically. But seriously, those letters must be magical. Here's the deal, folks. If you're going to deal in direct mail, you have to deal in bulk, unless of course you infuse your letters with the magic that the poster here evidently does. And, if you're going to deal in bulk, this does NOT mean you sitting around printing and stuffing your own letters.

          99% of the time, it just does NOT work, given how many you can realistically send out. So do yourselves a favor and outsource this, and go with full color postcards. I will not say this again. Nor will I post it again. Full. Color. Postcards. Bulk. In your state where you do business. You'll only get 3-4 calls per thousand that go out. So you send several thousand out. And it makes sense at the end of the day, as long as you:

          1) Answer every call you get
          2) Convert at least 50% of your calls to monthly clients (not hard if you have an ounce of sales ability)
          3) Have the funds to do the mailing through a reliable direct mail company in the first place

          Best of Luck. Heed the above!

          ~Go Forth, Young Samurai's!
          Signature

          Mark Stone
          President
          Samurai Marketing Club (SMC)
          info@samuraimarketingclub.com
          efsconsultingllc@gmail.com

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          • Profile picture of the author Gabby12
            Maybe you are the one doing it wrong. Too many want to cut someone down for their success.
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            SEO Content Writing
            Quality Content Writing Service

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          • Profile picture of the author DABK
            I know a guy who once sent 78 letters to highly targeted people. 18 called him to hear more. He converted half. He sent a series of 3 letters to get that.

            Me, the 1st time I sent out direct mail, I sent 103, got 2 to call me. I only did geographic targeting.

            Originally Posted by markstonepublishing View Post

            If you sent out 40 letters, cold, and got 5 calls, and 2 sales, then, honestly, you must be quite the magician. Good for you, and I don't mean that sarcastically. But seriously, those letters must be magical. Here's the deal, folks. If you're going to deal in direct mail, you have to deal in bulk, unless of course you infuse your letters with the magic that the poster here evidently does. And, if you're going to deal in bulk, this does NOT mean you sitting around printing and stuffing your own letters.

            99% of the time, it just does NOT work, given how many you can realistically send out. So do yourselves a favor and outsource this, and go with full color postcards. I will not say this again. Nor will I post it again. Full. Color. Postcards. Bulk. In your state where you do business. You'll only get 3-4 calls per thousand that go out. So you send several thousand out. And it makes sense at the end of the day, as long as you:

            1) Answer every call you get
            2) Convert at least 50% of your calls to monthly clients (not hard if you have an ounce of sales ability)
            3) Have the funds to do the mailing through a reliable direct mail company in the first place

            Best of Luck. Heed the above!

            ~Go Forth, Young Samurai's!
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          • Profile picture of the author kebertt
            Originally Posted by markstonepublishing View Post

            If you sent out 40 letters, cold, and got 5 calls, and 2 sales, then, honestly, you must be quite the magician. Good for you, and I don't mean that sarcastically. But seriously, those letters must be magical. Here's the deal, folks. If you're going to deal in direct mail, you have to deal in bulk, unless of course you infuse your letters with the magic that the poster here evidently does. And, if you're going to deal in bulk, this does NOT mean you sitting around printing and stuffing your own letters.

            99% of the time, it just does NOT work, given how many you can realistically send out. So do yourselves a favor and outsource this, and go with full color postcards. I will not say this again. Nor will I post it again. Full. Color. Postcards. Bulk. In your state where you do business. You'll only get 3-4 calls per thousand that go out. So you send several thousand out. And it makes sense at the end of the day, as long as you:

            1) Answer every call you get
            2) Convert at least 50% of your calls to monthly clients (not hard if you have an ounce of sales ability)
            3) Have the funds to do the mailing through a reliable direct mail company in the first place

            Best of Luck. Heed the above!

            ~Go Forth, Young Samurai's!
            I really don't think your catching the true "magic" of this method. You don't have to be a magician to do split testing, and trial campaigns. Bulk postcards are great, when you're sending out mailings that are less targeted.

            You mentioned sending out mailings to businesses geo-targetted by the state, which is completely unrelated to this method.

            What's so great about this method is that the customer can see what they're purchasing, right off the bat. No need to wait weeks for results, it's right there in front of them, with the price tag on it.

            The websites I design are created for specific type of business, that meet targeted qualifications. If you're offing general internet marketing services, across your state, or even country, bulk direct mail would be great. Through creating a targeted website, and sending targeted direct mailings we are cutting out the costs of going bulk, and adding in the simplicity of having our work speak for itself. Therefore the conversion rates skyrocket, and so does the ROI.

            If you're just starting out, this inexpensive method is a great way to get the ball rolling for you.
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        • Profile picture of the author zimbizee
          Originally Posted by HeavyK View Post

          Luckily I already pay for an unlimited hosting account, so I will just use that one. $300 up front and $15 a month could add up to a pretty nice residual income.
          Don't do it if it's a shared hosting account you have. Why??? because if one of your sites get hacked/virus on your shared account your hosting provider will just shutdown/suspend your entire account so all your sites will be offline and they will upset all of your clients.

          Get a reseller account so each site is hosted separately.
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          • Profile picture of the author kebertt
            Originally Posted by zimbizee View Post

            Don't do it if it's a shared hosting account you have. Why??? because if one of your sites get hacked/virus on your shared account your hosting provider will just shutdown/suspend your entire account so all your sites will be offline and they will upset all of your clients.

            Get a reseller account so each site is hosted separately.
            Such a great point. A reseller account is certainly worth it. At the very least, backup your websites once they're online.
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          • Profile picture of the author HeavyK
            Originally Posted by zimbizee View Post

            Don't do it if it's a shared hosting account you have. Why??? because if one of your sites get hacked/virus on your shared account your hosting provider will just shutdown/suspend your entire account so all your sites will be offline and they will upset all of your clients.

            Get a reseller account so each site is hosted separately.
            Ok. Thank you for this tip. Is it difficult to set up the reseller account or to do billing for your customers?

            I am glad you told me this. I would hate to sell a bunch of websites just to have one get hacked and take the rest down with them.
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  • Profile picture of the author barrypeswift
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    • Profile picture of the author Irish Intuition
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      • Profile picture of the author kebertt
        I've had some Warriors request examples of the websites I've produced. Below is a screenshot of the first website I created, and had a good amount of success with.

        I threw this together in under 2 hours, so I'm sure some of you can produce much higher quality sites than provided. This should be a good resource if you need something to reference to when you're designing!



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