Direct Mail 101

7 Golden Rules of Direct Mail

The LocalPostal campaign creator is expertly designed to encourage direct mail best practices. From our eye-catching templates to life-event targeting, we help ensure your campaign's success.

1. Special Offer

A prominent discount or coupon on your mailer is an absolute must both to attract and track new customers. To attract new customers, offer them a compelling deal (for example, "10% OFF"). To track new customers, require them to bring in your mailer or use the coupon code to get the deal. If you can construct the offer as an upsell ("FREE Appetizer with Entree!"), all the better.

2. Life-Event Targeting

Individuals are most receptive to changes in behavior at major life changes. Just moved, just bought a home, etc. -- these are the times that consumers are changing their buying habits, trying new services, and generally breaking out of their standard rhythms. These are the perfect times to send them direct mail

3. Call-to-Action

Your mailers should compel the recipient into action: "Protect Your Home" or "Impress Your New Neighbors" or "Clear Out the Clutter." Use an active verb – preferably as the first word – to instill an active mindset, not just a general need.

4. Only One Call-to-Action

Multiple messages muddle the strength of a mailer. Sure, your spa treatments will help the customer relax AND clear up their skin, but pick only one prominent message per mailer.

5. Mirror Your Demographics

You see your customers day in and day out. Your demographic filters should target the types of persons who match your existing customer base – they're the most likely to convert to new customers.

6. Tap into Psychological Needs

It's the difference between "You need new locks" and "Protect your home with new locks." Patients don't want to go to the dentist, but they do want to "Get a whiter, brighter smile!"

7. Time Limit

Giving the recipient only 30 days to redeem the offer is definitely good practice. However, it's less important when you're targeting customers at a major life event since they're establishing new practices or patterns that have natural time limits.