Trust is the name of the game in today’s political climate of ‘fake news’, and direct mail is seen as having the highest credibility among ad campaigns. Direct mail that drives readers online for more information is highly valued as voters want to learn and understand more about what’s happening politically.

Nearly half of those who received political direct mail said it was the most memorable form of political advertising they encountered during mid-term elections, and the highest percent of those who feel this way identify as Millennials. As political campaigns look more like marketing, using tried and true methods can cross over, including a mix of digital, print and personalization.

This downloadable PDF from USPS shows some important stats and ways to maximize a political campaign in 2020.

The post Direct Mail Is a Trusted Source for Political Campaigns appeared first on Mail Masters.

With the rise of the internet, the print industry declined. Phone books vanished, landing pages replaced flyers and direct mail slowed down. But it made a surprising comeback! As email boxes get filled with promotional junk, more consumers value a personalized, informative piece of mail from a reputable source.  

Direct mail marketing is a great opportunity to act upon now. While other businesses underestimate its power, you can get far ahead by combining web technologies with traditional marketing strategies. Here’s how to do it:  

1. Develop a mailing list. Define your goals and align your mailing list with them. Do you want to run a campaign that will generate new leads, or do you need to nurture more sales and/or referrals from current customers? Take time to study your demographics and consider all the prospects. Having a targeted list will result in organic growth and better return-on-investment. 
2. Design mail pieces. Once you have a specific demographic and purpose in mind, begin crafting your message. The presentation is as important as the content itself. Best practices include being concise, using a readable font and incorporating an attention-grabbing component (feel free to experiment with shapes, sizes, colors, textures, etc.). Unique design and personalization will surely impress any mail recipient.
3. Track the campaign. Use predictability of direct mail to your advantage. Be strategic in when and where it’s being sent and how you are going to track the results. Collected data is more accurate than what virtual alternatives can offer, so analyzing it thoroughly ensures future success. 
4. Test engagement and response rates. After the initial analysis, look into what’s working and what needs improvement to enhance your customers’ experience. Consider common patterns, actions taken and make adjustments as needed. With programs like ResponseBuilder it’s really easy to do.
5. Continue managing existing campaigns. As you get to know your customer base, keep updating the message to fit their changing needs. Remarketing is an effective tactic for utilizing resources already in place and growing your business on the budget.  

Do you want to start using direct mail in new ways? Plumb Marketing team can help you craft a personalized marketing campaign that will drive results. As a leader in direct mail, we manage the process at every stage to ensure your message gets across. For more information about our services CLICK HERE.

The post Create a Stellar Direct Mail Marketing Campaign in Five Steps appeared first on Mail Masters.

Plumb Marketing sent nearly 16,000,000 pieces of direct mail for their clients in 2018. Surprised? Then you may not know the power of personal connections in today’s digital age. New studies show that direct mail is popular once again. It gets better engagement than email marketing by triggering an emotional response.  

Emails are easy to discard without opening. Many of them are blocked by spam filters and don’t even make it to the inbox. Online banner ads are often used for retargeting, but consumers have learned to ignore those too. This is where direct mail excels. According to recent research, personalized physical mail creates a real experience, that’s why recipients are more likely to interact with it. 

Don’t miss out on the potential of direct mail – learn how it can be used for political campaigns. 

Why Direct Mail Is Good 

• It’s automated. Direct mail requires planning, but the rest of the campaign runs seamlessly. Just imagine: while you are working hard on reaching the voters, your direct mail pieces are silently hitting their mailboxes, helping you share the message in a personalized and effective way.
• It’s affordable. More and more businesses choose to spend money on direct mail over TV and radio ads. Why? Simply because the cost is cheaper.
• It’s predictable. Measuring consumer response with direct mail is easy. You will know exactly how well your campaign is doing based on the tracking codes and other gathering tools in place.
• It’s data driven. Any advertising that allows for personalization and targeting is more effective than a generic campaign. Direct mail has the capacity to reach diverse demographics and do it in a tangible way that keeps voters engaged.

Why Go Direct Mail

• It’s a trusted source. Voters are often skeptical of online political campaigns, but if you try to reach out via direct mail, it can make all the difference. A professional, precise message is more likely to stick and spark action. 
• It’s personal. No one wants to be referred to as another number. Especially voters. Direct mail is very flexible with how you can approach your audience and personalize their experience.
• It’s versatile. Direct mail has the strongest engagement among millennials, who, unlike the generation before, find it useful. But since everyone is required to list their address when registering to vote, you can still keep the communication open even with the least enthusiastic groups.
• It’s timely. Modern technology allows marketing teams to integrate direct mail with digital tracking for more accurate results and enhanced user experience. You can follow up with an online prospect by mail, or vice-versa, ask a mail recipient to scan a QR code guiding them to your political landing page. Now that’s commitment to deliver!   

Are you ready to create a one-of-a-kind, action-driven political campaign that will change the game? Plumb Marketing team works together with the politician and/or campaign managers to craft a personalized and data-focused marketing plan to reach your specific audience.

As a leader in political direct mail, we combine effective digital and print strategies to get your message across at the most critical times. Our process is automated, easy and stress-free. Find out for yourself, contact Plumb Marketing today!

The post Direct Mail for Political Campaigns appeared first on Mail Masters.

This article by the Small Business Administration says direct mail is hot again. It’s true. As digital marketing has become saturated, Millennials, as well as others, are looking at the attention grabbing, personalized, hand delivered communication that comes to their mail box.

But disposing of digital isn’t the solution, rather a combination of direct mail and online strategies is generating lucrative results. This article looks at the reasons why direct mail campaigns are effective once again, and strategies to get the most bang for your buck. Check it out here: https://www.sba.gov/blog/direct-mail-hot-again-heres-how-use-it

The post Guess What’s Back in Style? Direct Mail! Here’s How to Use It appeared first on Mail Masters.

With the new year comes our innate desire to make changes in our lives. For business owners who target these changes, this is a perfect time for a boost in advertising, and one of the most effective is direct mail. Attract more customers to your gym, health food store, or medical office by targeting new movers looking for the health you provide in the new year and beyond.

Benefits of Direct Mail

While many people have considered direct mail to be a bit of a dinosaur in the advertising world, it is resurging. Why? People have become numb to endless emails and banner ads, while direct mail, especially when personalized, shows up directly in their mail box in tangible form to be interacted with.

Direct mail that offers a deal, and a way to connect digitally, can provide reliable, consistent ROI (return on investment) to business owners. It is also one of the most affordable and effective forms of advertising available.

Why New Movers

Sending mail to everyone isn’t particularly effective. Technology allows us to gather data and create lists that are more specific and connected to demographics, which makes for a more powerful and targeted distribution of advertising than ever before.

By targeting new movers, you are capturing a market that is specifically looking to fill health needs in their new community. Build brand awareness and trust with a personalized direct mail piece that welcomes them to the neighborhood, and invites them to your location.  

Ideas for Campaigns

If you’ve resolved to add direct mail to your marketing mix for the new year, congratulations! To make it the most effective, choose a marketing company who understands how to add this piece to your existing advertising and work together to create a plan that builds on and feeds itself. For example, make direct mail pieces that connect to online platforms, such as including a special code or URL. Make sure discounts are tied to the mail pieces using tracking numbers or physical coupons to be turned in. Make sure the pieces will land in prospect hands at the perfect time – before a sale, in time for a birthday, or as special offers to increase traffic.

Tracking your return on investment will help you tweak it for even more consistency and impact through the year. New mover campaigns are a great way to reach a target looking for changes, and now is your time to capitalize on it and make 2020 your best year yet.

The post It’s Resolution Time! Get Customers in the Door With Direct Mail Advertising appeared first on Mail Masters.