Category: EDDM

  • What Is EDDM and Is It Right for Your Marketing Needs?

    What Is EDDM and Is It Right for Your Marketing Needs?

    Over time, direct mail marketing strategies have evolved, and businesses can now reach out to prospects with little effort. The United States Postal Service helps individuals and enterprises to deliver their brand messages to potential customers in their locality through EDDM. 

    What Is EDDM?

    EDDM refers to Every Door Direct Mail. It is a bulk mailing service offered by the United States Postal Service (USPS). EDDM enables mailing customers to reach clients without having to create leads with mailing addresses.

    Is EDDM Right for Your Marketing Needs?

    It is an uphill task for small businesses and startups to generate a list of mailing addresses. However, EDDM service permits mailing customers to reach leads based on USPS mailing routes. You do not need to buy or generate a mailing list. It is a good marketing strategy for individuals who have a limited product campaign budget.  

    Why is EDDM Perfect for Your Marketing Needs?

    Today, more and more businesses reach out to the local audience to help meet their sales targets through cost-effective means such as EDDM. Even individuals like dentists, politicians, and non-profit organizations such as churches use EDDM to deliver their marketing to a group of people in a specific zone or local geographical area.

    What Type of Businesses Can Benefit from Using Every Door Direct Mail? 

    • Realtors
    • Contractors
    • Retail stores
    • Auto sales and services
    • Restaurants
    • Medical professionals
    • Home Service
    • Financial services
    • Landscaping
    • Galleries
    • Dry cleaners

    5 Steps to Get Started with EDDM

    Step 1

    Log into the USPS EDDM application to select your preferred routes. However, you must first get a postage quote before you complete the USPS route selection process.  

    Step 2

    Prepare and organize your schedule. Without a plan and target, you can get overwhelmed when dealing with bulk mail. Therefore, it is wise to document your production and shipping information in an organized manner. For example, know the number of pieces you must print and the location of the post offices you need to deliver your mailers off at.

    Step 3

    Prepare your mailers and ensure that your design and print meet the required EDDM specifications. You can always seek professional help if you have doubts or need help with your print designs and printing process.

    Step 4

    Drop off your EDDM printed pieces or postcards at your local post office. You must make sure that your mailers match the number of mailboxes on the predetermined USPS route.

    Step 5

    Follow up on your sales after you drop your mailers at a local USPS to see the effect of your EDDM campaign. You may want to repeat this process monthly, yearly, or as often as you need to reach your target audience.

    7 Tips for a Perfect EDDM

    One of the easiest ways you can have an EDDM campaign that stands out from the crowd is to seek professional services from a print shop to help you manage the process. Below are some of the best ideas to help you create a great Every Door Direct Mail campaign that is right for your marketing needs.

    1. Large mailer format – Using large print on your mailers automatically draws attention that sets you apart from the competition. 

    2. Make use of high-quality paper stock or finishing effects – How you present your message speaks volumes about your business or service. High gloss UV, foil stamping, soft-touch coating, and embossing can give your mailer a classic look. Top-quality print paper is one of the best ways to create an eye-catching experience that makes EDDM perfect for your marketing needs.

    3. Attractive headline – Are you asking yourself why you have put so much energy into your EDDM marketing campaign yet didn’t you get the expected results? A dull heading is one of the top reasons no one reads your mailer to the end. So make sure you create a compelling and enticing headline that will make people interact with your mailer.

    4. Interactive mailer – Find captivating ways to engage your audiences, such as scratch-offs that reveal rewards or offers.  An interactive EDDM is an effective way for your brand or service to make an impression on your leads.

    5. Photos and illustrations – In the advertising industry, pictures speak louder than long paragraphs of text. Furthermore, it is easier to remember a memorable visual print than complex wording. Additionally, photos and sharp graphics help maintain the attention of your audience. 

    6. An easy call to action option – Your EDDM campaign or marketing strategy aims to get your leads to get back to you. Therefore, you must ensure that you provide a convenient and easy get-back-to-you option that your prospects can use. You can either add a unique free-to-call number, online contact or include directions to your store.

    7. Monitor your EDDM campaign success – You can use special coupon codes, phone numbers, URLs for each EDDM route. The response through these communication mediums can help you know how many leads called or visited your website in response to your campaign.

    What Makes Every Door Direct Mail Good for Your Marketing Needs?

    There are numerous reasons why EDDM is the perfect choice for any size business to get its message in the hands of the local audience. In addition, you can take advantage of some of the benefits that EDDM offers to help you stay on top of the competition and meet your marketing needs.

    However, as it is with all things, there are pros and cons to Every Door Direct Mail that you should know before selecting this service as your marketing strategy.

    Pros of EDDM

    No need to create or purchase a mailing list – Creating a mailing list for a specific geographic area is hard work and can be frustrating. Furthermore, buying one is costly if you are working on a budget. However, you do not need to generate or buy an address list when you use EDDM. USPS delivers your mailers to every door in your selected zip code.

    No postal permit required – Even though direct mail campaigns terms include a yearly postal permit which costs up to $450, you are exempted from this fee if your EDDM mailings do not exceed 5,000 pieces.

    Lower postage rates – Startups and small businesses that work on a budget can benefit from the low rates offered by USPS for EDDM service. In addition, every Door Direct Mail costs less when compared to other services such as Express mail, priority mail, or first-class package service.

    Easy to target your local audience – You do not need to invest heavily in market research to find your target audience. The only process you have to complete is choosing the zip codes you want to reach out to. Then, after dropping your mailers at the local post office, you can comfortably sit back and monitor the success of your EDDM campaign.

    Easy to monitor your marketing campaign – You can only truck your campaign if you provide your prospects with a trackable point of contact. A perfect tracking method will automatically attribute leads or sales to your EDDM campaign in every zip code.

    Cons of EDDM

    Size limit – Your mail pieces must meet the allowable USPS size and weight restrictions. EDDM service does not allow extra-large postcards, letters, lumpy mail, catalogs, and other irregular shapes.

    Limit on quantity – EDDM allows you to send up to 5,000 mail pieces per day. If your target is more than 5,000 mailers to a selected zip code, you need to pay more and obtain a post office permit from USPS.

    A lesser targeted campaign – Every Direct Door Mail delivers your mailers to every address on the EDDM mailing route. This marketing strategy is not target-oriented and fewer individuals who are enthusiastic about your product or service may not receive your mail pieces.

    No personalization – According to a survey, customers prefer personalized mail pieces. EDDM limits your personalization efforts. You do not have the names or details of the residents you are advertising to. 

    Did Your EDDM Campaign Meet Your Marketing Needs?

    Thankfully, there is more than one way you can see what worked well or not in your EDDM marketing strategy. First, you can know the results of your campaign by using a tracking method that traces leads back to your EDDM campaign. 

    Of course, there are numerous ways you can use to access the outcome of your Every Direct Door Marketing advertising campaign. You can use one or combine any of the following direct mail tracking methods.

    • Coupon codes
    • Trackable phone number
    • QR codes
    • Trackable URL

    Coupon codes

    A coupon code, also known as a promo code, is a computer-generated code. It consists of numbers or letters that consumers enter into a promotional space on a website’s shopping cart to redeem a reward or a discount.

    You can print coupon codes on your EDDM pieces for your prospects to claim at your store or over the phone.

    Trackable phone number

    You can trace phone calls generated from your campaigns by setting up a dedicated toll-free number that directs callers to your business line. By assigning unique numbers to different zip codes, you can track how many people responded to the EDDM campaign.

    Small companies and new companies may prefer to use their regular business telephone numbers on the mailers. Even so, you need to ensure that your customer support staff keep track of each coupon that is redeemed and the EDDM mailer it appeared on.

    Sometimes, advertising on multiple routes can be exhausting and may overwhelm you. Instead, you can outsource the services of a telemarketer or a call tracking company. These companies can playback the calls you receive and also provide you with campaign reports and analytics data. 

    QR Codes

    QR (Quick Response) codes are among the most effective ways marketers and advertising agencies use when tracking marketing campaigns. Today, advanced mobile technology has made it easy to scan QR codes using smartphones.

    Therefore, you can print a QR code on your EDDM mail pieces that directs your leads to a unique landing page on your website.

    Trackable URL

    You can print a unique URL on your mailers that connect clients to a custom landing page on your website. Google offers tools that can help you create a campaign URL and also track your results. Your website’s analytics tools compute the number of leads who visit your unique landing page.

    Additionally, you can create a personal experience for every direct mail recipient by setting up a personalized URL that leads to a landing page that contains customized content. You can seek help to create these settings from a professional printing service provider.

    When Should You Use EDDM for Your Marketing Needs?

    Every Door Direct mail is one of the most affordable targeted advertising. There is no set rule as to when you can use EDDM for your marketing needs. However, you may want to use it at convenient times in your business.

    When You Are Having a Sale

    Shoppers naturally tend to buy items or services that are on sale. You can take advantage of this consumer psychology and launch your EDDM campaign whenever you have a promotion.

    Are You Opening a New Location?

    Starting a new business is challenging, and you may find yourself short on your budget. EDDM service is an affordable and convenient way to create an awareness of your business in your local community. In addition, you can save on buying leads and purchasing a postal permit.

    When Offering Coupons 

    Coupons are a great way to draw traffic to your business. Send perfectly designed menus to the target zip code route and experience the joy of traffic in your pizza shop. Additionally, if you have coupons for a specific group of people, you can use EDDM tools to map ZIP codes and filter by age, household size, or income.

    What to Look Out for When Using EDDM

    There are various indicators to look out for in determining if your campaign is correct for your marketing needs. However, if the analytics data is not initially accurate, some of these indicators can provide misleading insights.

    Response rate – a marketing agency reports that the average number of people who respond to EDDM marketing campaigns is 9%. This percentage is for individuals who respond via any of the above tracking methods is about 9%.

    You may think that this rate is low, but you need to know that the response rate from a prospect list is 5%.

    Conversion rate – how many respondents reacted to your mailer by taking advantage of the offer? Some businesses have prolonged sales cycles while others convert almost instantly. Even so, you can ignore the conversion rate in establishments that sell inexpensive impulse products like clothing stores and pizza outlets where response and conversion occur at the same time. 

    However, businesses like law offices and dentists need to consider their conversion rate more than their response rate. 

    Conclusion

    Every Door Direct Mail allows small and established businesses to send their marketing messages to a specific local geographic area. Even so, the intent or purpose of EDDM campaigns varies from one enterprise to another. Some intend to raise awareness; others want to increase sales, while entrepreneurs may want to uncover new business leads.

    Whatever your marketing needs, the direct mail service offered by the United States Postal Service is an effective marketing strategy. It also costs less when compared to other advertising channels like Television.

    Furthermore, EDDM is easy to use, and you do not require any expertise. You can find help from a printing service provider to manage the logistics of your EDDM as you take care of the incoming leads.

  • Catdi Printing; For All Your EDDM Printing In Dallas

    Catdi Printing; For All Your EDDM Printing In Dallas


    If anyone needs to use Every Door Direct Mail (EDDM), it is the small businesses and startups. But even the more prominent brands can never hesitate to use this powerful marketing strategy. It is easy, a huge money saver, and can help with customer engagement and retention. With EDDM printing in Dallas, you no longer need a marketing department because all you need is that postcard. The only expense comes if you cannot design your own. And in this case, you can reliably use professional graphic design services to go through.

    But What Exactly Is EDDM Printing 


    EDDM is a unique program under the United States Postal Service. As a result, printing companies such as Catdi Printing have the permit to print and distribute EDDM compliant postcards for marketing campaigns. But that is if they meet USPS requirements.

    These postcards are a crucial marketing and advertising tool that you can distribute to various locations. So, suppose yours is a Dallas-based business, EDDM printing in Dallas can conveniently work for you. The EDDM postcard distributor ensures every target location and every home around that locale receives your postcard.

    As a bulk mailing option, EDDM printing enables you to send as little as 200 hundred and as much as 5000 postcards daily at a relatively cheaper cost than using other marketing options. The icing on the cake is that it doesn’t matter the Zip code, the price is low, and you can pay as little as 18.3¢ per postcard, which eventually can be good for your ROI.

    Who Can Best Utilize EDDM Printing 


    Small businesses and startups can significantly benefit from EDDM’s promotional materials such as postcards, flyers, brochures, and even full letters. But even the biggest brands in Dallas are known to fully utilize EDDM printing in Dallas to engage and retain their customers.

    The aim of EDDM printing is for the message to land directly into your consumers’ hands and within the shortest time possible. Hence, it would be the best campaign strategy to promote around the households, business centers, and other local consumers. You can also use it to inform the target audience in the geographical areas about any grand opening in the offing or special offers. Anything to get them interested.

    Examples of businesses likely to utilize EDDM printing to the fullest are grocery stores, restaurants, dry cleaners, and real estate agents. Even services providers such as attorneys, healthcare, and auto dealers can jump on this bandwagon. I can say that any local business targeting people within the locale can take advantage of this cheap but immensely effective campaign method to improve sales.

    Why Is Catdi Printing The Best Choice For Your EDDM Printing

    If you have your business around Dallas and the surrounding areas, you need a reliable and professional printing company. Catdi Printing is an EDDM printing in Dallas who design, print, and finally distribute EDDM postcards to all target areas.

    How possible can this be, you might be asking. It is simple, Catdi partners with the United States Postal Mail Service to implement the EDDM program. The postage permit allows the company to conduct every aspect of EDDM campaigns to reach each target location and zip code, not just in Dallas but wherever you will instruct.

    Assuming you need a 5000 daily distribution target, the Catdi printing ensures all the postcards reach designated areas, making your business visible. As a highly reputable printing company, you can expect the most professional postcards, making sense to everyone who sees them. Here is what else you can expect.

    A One-Stop-Shop 

    Shopping for EDDM printing at Catdi removes other related hassles and processes to complete your order. For example, the printer can design, edit, print, and distribute your postcards or flyers at the most affordable fee. Then, once you place the order and share your business idea, you can sit back and let things roll.

    The Right Postcard Sizes

    Catdi printing designs and prints a wide range of EDDM compliant sizes for mailing purposes. For your most successful EDDM campaigns, you can order the compact size postcard, which measures 6.5 “x 9”. You can also order for 11 “x 6.25”. These are long and flyer-shaped postcards, and most businesses prefer them for the contemporary landscape. Another good postcard size is the 8.5 “x 11”. This one is more letter-sized, and you can use it for those informative and detailed sales messages. It is also ideal for pamphlets and brochures.

    Professional High-Resolution Prints

    If you are looking for the most quality and durable EDDM printing in Dallas, Catdi would be your perfect pick for the price of digital. All you will have to do is place the order and the design type you need. Then you can leave it to the graphic design and printing team at Catdi to do your bidding. Both the artwork and material quality are also exceptional.

    Excellent Customer Support

    Catdi has been in the printing business for years. This experience comes with a massive mix of good customer support and expertise they offer you. It is not just that they are patient. They will consult closely with you from the start of the project to the finish so that the final piece comes out exactly as you envisioned. But that is not all, and everything happens within the agreed time frame. Sometimes your order is out earlier than expected.

    How Can You Leverage On Catdi EDDM Printing in Dallas

    Even though EDDM printing perfectly works in most situations, you should still strategically use it for maximum benefit. One of the areas EDDM printing is effective in includes the smallest of businesses and startups. For example, do you have a salon, restaurant, or even a dry cleaner, say in Dallas?

    Even if you make service provisions, EDDM printing in Dallas might be your most workable marketing tool. As an offline marketing tool, EDDM printing in Dallas helps identify segments and quickly target your most converting audience. Here are other ways for effective Catdi and printing.

    Reach Out Only to the Right Customers 

    The best way EDDM printing campaigns can benefit you is to identify the right customers for your products/ services. Extensive research would unearth who these people are and where they reside. Once you have done this, you can decide the right amount of postcards and sizes to print and distribute at any given time. The right audience also converts almost immediately once they see the postcards. It works like a charm reminding them of the next purchase or to grab that offer they have waited for so long.

    Use Targeted Messages

    What do I mean by targeted messages? Simple, if you are distributing in Dallas, have your EDDM printing in Dallas target this particular geographical area with messages that resonate with them. The same applies to targeting a specific demographic or homogenous group, including gender, age, and even education.

    While targeted messages are effective in digital marketing, the trend is gaining traction in offline marketing, too, so you shouldn’t wait to see how your business improves with this tactic.

    Use Tailored Messaging

    Do not be confused between targeted and tailored messaging. As I already indicated, targeted gravitates towards a demographic setting. On the contrary, a tailored print identifies specific traits and characteristics within that group and reinforces the message based on those habits.

    The way you communicate strengthens the idea behind the overall message, enhancing conversion. And so, before you tailor that message, the first thing I suggest you do is thorough research among your target audience. Gather info regarding their needs, likes/dislikes regarding your product. Then tailor both the message and the product to meet that particular need.

    Consider the Cost Factor

    EDDM printing is one of the most cost-effective marketing strategies. Still, you must consider if it is worth the value for your money. If you think postcard adverts via EDDM printing in Dallas can be how you can save money to strengthen your business, so be it.

    Remember, once you go the EDDM way, you won’t need to purchase things like mailing lists. The flyers, postcards, and even brochures can still deliver the message across without spending much.

    Then, of course, you can take advantage of the free software to create your unique graphics. With meager printing charges, there is no stopping in impressing your target audience and making sales.


    Start Small

    If it is your first time using EDDM printing in Dallas, you will discover specific requirements formats, sizes, and even designs. But what is more critical is to find the mailers that work best in your location. And most of all is to start small, testing the waters with a smaller batch of the prints, and see the reception. Then, once it picks ground, you can keep increasing.

    What Are the Advantages of Using EDDM Printing?

    As an offline tool often overlooked, EDDM printing can do so much to attract customers to your business. The must-have promotional method comes with a wide range of benefits which you can only realize once you begin using it. Here is a list of the advantages of using this powerful tool.

    1. EDDM Printing Is Easy to Create and Implement

    If you are starting, EDDM could be your very first promotional strategy as it is easy to create. You do not need a marketing team. Instead, you can design your simple EDDM cards, take them to the printer, and finally do the distribution. To succeed, you can use those free Every Door Direct Mail templates and the readily available online postcards maker to accomplish your task.


    Of course, the United States postal service has strict requirements regarding EDDM printing. So, if you are creating any postcards, I suggest you use free EDDM postcard templates, eliminating the tendency for guesswork. Are you uncertain about the delivery area of your EDDM postcards? You can use the USPS EDDM Mapping Tool, which shows the best places for your campaign efforts.

    2. EDDM Printing Is a Huge Money Saver 

    Again, if you are starting or yours is a small business, all you want right now is to save on the dough. By choosing EDDM printing, you will see that the amount going into the design and printing is negligible.

    Let’s assume you plan to post some of the postcards. The amount you use for standard EDDM postcard postage is much lower at $0.178 per piece than standard postcard postage,  costing $0.35 per piece. So if you do the math, you will be making roughly 50% savings on your promotional campaign.

    Remember, you also eliminate some of the mail cost-related factors, such as creating mail lists while using EDDM. A typical mail list can cost to the tune of $100. And have you forgotten the mailing permit, which is not less than$ 225? With these amounts out of the way, there isn’t an excuse why your business shouldn’t soar. 

    3. Eddm Helps with Local Marketing

    EDDM printing in Dallas could be your respite for those smaller Dallas-based businesses since it is a perfect way to attract your local consumers. Examples of local businesses that can make do with local customers include florists, real estate agents, pharmacies, malls, and clothing stores.

    Indeed, there are many more, and EDDM printing could be the best way to reach the targets for these products. It is also so easy and convenient for mailers to get to every location and every door. However, I still recommend the USPS Mapping Tool to pick the suitable sites for your EDDM postcard delivery and have the correct response. 

    4. You Can Select Where to Deliver 

    With EDDM printing and marketing, you have to concentrate on specific correspondence areas for maximum effect. For example, you can choose to have your postcards go to residential areas only based on your promoting products. You can also choose to promote both around businesses and residential areas if you feel that will produce a considerable impact.

    5. There is Plenty of Space For Messaging

    EDDM postcards come in different sizes. The grander and jumbo-sized postcards enable you to write more detailed info about your products. I also know that Catdi printing can guide you on the right size and the number of words and sentences you can include.

    Catdi EDDM Printing FAQs

    Like any other business, people want to know what is in it for them when it comes to Catdi EDDM Printing. So check out some of the frequently asked questions and answers.

    How does Catdi EDDM printing work?

    Catdi printing works in partnership with USPS (United States Postal Services) to run the EDDM printing program. The company subscribes to all the USPS EDDM requirements and strictly follows all the formats and postcard size rules.

    Once you link with Catdi and provide your postcard idea, they use their creative designers to bring to life the artsiest and professional postcard and print it. You can also rely upon Catdi printing for your EDDM post distribution.

    Does EDDM printing work for big brands too?

    Yes, big brands can use EDDM printing to engage and retain their consumer base.

    Conclusion

     

    People keep asking if EDDM printing works at all. I say yes. It functions primarily as a perfect promotional tool for small local businesses. Eddm printing is almost the safest and cheapest means of advertising to bring your business to the limelight.

    And suppose it is within your surroundings. You will have identified the right audience and target areas for distribution. If you are hyping about a grand opening, or special offers, or new products, it won’t take long before you have people lining up, which is also the proper response you want for your business.

  • 10 Reasons Your Direct Mail Campaign Isn’t Working

    10 Reasons Your Direct Mail Campaign Isn’t Working

    You probably pulled a direct mail campaign to get the attention of your prospects, but it didn’t work. Well, that isn’t encouraging because, according to research, direct mail is the method for converting your prospects to clients. It is way better than online or social ads or even email. You get 80-90% positive client response. So if your direct mail campaign didn’t come through for you, the problem might be you. 

    But not to worry, that’s why I put this article here. You’ve got to get up and show your prospects what you’re made of. How will you do that? By getting back to the drawing board and seeing the cause of your failure. You are going to learn ten reasons your Direct mail campaign isn’t working. I am ready when you are. Let’s roll.

    Let’s Talk Direct Mail

    Firstly we look at the result of a campaign you run directly to your prospects. You know you got many return contacts but did your contacts buy from you? Even if you did sell some, did they convert to clients? Eighty-eight percent of clients want to be contacted by direct mail before a virtual introduction. It’s cool if they do buy from you, but if they don’t, that’s not good enough. And so, you need to learn the causes and effects of your failure. 

    You run a campaign to get the attention of people who have never bought from you. That’s achieved with direct mail. You put a bunch of envelopes in the mail, and you ask people to respond to them. But this only works if people respond. So you ask a list of people you know to respond to them to learn things from them that you can use in your future designs. 

    You know these people. You have a relationship with them, and the fact you know them means you can learn something from them, just like a friend would. No one likes a coffee house friend that leaves them hanging, and you understand that. 

    The problem (the majority of the time) is the promised results. There has to be that promised result, and the campaign needs to deliver on that promise. Well, how is that promised result implemented? Well, as you can see in the article about maintaining your credibility and trustworthiness, it comes down to both different situations and a healthy mix of both. 

    Here’s the lesson you learned from your poor performance. You banked on the fact that you implemented a campaign that promised results. But it never came through. Studies show that 58% of people will respond to offers from people they know. If you are one of them, your prospects may have responded to you by hitting the send button on that campaign. Is that what happened in your case? A lot of nothing, not even a thank you.

    Great Offers

    They also show you have to make sure your campaign has a visible offer in it. Something that sends a clear message to the recipient that buying from you is essential. The visual yield from the campaign should not be ignored if they responded. There is an endless supply of free brochures on the Internet, or you can spend a few dollars on printed copies. The campaign piece will tell your prospects how your company operates, including happy customers’ stories and testimonials. 

    When a prospect opens this mailer, they believe they are about to get a great deal. The word “deal” is so intriguing, and this is an excellent example of word advertising. You want to deliver the goods for what this person hopes for entirely—nothing fancy on this sheet. Just simple shoutouts to show their support. That is how you get your users to get engaged by your company. That is what you can do in your marketing campaign: send a link with a download link at the end of your prospect’s email.

    You want to find out more about them to become more loyal to your company by opting in for future opportunities. Some organizations even reward those who stay on their list. That persuasive method could be applied any time a customer comes to your organization. If you hired an effective direct mail campaign specialist to manage your copy, you would know this one.

    Mingling Direct Mail With Current Media

    Your prospects will open the email and click on it, thinking they will get a great deal. Then they will see the download link. After that, they will be on Facebook. And guess what, they’ll see the ad, too. Then they’ll see more exit marketing material, more free material, more ads, and maybe a call-to-action, which leads to more sales. It’s pretty simple. 

    If you know how to make your prospect open, click, and buy, it will make all the difference in the world. That’s the truth. I’ll be honest, the posters and brochures looked good but were they any good? Of course, if you pull those off, your sales are still good. But nothing beats a combination of the two.

    Some Take-Aways on Your Brand’s Website

    When setting up a website, the first thing you need to do is check to make sure your content covers your prospect’s issues — don’t slap in some blog post and throw in some shiny graphics. It never works. 

    You do not provide solutions for any of the problems and frustrations your customers have. So what you should do is help your prospects solve their problems. That is where you get back to the drawing board. The other reason websites don’t work is that they do not educate prospects on their issues. If your website can’t answer all the questions, you’ll have a pretty hard time getting success in any of your campaigns.

    One of the ways you can reach more prospects is by paying attention to your website. First, ensure that you look at the other brands in your niche and study them to see what is being said and how they promote their services. Also, take a look at your slogan and ask yourself if it is clear. If not, change it. 

    Learn the differences between you and other brands and how they are advertising and promoting themselves. Then, take a look at the video’s position and see if it promotes the business’s mission and vision.

    Now that we’ve laid down the facts on doing a great direct mail campaign let’s look at why your drive is not working. Let’s continue.

    1. Not Clear on the Target Market

    It is crucial to know who your targets are when you are creating a direct mail campaign. The right people need to receive your marketing material, so you must make sure that you have the correct information for them. If you don’t send it to the right people, there’s a good chance it won’t reach its target audience. That makes it vital that you know who you want to send your mailers to.

    2. The Format of Your Direct Mail Piece Is Not Appealing

    Direct mail is a great way to gain attention and create brand recognition. It’s also an effective tool for generating leads. First, however, it’s essential to make the most of your mailing format. A great design will stand out in the clutter of other marketing materials.

    What makes direct mail campaigns so effective? The most common direct mail formats encourage response. An oversized envelope, a business envelope, and a postcard are all well-known direct mail strategies that can effectively get people to respond.

    3. You Are Targeting the Wrong Customer Base With Your Direct Mail Campaign

    Too many people don’t think about their audience when launching a direct mail campaign. So don’t just throw your direct mail campaign out there. Direct mail campaigns aren’t for everyone, and they don’t work for everyone. It’s a big waste of money if you’re not targeting the right audience with the right offer.

    4. Bad Timing

    Timing is critical when it comes to direct mail. It is essential to choose a marketing campaign that coincides with a specific event, such as opening a new store, a seasonal sale, or an event tied in with your company’s mission statement.

    Find a professional direct mail service provider that understands the power of timing. You must choose a reputable company with a well-tested direct mail process. Contacting them for information on upcoming events and marketing campaigns will help you get more out of your direct mail campaign.

    5. The Offers Are Not Personalized

    Did your mailer have a customized look and feel? Marketing campaigns in the past were traditionally low-tech and general in their appeal. That was when companies assumed that a generic message would appeal to a large number of customers, which would provide the best ROI. Unfortunately, the strategies that worked in the past are not practical today.

    Consumers are more comfortable sharing their data and information than ever—and so should you! Collecting customer data and leveraging it to personalize communications is a smart move for brands. Customers want relevant, personalized messages from brands.

    Almost half of the world’s consumers are willing to give their personal information to a trusted brand. A research study published in Forbes Magazine shows that nearly 85% of shoppers are more likely to buy something from an established company that cares about the customer’s experience. You have to care about your prospects by offering them real value. You have to make an effort.

    Customers are willing to do their part, but brands have to take part as well. To make the best use of limited budgets, marketers need to look beyond traditional mailing lists and instead utilize data from their databases. The data enables them to manage their client base more effectively, reduce wastage and send more targeted mailings.

    If you’re looking to create a more personal and unique experience, consider variable data printing. Variable data printing allows text, graphics, and images to be changed in real-time without stopping or slowing down the printing process. This type of communication gives customers a unique and personalized experience.

    Eighty-eight percent of marketers say they’ve seen growth in conversion rates due to personalization. Of those, more than half reported higher conversions than the norm.

    6. There’s No Clear Call to Action

    The biggest reason most direct-mail campaigns fail is a lack of clarity. When it comes to any form of marketing, it’s essential to include a clear call to action. Without a clear call to action, you risk sending an entirely irrelevant message that will have no impact on your prospect’s decision to engage with you.

    I guess you are asking if using a call to action in your direct mail campaigns is necessary. Well, it is. And that’s because your prospects are receiving hundreds of emails from other brands in your niche. Now leaving your campaign plain without telling your prospects what to do about what they just read is mean. We can, however, help you with that.

    7. Incorrect Budget and Scale Of the Campaign

    It is essential to understand your campaign goals and the scale of your direct mail program so that your campaign runs effectively. Many companies are offering direct mailing services, but you should choose one that can fulfill your needs.

    Spend too little money on your direct mail campaign, and no one will respond. On the other hand, if you spend too much money running a campaign, you’ll waste valuable resources and not get the return on investment you’re looking for. It’s difficult to determine how much direct mail you can afford and the best scale for a campaign without experience.

    8. Your Expectations Are Not Realistic

    A direct mail marketing campaign is a significant investment. However, you should not expect to reap enormous rewards immediately. Research the average return on investment for a direct mail campaign and make sure your budget is sufficient to achieve that goal. Check out the chart below for a clear understanding.

    direct-mail-top-advertising-type

    It’s important to remember that it takes more than one direct mail piece to see results. You send multiple mailers to get customers’ attention and continue to post messages on your social feeds to get noticed, right? The same principle applies to direct mail: you must continue communicating your message by sending and sharing direct mail pieces that stay fresh and relevant with customers over time.

    9. No Follow-up Plan For Leads Generated From the Campaign

    Your direct mail campaign may effectively generate leads, but the conversion rate is not as high as you have expected. A poorly planned follow-up can cause irreparable damages to your organization.

    10. Not Using Valuable Content Inside the Mailer

    Product-focused direct mail is a dying art. Today’s customers are less likely to be interested in your sales pitch. Customers want solutions, insights, and advice. They don’t want to be sold to. Instead, a customer testimonial, a straightforward statement of benefit, or a forceful call to action can do the trick.

    When I talk about valuable information, I mean who gets to benefit from the product you push. What problem are you solving with your product? That’s the key to a successful direct mail campaign.

    If you are having a hard time getting leads resulting from your direct mail campaigns, that isn’t reassuring. However, since it is a promising investment, you might be guilty of the mistakes we’ve addressed. If that’s the case, work on your failures and give them a shot.

  • Direct Mail Information and Facts for Every Small Business Owner

    Direct Mail Information and Facts for Every Small Business Owner

    Did you know direct mail marketing is still very effective for small businesses? The ins and outs of starting the process can be a little overwhelming even for seasoned marketers.

    In today’s world, we often forget the power of physical mail. Yet, direct mail has unique perks that digital means can’t match. It offers personalized messages and targeted campaigns, helping small businesses reach their goals.

    We will look at direct mail marketing’s benefits and share some campaign tips. This is for both new and seasoned small business owners. Learning about direct mail will help you make better marketing choices and improve your campaigns.

    The Vital Role of Direct Mail in Modern Marketing Strategies

    Direct mail is vital in today’s marketing, adding a natural touch for customers. Even with digital marketing’s growth, direct mail has unique benefits. We’ll see why it’s still important and how it boosts digital campaigns.

    Why Direct Mail is Irreplaceable in a Digital World

    Though digital marketing is everywhere, direct mail is vital. It provides a touchable experience and makes a memorable impact. In a world full of digital ads, direct mail catches the eye and carries messages that stick.

    Direct mail also feels more personal and unique. Businesses can speak directly to someone, strengthening connections. This personal touch boosts engagement, outdoing general digital ads.

    Incorporating Direct Mail With Digital Campaigns for Enhanced Impact

    Mixing direct mail with digital efforts heightens its effect. Using both reach customers in many ways. Messages that match across channels make experiences that people remember, highlighting the importance of a coherent direct marketing strategy.

    They are adding personalized URLs (PURLs) or QR codes in mail links to online brand interactions, which is an example of successful direct mail marketing. This lets businesses see how well their mail works, learn about customer actions and make better plans for their direct mail marketing campaign.

    Lastly, direct mail can push people to visit online spaces. A strong call-to-action in the mail leads to more online actions, using direct mail’s strengths.

    Benefits of Direct Mail in Modern Marketing Strategies
    Provides a tangible and physical experience for customers
    Offers personalization and exclusivity
    Grabs attention in a digital-saturated world
    Strengthens brand recognition and recall
    Allows for tracking and measurement of campaign effectiveness
    Drives traffic to digital channels and online engagement

    Essential Direct Mail Facts for Small Business Owners

    Understanding direct mail marketing is critical for small businesses. It helps you reach and engage your audience effectively. This section shares essential facts and stats about direct mail marketing for businesses, serving as a comprehensive guide to direct mail.

    • Direct Mail Spend: Did you know each person in the US spends about $167 on direct mail? This shows direct mail’s continued importance and effectiveness for all business sizes.
    • Consumer Preferences: Even with digital marketing growing, many people prefer direct mail. Studies show 73% of consumers like receiving brand info this way, according to direct mail statistics. They value having something physical to touch and see, which is why responsive direct mail makes such an impact.
    • Response Rates and Conversions: Direct mail gets great response rates and conversions. Its response rate averages at 5.1%, much higher than email marketing’s 0.6%. Plus, its ROI is 13 to 1, a successful direct mail marketing ROI figure., showing it’s a profitable marketing method.
    Direct Mail FactStatistic
    Average Direct Mail Spend per Person reflects direct mail statistics crucial for planning.$167
    Consumer Preference for Direct Mail73%
    Direct Mail Response Rate5.1%
    Email Marketing Response Rate0.6%
    Direct Mail ROI13 to 1

    Learning these facts helps small business owners make smart choices. Using direct mail can engage your audience, get more customers, and grow your business.

    EDDM VS. Traditional Direct Mail

    Direct mail marketing provides two key options: traditional direct mail and Every Door Direct Mail (EDDM). Both have their benefits and downsides for small business owners. Understanding these can help business owners choose the right direct mail approach for their marketing needs.

    PROS & CONS of Traditional Direct Mail

    Traditional direct mail means sending mailers to a chosen list of people. Here are its pros and cons:

    • Pros:
      • Highly targeted: It lets businesses reach a specific group based on things like age and where they live.
      • Tangible: Physical mailers leave a lasting mark and build trust.
      • Personalized: Businesses can tailor each mailer, adding a personal touch to each direct mail piece.
    • Cons:
      • Higher costs: This method can cost more than other marketing ways.
      • Production and delivery timeline: Making and sending mailers takes time.
      • Potential lower response rates: It might get fewer responses than digital marketing.

    PROS & CONS of EDDM (Every Door Direct Mail)

    EDDM helps businesses reach all mailboxes in an area affordably, serving as a guide to direct mail for new businesses. Here are its pros and cons:

    • Pros:
      • Cost-effective: EDDM is cheaper, which is good for tight budgets.
      • Wide coverage: It targets every mailbox in an area, reaching more people.
      • Simplified distribution: There’s no need for specific addresses, making mailing easier and more conducive to broad direct mail efforts.
    • Cons:
      • Lack of targeting: EDDM doesn’t target as precisely as traditional mail does.
      • Less personalized: It’s harder to personalize EDDM for each recipient, which can limit effectiveness compared to targeted direct mail efforts.
      • Potential for lower response rates: EDDM might also get fewer responses than targeted digital methods.

    Understanding Direct Mail Response Rates and ROI

    Direct mail response rates and return on investment (ROI) are key in marketing success. It’s vital to understand the factors affecting these metrics. Also, comparing direct mail to other channels helps us see its value in gaining loyal customers.

    Factors Influencing Direct Mail Response Rates and ROI

    Choosing the right audience boosts direct mail results. A tailored mailing list increases response rates and ROI.

    Quality content grabs attention and communicates benefits, a cornerstone of the ultimate guide to direct mail. Adding a clear call-to-action and personal touches can boost responses.

    The design of the mailer also matters. An appealing, professional look catches the eye and leaves a mark.

    Comparing Direct Mail’s ROI to Other Marketing Channels

    Direct mail outperforms many digital channels. Despite digital marketing’s rise, direct mail holds a stronger response rate. Studies back this up, showing direct mail leads over channels like email.

    Direct mail’s physical aspect makes a lasting impact. Holding the material makes people more likely to engage and convert.

    Direct mail also has a higher conversion rate, leading to better ROI. This makes it a powerhouse in marketing campaigns.

    So, direct mail’s ROI is top-notch, making it crucial for marketers.

    Cost-Effective Strategies for Direct Mail Campaigns

    Small businesses often struggle with small marketing budgets. But, you can still rock your direct mail campaigns without spending too much. We’ll share useful tips to help you spend wisely and get great returns.

    Optimizing Budgets with Smart Direct Mail Tactics

    Making effective mailers is key to a budget-friendly direct mail campaign. Use cool visuals and strong words to get attention. This makes people more likely to respond, particularly when $167 per person on direct mail is invested thoughtfully. In addition you don’t need to go crazy with a large mail out. Just sending a few personalized cards could be enough to grow your business. Obviously the more you mail the potential is there for a higher response but sometimes it isn’t ideal.

    It’s smart to use targeted mailing lists, too. Send your mail to folks who will really like what you offer. This way, your mail gets to the right people, boosting your chances to make a sale.

    Also, look for ways to save money. Catdi Printing we stand behind our competitive pricing but its not a bad idea to shop around and compare pricing on printing and mailing. Think about using bulk mail rates to save more. These methods let you do more with your budget and make your campaign stronger. We can leverage our mail permit pricing and bulk printing to your advantage.

    Maximizing ROI Through Targeted Mailing Lists

    Using the right mailing lists is crucial for affordable direct mail campaigns. In fact, this is the most important part of ANY direct mail campaign. Knowing who you are targeting is more important than the design. You want to reach people who actually want to be customers. This saves money and avoids bothering folks who are not interested in your stuff.

    To create a good mailing list, figure out who your dream customer is. Think about things like where they live and what they like. Then, find and use data to make your list really targeted for your direct mail marketing campaign, ensuring that those who’ve responded to direct mail are prioritized. This leads to better results.

    Keep your mailing list fresh and up-to-date. Get rid of any old or wrong addresses to improve the efficacy of your direct mail piece. This keeps costs down and improves your campaign’s effectiveness. Focusing on the right mailing list can help you earn more from your direct mail, an effective direct mail strategy.

    Personalization and Impact: Crafting Successful Direct Mail

    The Power of Adding a Personal Touch to Your Mailers

    Personalization is key in direct mail marketing. Adding that personal touch helps bond with your audience. It’s about making the content fit their needs and likes.

    When your mail feels personal, people feel special. This boosts the chance they will respond. Studies show personalized mail gets opened and answered more than general ones. With tech like variable data printing, each piece can be unique. You can change names, pictures, and deals for each person.

    Designing Direct Mail That Resonates With Your Audience

    Graphic design matters a lot in direct mail. Good design grabs attention and makes a strong impression. Your mail should look great, stick to your brand, and get your message across. Use quality images, strong headlines, and clear actions to guide people on what to do next.

    Think about what your audience likes design-wise. Do they prefer modern or classic looks in their direct mail marketing ideas? Matching designs to their tastes can help your mail connect better. Plus, your layout should be easy to follow, with clear benefits and steps for action.

    Benefits of Personalization and Effective Design in Direct Mail Marketing:
    Increased open rates and response rates
    Enhanced customer engagement and interest
    Improved brand perception and recognition
    Higher conversion and ROI

    Mixing personalization with great design makes your direct mail more effective. It’s about making your message pop and engaging your target people. These elements are essential for success. They ensure your mail is not just delivered but also noticed and acted on.

    Emerging Trends in Direct Mail Marketing for 2024

    In marketing, direct mail is changing due to new tech and how people act. Looking forward to 2024, small business owners need to know about new direct mail trends. By using these trends, businesses can make their direct mail better and more successful.

    Technological Innovations Transforming Direct Mailing

    The digital age has brought new tech that changes direct mail. This tech makes direct mail more efficient and effective. It also lets businesses personalize their emails more and engage customers better, complementing their direct mail pieces.

    One big trend is using data analytics and automation in direct mail. This lets businesses create direct mail that’s very personal and targeted. They use tech to send messages that matter to each person, making their mailers more impactful.

    Another big change is adding interactive elements to direct mail. Things like augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and QR codes let people interact with mail in new ways, enhancing direct mail marketing ideas with modern technology. These digital experiences make mail more interesting and provide valuable data for businesses.

    Direct Mail and the Shift Towards Omnichannel Marketing

    As technology changes marketing, using direct mail with other marketing is getting popular. Direct mail is now a key part of digital marketing strategies. It helps to make a brand’s online and offline efforts work better together.

    Omnichannel marketing mixes online and offline marketing to give customers a unified experience. Adding direct mail to this mix gives a real touchpoint that matches digital efforts. This approach makes a brand’s presence stronger and more connected.

    Direct mail links the digital world with the real one. It drives people to online places and builds customer relationships. With more people shopping online, direct mail offers something you can touch. This builds emotional connections and makes people more loyal to a brand.

    Emerging Trends in Direct Mail Marketing for 2024

    TrendDescription
    Data-driven personalizationUtilizing data analytics and automation to create highly targeted and personalized direct mail campaigns.
    Interactive experiencesIncorporating augmented reality, virtual reality, and QR codes to engage recipients and collect valuable insights.
    Omnichannel integrationIntegrating direct mail into omnichannel marketing strategies to create a cohesive and immersive customer experience.

    Looking to 2024, direct mail marketing is getting ready for big changes. New tech and omnichannel marketing are changing how businesses use direct mail. Embracing these trends can make direct mail more powerful. This ensures messages get to the right people and make an impact.

    Conclusion

    Direct mail marketing remains a strong way for small businesses to connect with customers and get results. By knowing the facts and using smart strategies, small business owners can use direct mail well. This article talked about direct mail benefits, stats, response rates, and how to save money.

    Direct mail lets you send personal messages right to people’s mailboxes. This creates a special experience because people can touch and see your message. It works well with online marketing and helps you reach your audience better. Also, direct mail often does better than online ads.

    Adding a personal touch to your mail makes it a more powerful piece of mail. Making your direct mail interesting and relevant is key. This helps grab people’s attention and makes them want to buy from you.

    Looking forward, direct mail is changing to fit new marketing trends. New tech is shaping the industry. Also, combining direct mail with online ads is becoming more popular.

    To wrap up, direct mail is still very useful for small businesses. By focusing on its strengths, learning the important facts, and choosing the right approaches, small business owners can really boost their marketing. And they can see great success with their direct mail campaigns, especially if they follow the ultimate guide to direct mail. Ready? Call the mail pros at Catdi Printing today!

  • 10 Reasons Why EDDM is a Great Marketing Tactic for any Size Business

    10 Reasons Why EDDM is a Great Marketing Tactic for any Size Business

    What is EDDM?

    Every Door Direct Mail (EDDM) is a bulk mailing preference offered by the United States Postal Service (USPS). EDDM enables businesses to reach prospects without knowing their address. 

    How To Use EDDM?

    You choose your preferred mailing route, and the EDDM service provider delivers your mail items to all the active addresses on your selected carrier location. You can also target EDDM depending on the standard demographic of each neighborhood.

    EDDM is a direct mail tactic for any size business that targets every house in a selected neighborhood.

    What size is EDDM?

    There are specific requirements that Every Door Direct Mail must meet.  You can print the mail in any of the three varying sizes approved by the United States Postal Services. 

    They include 6.25”x 9”, 6”x11 and 8.5”x11”. Furthermore, the thickness of the mail should not exceed ¾”.

    All the postcard categories have the same EDDM postage rates regardless of the size. Therefore, you can take advantage of print area coverage by choosing a larger sized print media.

    How to Choose the Right Size EDDM Postcard?

    USPS has already taken care of the sizes of the postcards, which are taller than a regular envelope. Therefore, you don’t have to worry whether the EDDM postcard will stand out in the mailbox.

    The 6.25”x 9” EDDM Postcard

    This print media is the smallest postcard advertisers can mail using EDDM services. It is ideal for small businesses and individuals seeking to cut down on printing costs. However, it is still larger than half an A4-sized paper and can fit any advert for businesses like restaurants, home services, retailers, car wash, and more.

    The 6”x11” EDDM Postcard

    This middle-sized postcard is one of the three approved sizes by USPS. The 6”x11” EDDM card is longer than 10.5” and offers more print coverage than the smaller 6.25”x9”. More so, it doesn’t cost much more than the smaller version.

    One of the advantages of this middle-sized EDDM postcard is that it is ideal for marketing messages and graphics or pictures. It is also beneficial for promoters who wish to use a Business Reply Card on their Every Direct Door Mail print.

    The 8.5”x11” Every Door Direct Mail Postcard

    This Mailpiece is the largest-sized approved EDDM postcard you can send. Your possible clients spot it out of all the other mails because it stands out in size and design. 

    More so, the card allows you a broader print coverage to accommodate your messages, graphics, and maps. It is an ideal choice for marketers who need to express the service or brand in detail, like a menu list and selling proposition.

    This EDDM postcard is favorable for menus, health services, political mailers, and other industries that desire to overshadow the mailbox.

    Types of EDDM Accounts

    Business owners can select either the EDDM Retail Account or the USPS Business Account.

    EDDM-Retail Account permits up to 5,000 pieces of printed mail per zip code. More so, promoters do not require a postage permit to distribute mail under the Retail Account. It is ideal for businesses that issue out limited mail.

    USPC Business Account has a daily allowance of more than 5,000 pieces of mail per Zip code. It also permits marketers to handle the mail online. But unlike the EDDM-Retail Account, this service requires a postage permit from USPS.

    Why EDDM is a Great Marketing Tactic

    Marketing research shows that about 40% of the American population looks forward to going over their mail every day. Today, the current work at home scenario makes people of all ages anticipate receiving their mail more than customary.

    Here are 10 reasons why EDDM is a great marketing tactic for any business size.

    1. EDDM Improves Digital Marketing Strategy

    A study by The Canada Post indicates that you can achieve intelligent marketing, stronger client relationships, and improved sales by integrating digital and physical marketing. By combining print and digital media, you back up a message by reaching prospects across multiple channels.

    More so, the world’s largest digital tech giants like Google use direct mail to help drive its internet promotion and improve its revenue.

    2. High Response Rate Among EDDM Readers

    EDDM recipients are likely to be more responsive if they do not feel the pressure of being treated like isolated consumers. A selective mail list can make some neighbors wonder why they are targets for what ought to be a public campaign.

    Furthermore, statistics show that marketers get a higher response from mail sent to homes than from prospects lists. Up to 5.3% feedback originates from EDDM sent to residences and 2.9% from a predetermined schedule.

    3. High Response Rate Promotes Sales

    A CBR News report indicates that up to 62% percent of consumers purchase in less than three months of EDDM correspondence. EDDM is an excellent marketing strategy for businesses to convert leads to sales.

    For Both Young and Seniors

    Young child and adult mailing a postcard

    The older generation across the globe trust and have confidence in direct mail and read postcards more than other mail. More so, senior citizens also control almost 70% of all disposable income.

    Therefore, businesses take advantage of this remarkable purchasing power to influence this target group with direct mail campaigns.

    What About Millennials and Direct Mail?

    This target market has a whopping 90% who approve physical advertising. The same percentage also thinks that EDDM is a credible source of information. 

    Research indicates that 80% of the American younger generation anticipate checking the mailbox.

    Another 59% of the same target market value the information or ads received by mail more than that through email. 49% of this group choose to purchase from stores that advertise to them by EDDM.

    4. EDDM Is Simple to Target

    Targeting a physical audience may not be as quick as selecting an online audience on a social media platform which you achieve with a few clicks. Even so, finding your direct mail target market is effortless and achievable. 

    EDDM Service

    USPS permits businesses to distribute thousands of mailings to geographical locations of their choice at a lower postage rate.

    The mail carrier drops your mailing to every household along with the targeted zip code or neighborhood. Sometimes, your EDDM service provider can deliver your mail to different routes, to selected age groups, household size, or by income.

    Although EDDM does not require you to have a mailing list, marketers who need specific targets can pay third-party list dealers to obtain one. Mailing list vendors or direct mail service providers can help you target unique demographics like age, gender, income, and more.

    5. Easy to Track Your Postcard Campaigns

    The results of tracking your postcard campaigns provide an ideal business perspective. You can use the outcome to create realistic expectations for your business.

    Use A Distinct Phone Number on Each Direct Mail Campaign

    There are various options you may choose for your leads to contact you. One of the ways is to assign a unique phone number to postcard mailing for different Zip codes.

    As mentioned before, over 60% of individuals who read physical mail are likely to react to it, either by calling or walking to your store and purchasing your brand.

    Even so, you can track your postcard campaigns by counting the number of calls you receive on the unique number printed on specific postcards.

    Create a Landing Page for Your EDDM

    You can create a landing page if your goal is to entice prospects to visit your website or interact with your product. By including the link on your mail, you enable your clients from a specific campaign to contact you on a unique landing page.

    Alternatively, you can add a QR code to your postcard for consumers to scan with their smartphone camera. The code will automatically take them to the landing page you have created for that campaign.

    When visitors click on that page, you can identify the campaign that initiated the visit. 

    6. Physical Mail Has Limited Competition

    Did you know that the average American comes into contact with about 4,000 – 10,000 pieces of adverts per day? This exposure leads to digital fatigue or an experience known as ad blindness. It is the inability of consumers to sight or notice adverts.

    In contrast, the same category of Americans receives about two print media items per day. This notable difference means that the mailbox is free from the congestion of printed advertisements. Your direct mail will likely receive total attention, unlike your email, which has to compete among 10,000 others.

    Direct Mail Stands Out of the Mailbox

    Mailboxes

    In layman’s terms, the internet is swarming with electronic ads.  Consumers receive thousands of emails and videos from numerous marketers on social media whenever an individual interacts with the internet. Not to mention the pop-ups from Google ads, some of which are annoying.

    Mailboxes do not experience the kind of overcrowding witnessed on the internet. Direct mail is easy to manage and read. Consumers do not get burned out or fatigue by responding to 2 or 3 postcards.

    7. EDDM Is Scalable

    Both small and large enterprises can expand or cover a larger area with direct mail campaigns. EDDM allows you to take your marketing across multiple Zip codes. Postcards are ideal for any size business to announce a yearly event in an entire city.

    Organizations that have operations in more than one location can coordinate a nationwide campaign with EDDM. Politicians can use EDDM to effectively take their marketing campaigns from one region to the entire nation.

    8. EDDM IS Affordable

    Besides other factors like availability and scalability, EDDM is a great marketing tactic for all businesses because it is cost-effective. The new postage rates offered by USPS for Every Door Direct Mail are lower than other postage rates. Even small enterprises can easily afford to use the EDDM marketing strategy.

    Lower Cost Per Lead

    Postcards are not costly to print, and the postage rates are at a discount. More so, you do not need to buy a mailing list to deliver your mail items. Unlike other print media channels like magazines, these aspects of the EDDM marketing campaign reduce the cost per lead. 

    What Is the Cost of EDDM?

    The EDDM postage charges come in three categories. 

    • Standard postcard postage cost $0.3. 
    • Commercial first-class costs $ 0.257.
    • EDDM postage per piece costs $ 0.178.

    9. EDDM Increases Brand Awareness

    Brand awareness yields quality leads and improves sales in every business. EDDM does not only allow you to cover a wide area, but the postcards also stay with your prospects for a while.

    Multiple Physical Connection with Direct Mail

    A majority of households reside in the same residence for a year or more, and sometimes forever. If you consistently distribute your postcards across the selfsame locations, you can create a lasting physical connection for consumers with your brand.  

    More so, if you include special offers in your advert, consumers are likely to call back or keep your mail item for future reference. EDDM creates an ideal opportunity for your clients to remember your brand or services.

    10. Physical Mail Is Favorite and Trusted

    EDDM is one of the favorite mail services for the general households in the U.S. With a culture of reading printed material; most adult Americans always look forward to reading some informational or factual news every day.

    Physical Mail Is Convenient

    Research shows that 73% of American consumers prefer EDDM over email.  These consumers say that they can read the postcard at a more convenient time. 

    Physical Mail Facts

    Market research sources also indicate that 69% of the same population enjoy receiving mail and trust the information. 

    Another report by Mail Shark indicates that 59% of Americans have more confidence in print advertising when compared to electronic media.

    These findings indicate that EDDM is a great marketing tactic for any size of business. Even though thousands of marketers have turned to digital marketing, most individuals with movable assets still have confidence in print media and appreciate EDDM.

    Summary

    Every Direct Door Mail is an excellent strategy for any size business to market their brands and services. This service offers a cost-effective means of handling mail for companies that are tight on budget.

    The simplicity of using EDDM enables startups and small businesses to reach out to a vast market without purchasing a mailing list. It is not only pocket-friendly but also a quick way to bring leads to your business. This marketing strategy further improves sales.

    Furthermore, EDDM is flexible and allows you to design and print marketing materials that fit your brand or service. However, your EDDM mail should meet the size requirements in length, width, and thickness as set by USPS. 

  • New Trends in Fundraising & Why Direct Mail Still Works

    New Trends in Fundraising & Why Direct Mail Still Works

    Like every other industry today, the world of nonprofits is constantly evolving and changing. Of course, this is all due to the fast development of technology and the rise of the Internet. In order to have a successful nonprofit, you now need to pay close attention to the current trends in the industry and apply them to your organization.

    Focus on Recurring Gifts

    Most nonprofit organizations are starting to focus on getting recurring gifts from different people. The reason why this has become such a huge trend is that it can provide your nonprofit with long-term financial sustainability. It essentially gives your organization a steady stream of income, which will allow you to focus more on innovation. It’s important to present each donor with this idea.

    Keep in mind that there are a lot of people who would like to give smaller monthly donations than setting aside a larger sum every once in a while. Explain to them how recurring gifts would mean more to your organization, as it would mean steady income for your organization. In order to ensure everyone who is able signs up for recurring giving, you should make it easy for them to do so. This means setting up a donation page on your website with the option of monthly giving.

    Direct Mail Marketing

    Although digital marketing is without a doubt the easiest way to spread your message, there are still other ways to promote your nonprofit. Even though it is not as popular as it used to be, direct mail marketing is still one of the best ways to reach people. Nowadays, there are trends in direct mail marketing that will help you reach a bigger number of potential donors.

    Thanks to the unique offering from the United States Post Office, EDDM (every door direct mail) marketing has become increasingly popular. This type of marketing service allows you to choose specific mail carrier routes and have your promotional material sent to every household along it. EDDM printers help you reach potential donors Catithout having to worry about finding out their names, address, or any type of contact information. Simply send your promotional material along a specific route and wait for the response.

    Don’t Forget about Generation Z

    A lot of people are constantly worried about how to make their organization appealing to millennials. Although you should definitely do this, don’t forget that now is the perfect time to start examining Generation Z. It consists of people born after 1997, and currently represents the largest generation in the United States. While most of them are still very young, remember that they are the future.

    Most people born after 1997 have yet to start working, but that doesn’t mean they’re not important for your organization. According to recent research, they like to get involved in social issues and give back. Of course, you can’t expect them to support your organization if you don’t find a way to reach them or make your cause appealing to them. These people are known for their short attention spans, which is why you should make your message compelling and brief. On top of that, they are the first mobile-only generation. Since they spend an enormous amount of time on their smartphones, it’s a must for your donation page and overall website to be optimized for them.

    Personalization

    You’ll be more likely to secure a donation from someone if you send them a personalized message. Don’t just send the same email to everyone in your donor base. You should take advantage of modern technology that allows you to collect data on your donors. This is exactly the thing that made Netflix so popular. If you use their service and mostly watch comedies, you surely won’t get horror recommendations. If you’re able to apply the same technique to your nonprofit, you will know exactly which causes each of your donors cares about. Collecting data will make it easier for you to determine which messages to send to each individual person who has previously made a donation.

  • EDDM for small businesses makes a lot of sen$$E

    EDDM for small businesses makes a lot of sen$$E

    When you’re a small business looking to get noticed by residents of your town, city, or district, your priority has to be your marketing. Often, when you’re looking to be seen by those in your locality, who can visit your store or make use of your local services, digital marketing is a waste of your budget. That’s exactly why direct mail marketing services are so valuable for small businesses – and something that Catdi  Printing can help you with, from conception through to design and implementation. Below, learn how Catdi can help you get your direct mail marketing drive up and running in a simple, stress-free, and cost-effective way

    How it Works

    The emerging marketing field of EDDM (Every Door Direct Mail) is proving to be hugely important for local businesses. An absolutely pivotal resource for those companies looking to get noticed by consumers in their area, this mode of mail marketing ensures that every household on every street that you want to receive your marketing communications receives them in the mail.

    How? EDDM is down to a new service offered by the United States Postal Service (USPS). Catdi works in partnership with the USPS’s new marketing structure, in order to get your message, designed with us, into mailboxes in all of the zip codes that matter to you and your business. Delivering a streamlined, cost-effective, and hassle-free end-to-end delivery of your direct mail, Catdi is leading the country in delivering expert and professional EDDM materials for small businesses across the USA.

    Your Business

    When you’re considering sending out a letter, pamphlet, brochure, or flyer with your business’s details, you need to understand what your business will be investing in and what your return on your investment might be. At Catdi, we can provide a full-service printing and direct mail sending offer for as little as $0.185 per address for a jumbo postcard. At such low prices, you only need one in every thousand recipients to trade with your company in order to get a hefty return on your investment in EDDM.

    Your business will also be free to design the right product to send, leaving the mailing list complexities to the United States Post Office and the specificities of the printing to Catdi. This makes our EDDM marketing offering one of the market leaders, leaving your staff to relax in the knowledge that your excellent, high-quality prints will be finding their way to properties in your area with the minimum of stress.

    You Control Design

    The most important element of the EDDM process that you’ll want to have control over is the design of your postcard, letter, or flyer. It’s likely that you have some branding and style guides already available within your business files, which means all that you’ll have to do to customize your EDDM marketing materials is to translate your brand design onto one of our ready-to-go templates. This means you can control:

    Put together, this equals complete control over your EDDM output, which puts you in the driving seat for the most important part of your EDDM journey – but with some important pointers and templates offered from us at Catdi when you need them. 

    Enjoy Speed and Ease

    Because of Catdi’s expertise in the realm of printing and the USPS’s offer for EDDM, you’ll be able to get your marketing materials out as quickly as you’d like, with very little stress accompanying your drive to deliver thousands of letters or postcards to locals in your area. This is especially important if you’re trying to get locals to attend an event that’s swiftly approaching, or if you want them to take advantage of a deal that is soon to expire. 

    With Catdi’s end-to-end delivery service offering a helping hand for the duration of your journey towards project completion, you’ll be best placed to deliver a seamless and professional marketing campaign in your area, at high speed, and to the highest quality. 

    Devise Your Strategy

    When you’re marketing to locals in your area, you want to be strategic about what you offer and where you offer it. You may wish to target affluent areas in your state or zip codes in which you know a certain demographic is likely to live. You will want to ensure that your letters are arriving on a specific date and that your message is tailored for the audience and the moment at which they receive your materials.

    This is all part of the EDDM strategy that you can work out in conjunction with Catdi. By actively strategizing the delivery of your mailed marketing, you’ll be able to design the best possible flyer or postcard to send to the consumers you want to engage with most. Again, you hold the levers, you make the decisions, and Catdi will take care of the technicalities to realize your ambitions. 

    Reap the Benefits

    Now that you’ve devised your strategy, used a Catdi Printing template to make your marketing materials shine, and you’re ready for our team to press the send button, with the support of USPS your mail will head on through the postal service and into mailboxes across the zip codes that you’re most interested in accessing.

    Now you can sit back and wait for the uptick in your business that this comparatively cheap letter-sending marketing drive will help you achieve. You’ll see an impressive boost in your custom, driven by returning to the public eye through the use of mailed marketing collateral. Many of our clients have experienced huge success in the Houston area, and we’re delighted to extend this service to all local businesses who want to re-establish themselves as the city’s go-to services and businesses for local consumers. In during like economic downturns due to the corona virus the EDDM program makes sense to utilize to grow your business.

    With so many benefits to enjoy – and a large amount of control over how you deliver your marketing campaign – there’s no reason not to use Catdi’s EDDM offerings to put your brand in potential customers’ hands.