How Do I Create a Direct Mail Campaign?

Direc-Tel's Guide to a Successful Mailing

You've carefully considered what you are trying to accomplish with your campaign. Whether you have a special offer to make or if you are trying to drive traffic to your location or website, Direc-Tel can help you target your market effectively with our consultative approach and years of industry experience. Your ultimate goal is to inform and motivate your audience. And our goal is to assist you using an array of direct mailing services and products.

Design Your Mail Piece

1. What are you trying to offer to your audience? Do you have a special offer to make? Are you trying to drive traffic to your location/website? Make sure to design your mail piece accordingly. Define the offer. Create your content around your offer. Choose a design that is easily read and attractive to your prospective client.

2. Be sure to adhere to legislation and industry guidelines. Practice good ethics! The DMA Guidelines for Ethical Business Practice is a good place to learn more about direct marketing guidelines to assure you have all of the important elements covered.

3. Consider using a mail house for fulfillment. Mail houses can use their expertise to ensure that you achieve the best possible postal rates. Mail houses can be found under the Yellow Page heading "mailing house." If you decide that you will do your own mailing, remember that it will be extremely time consuming. Make sure to obtain your Bulk Mail Certificate from the United States Postal Service (if applicable).

4. Once you have designed your mail piece, have an industry professional review it to ensure that it will meet regulations. Check with the United States Postal Services to make certain that postal regulations are met as well.

Target Your Audience

One of the most important elements of your campaign is the list. After analyzing and determining your target, select your list. Your Direc-Tel Account Executive can help you through this process. Get the list that most adequately suits your needs and budget.

Track Your Results

Now that you have designed the mail piece, planned the mailing, and procured your mailing list, it's time to get your piece printed. You're ready to go. Be sure to have a tracking method in place to gauge the level of response derived from your mailing. This step is crucial to determining how future mailings will provide the biggest return on your investment.