Direct mail marketing is booming. Surprised?
E-mail and Internet marketing may be attracting buzz, but there are still strong incentives to send printed messages directly to customers whom you select. In recent studies when comparing direct mail to other widely-used mediums, direct mail outperforms its closest competitor (telemarketing) by $81.2B, or 17.8%. When compared with Internet marketing (non-email), direct mail outperforms by $199.8B, or 58.7%. Additionally, projected sales for 2009 show that mail will outperform telemarketing by $111.8B, (18.9%), and internet marketing (non-email) by $153.2B (25.9%).
Direct mail gives you complete control over who sees your marketing, in contrast to print-advertising, e-mail, websites, or television. Here are some comprehensive steps to get started.
Experienced Business Partners
No matter what the size of your project, choosing a list broker or list management team with the expertise and resources you need is a crucial first step. Companies like American Name Services, with a veteran staff and over 40 years of combined experience are the best places to start.
ANS treats each client as a business partner and is 100% committed to the ongoing success of your marketing campaigns. You need a team that is looking out for your best interests and can give you solid, knowledgeable advice.
Targeted Mailing Lists
One consumer’s throwaway is another prospect’s prize. Knowing how your offer will be received is the difference between a viable prospect or a wasted mail piece. The key to getting results from direct mail is a precisely targeted mailing list.
American Name Services combines its industry experience with the very latest in cutting-edge technology so that your list is tailored to fit your needs. This will ensure your message is reaching the right audience, not only increasing your response but saving your marketing dollars.
Data Hygiene and Processing
Having targeted data is only part of the big picture. If your data isn’t accurate not only will you miss opportunities, you could also damage your brand by sending duplicate pieces to the same prospect. Not only does it look unprofessional, but it can also destroy your bottom line.
Having your data processed by a Service Bureau like West Coast Data Services will ensure that your data is screened for every possible inaccuracy. A sampling of the services they provide include; National Change of Address (NCOA) certification, merge/purge, secure data storage, and address standardization for the US and Internationally.
It is well known that technology has grown by leaps and bounds in the recent past – direct mail is no exception. The Service Bureau you choose should be using the most advanced technology available. With an expert data processing team in place, you can be assured you are getting the highest quality product for your money. American Name Services understands the value in this, which is why West Coast Data Services was selected as their certified service bureau.
List Management
As a list owner, data hygiene and cutting-edge technology are certainly crucial, but to generate rental revenue you will need a firm with the contacts and marketing know-how to get exposure for your list. At American Name Services, an expert sales staff is dedicated to marketing your list through a variety of channels increasing your revenue and exposure.
The list manager you choose should also offer features to protect you from fraudulent business practices, ensuring FTC and CANSPAM compliancy.
Customer Service
Choose a reputable company known for strong customer service and flexibility. You would be amazed by the impact this can have in the success or failure of your campaign. When you need answers right away, or have impossible deadlines to meet, someone should be there ready to help.
American Name Services is widely known throughout the industry for its top-notch, responsive customer service. Building positive relationships with clientele is a large part of what makes American Name Services so successful.
American Name Services’ state of the art facilities provides cutting edge technology, providing clients with increased response and revenue, accurate, up-to-date lists and reports, and best-in-class customer service. When it’s time for your next direct mail project domestically or abroad, make sure you’re working with the best.