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The number of businesses using direct mail marketing now compared to 10 to 15 years ago is staggeringly higher.

We are noticing that after the temporary dip we saw last year in 2009, now there are more and more business owners and marketing managers who understand and appreciate the effectiveness of direct mail marketing.

Our clients who are doing direct mail marketing right now include mortgage brokers, real estate investors, telecom companies, insurance agents, investment advisors, non profit organizations, and many others.

I'll be the first to admit that while it used to be exciting for a consumer to receive a direct marketing piece in the mail, and they were not only looked at but actually read, nowadays you have to work a little harder to really catch your prospects' attention.

By the way: I was surprised to learn that the term Junk Mail can be traced back to 1954. (Online Etymology Dictionary). I thought it was much more recently than that. But I always say, if you are doing your direct marketing properly, and using a list broker to help you narrow your target market down thoroughly, then you are NOT sending junk mail. There's a difference between sending out your direct mailing piece to anyone with a pulse, and sending it out to people who match your current customers who could truly benefit from your offer and willingly act on it.

So how can you make your direct mail marketing piece more effective and increase your sales revenue? (more…)

The first question we ask our new clients is: "Who is your Target market?" and sometimes they enthusiastically reply, "Everyone can use our product!" (…groan…)

Please be advised that the general public is NOT your target market!

It is essential that you narrow down your target market to the group of people most likely to buy your product or service because even though it’s possible that a random person might come along and buy your product, when you are spending money on a direct marketing list you must narrow it precisely to your target market so that you can see a better return on your investment (ROI). This way you will see the BEST results and make more money!

The following plan will help you think about your target market, or at least provide food for thought for you to discuss with your list broker.

My ideal customer is: (more…)

According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), single women bought their first homes at twice the rate of men in 2009, which presents a fantastic direct marketing opportunity for real estate professionals. Not only can you rent a mailing list specifically targeting this group, but also design your mailing piece with them in mind.

“Several developments during 2009, including record affordability and the availability of the first-time home buyer tax credit, drew first-time buyers to the market,” according to the NAR.

The results of the survey were published in the 2009 NAR Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers. (more…)