Direct Mail?

I haven't, but I do have a diploma in Advertising/Marketing and did an internship in a direct mail department as part of my college education.

Direct mail can be effective, but the key is targeting. Find out exactly who you want to reach and customize the direct mail piece specifically for them. Don't say "I want to hit everybody" because it's not possible. I see you're in Georgia so here are some ideas for targeting:

- Snowbirds from Canada and northern USA moving to their Southern homes for the winter.

- Parents who want to get their cars/vans/SUVs looking great for back to school.

- Wives/girlfriends looking for Christmas gift ideas for their car-loving husbands/boyfriends.


Once you figure out who you want to target, go to a print shop or ad agency that specializes in direct mail. Shop around and get a feel for the quality of their work. Discuss with them your business, what you do, who you want to reach and what you want to accomplish with your direct mail campaign. I'd even bring the sales rep out into the parking lot and show your car next to their (more than likely) swirled-up mess. Just make sure to ONR wash or QD the car before you do this. :xyxthumbs:

The best direct mail shops will be able to come up with a mailing list specifically geared to your target, have their in-house graphic design team create a direct mail piece that will fit your campaign and even take care of the mailing. Remember, direct mail is only junk mail if it falls into the hands of someone who isn't in your target.
 
StoneRaizer said:
I haven't, but I do have a diploma in Advertising/Marketing and did an internship in a direct mail department as part of my college education.

Direct mail can be effective, but the key is targeting. Find out exactly who you want to reach and customize the direct mail piece specifically for them. Don't say "I want to hit everybody" because it's not possible. I see you're in Georgia so here are some ideas for targeting:

- Snowbirds from Canada and northern USA moving to their Southern homes for the winter.

- Parents who want to get their cars/vans/SUVs looking great for back to school.

- Wives/girlfriends looking for Christmas gift ideas for their car-loving husbands/boyfriends.


Once you figure out who you want to target, go to a print shop or ad agency that specializes in direct mail. Shop around and get a feel for the quality of their work. Discuss with them your business, what you do, who you want to reach and what you want to accomplish with your direct mail campaign. I'd even bring the sales rep out into the parking lot and show your car next to their (more than likely) swirled-up mess. Just make sure to ONR wash or QD the car before you do this. :xyxthumbs:

The best direct mail shops will be able to come up with a mailing list specifically geared to your target, have their in-house graphic design team create a direct mail piece that will fit your campaign and even take care of the mailing. Remember, direct mail is only junk mail if it falls into the hands of someone who isn't in your target.
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Thanks alot for the insight,i really appreciate it!!! ....will do!!
 
Ive been thinking about this lately, its something I plan on looking into in the winter. I have a freind that hasa pool cleaning business and he has gotten a decent amount of work from it.
 
From personal experience, the direct marketing *I* notice is those coupon mailers that have coupons from 25 different places - mostly home improvement, restaurants, etc. These are usually targeted for areas (like certain zip codes, etc).

The ones I dislike the most are the 8.5x11 flyers stuck in the mail box, etc. because they are usually just dull...all one font, caps, etc.
 
I've used direct mailing in a number of businesses, including real estate. It's pretty common to get about 1% return from the entire mailing. If you get more than that you're doing great. This is pretty common for just about any industry. Main point to keep in mind is to get your printed material printed as cheap as possible and take advantage of bulk mailings. Otherwise, the cost of mailing is too extreme.
 
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