There are so many options available in direct mail that choosing the best direct mail piece is not always the easiest decision.
Direct Mail is the workhorse of many marketing campaigns, and direct mail marketing pieces are available in a near-infinite variety of sizes, materials, and print options.You can choose from single color postcards to full-color catalogs. However, when you’re designing your direct mail campaign, how do you know what kind of direct mail piece is best? Here are a few of the most common direct mail marketing pieces, and some suggestions how to use each one.
1. Postcard mailer – A direct mail postcard is the smallest mailer available, but if you have a brief message or a simple offer to convey, postcards are a good choice. Postcards are great for coupons, special offers, follow up messages and reminders. If you want a larger postcard they can be sent third class (now called standard rate). With our variable data printing service, postcards can be ultra-customized in full color.
2. Self Mailer – Self Mailers are called self mailers because they’re mailed by themselves, not in an envelope. A self mailer is basically a two-sided flyer that is folded into a size that meets mailing standards (for example, a triple postcard). You have more real estate on a folded mailer, but you can still keep it simple. Folded mailers are useful to present a menu of services or products, or descriptions of upcoming events.
3. Letter in an Envelope – This is just what it says a letter in an envelope. If you’re including a formal letter or any material that needs to be protected (i.e. not scuffed up during mail processing), consider using an envelope mailer. This mailer also allows you to include multiple components such as reply cards, small notes, etc. Stamps can be applied to give your letter in an envelope of personalized look even though it may be being sent at standard rates.
4. Mini catalog/Full catalog – If you have a lot of material to present, a mini catalog or a full catalog could be the right format for you. Mini catalogs are available in small half-page or slim-jim sizes, while full catalogs are full letter page size or larger. Catalogs are useful for presenting full product lines or large schedules of events or courses.
5. Newsletters – Direct mail marketers still love the newsletter after all these years. Newsletters are a great way to reach your customers and past clients to let them know what’s going on in your industry and with your business. Stay “on top of mind” with the direct mail newsletter.
If you need help choosing the right direct mail piece, give US Mailing House a call, we are happy to help you decide which direct mail piece will work best for your situation.