It’s all in the Packaging!**

Packaging makes a big impression. If you have one of those family members whose Christmas gifts always look like a million dollars… the paper perfectly creased and aligned, the bow artistically placed… you know what I’m talking about. Never mind that the gift inside came from the Dollar Store. The wrapping seems to increase the value of what’s inside.

Direct marketing campaigns are, in fact, drastically affected by their “wrapping” as well.

There are basically three forms of direct mail packages:

• The self-mailer
• The envelope
• The dimensional mailer

Each style of direct mail has its own characteristics and usefulness. Let’s look at what works best and when.

Self-Mailers: These handy works of art can range from a postcard to a regular 8×10 piece of paper folded and stapled. They’re perfect for mailing to customers who already know who you are, and look forward to your next deal.

One other aspect you might want to consider is their cost effectiveness. Not only do you save postage, but the price of an envelope as well.

Envelopes: An envelope may be a regular letter size filled with a single sheet of paper, or an 8×10 manila envelope stuffed with material. What’s the benefit? It gives you a bit of prestige and privacy.

Business to business sales do best utilizing an envelope mailer. Don’t forget that many professionals have their mail screened. An envelope doesn’t give too much away, and has a better chance of reaching its intended recipient.

Dimensional Mailers: Here’s where you pull out the big guns. Dimensional mailers are objects that will be kept and used… a pen, water bottle, or paper weight. The down side is that they don’t come cheap. You’ll want to save dimensional mail for highly qualified prospects who are more likely to become a loyal customer than the average Joe.

Billboard or sneak attack… which works best? Find out next time!

Dedicated To Your Further Success.

All the best,

Allyn Cutts

PS To contact me via email, Click Here

About the Author

Allyn has spent over 24 years helping businesses like yours find new customers and increase sales to current customers.

Allyn consults personally with clients to design and deliver offline and online direct marketing strategies that focus on metrics and measurable results. You can learn more about Allyn Cutts at http://AmazingMarketingStrategy.com or you can call 610.437.4106 between 10 AM and 4 PM Eastern Time Tuesdays and Thursdays

You may reprint or distribute this article as long as you leave the content and the resource box at the end intact.

Don’t Put All Your Eggs In One Basket

The old proverb says it all… direct marketers, listen up.

Last time, we talked about the value of double exposure and the fact that it increases sales by disproportionate rates. Why? Because consumers become familiar with your product and service – you build credibility.

Spreading your message across different media can have the same affect as repeat exposure through direct mail. A direct mail campaign backed up by radio spots and a billboard will increase awareness of your presence in the same manner as repeat direct mail exposure.

But hey, don’t these other advertising methods cost an arm and a let? Yep, that’s what I want to talk to you about… ways a small businessman with a small budget can cut costs and still be effective.

1.Get a uniform business image. Use the same colors, logo, and name on all of your advertising. You want to build instant recognition.

2.Find an easy-to-remember slogan. Make it simple, yet catchy… something that sticks.

3.Slash the number of contacts you target. At first thought this might seem like a bad strategy, but you’ll be able to effectively reach fewer consumers with repeat messages.

4.Use company vehicles to display your ad. A one-time cost will last the lifetime of the vehicle. Advertising doesn’t get any cheaper.

5.Sponsor an event. When everyone is having fun, and know you are the reason, you’re a hero. It’ll be something they remember.

Are you wonder about the best way to package your offer? We’ll discover some great ways to make a big splash next time.

Dedicated To Your Further Success.

All the best,

Allyn Cutts

PS To contact me via email, Click Here

About the Author

Allyn has spent over 24 years helping businesses like yours find new customers and increase sales to current customers.

Allyn consults personally with clients to design and deliver offline and online direct marketing strategies that focus on metrics and measurable results. You can learn more about Allyn Cutts at http://AmazingMarketingStrategy.com or you can call 610.437.4106 between 10 AM and 4 PM Eastern Time Tuesdays and Thursdays

You may reprint or distribute this article as long as you leave the content and the resource box at the end intact.

Skyrocket Direct Mail Success**

What if I told you that you could raise response rates from your direct mail campaign from 1 percent to as much as 20 percent? Yeah, it sounds pretty good, but 1st let’s do a little brainstorming.

We mentioned before that a successful offer has to have value. Maybe you find yourself scratching your head and wondering what you have to offer that will attract customers to your doorstep. Here are a few examples that might spark the million-dollar-idea you’re looking for.

1.Automotive Dealers: first aid kits, free loaners during servicing, extra warranties, Saturday financing.

2.Clothing Retailers: free accessory with purchase, red tag sale, frequent buyer incentives

3.Furniture Sales: free lamp with large purchase, free delivery, drawings for a giveaway

4.Insurance Companies: free review, safety booklets, free car washes

5.Real Estate: free appraisal, free moving boxes, carpet cleaning with purchase

Once you’ve come up with a great offer, it’s time to get it out there. The typical direct mail advertisement will elicit a 1 percent response. It isn’t a bad figure, but there’s a secret to increasing response rates.

Here’s the secret… multiple exposure. I know, it sounds too simple to be effective, but the proof is in the pudding. Multiple exposure drives response rates up at a disproportionate rate. Here’s what I mean…

If you were to mail to1000 consumers six flyers in the next four months you would expect to increase your response rate to about 6 percent. WRONG! Your chances of converting the flyer into a sale increase to as much as 20 percent! Why? Multiple exposure builds credibility and familiarity.

More on multiple exposures coming up…

Dedicated To Your Further Success.

All the best,

Allyn Cutts

PS To contact me via email, Click Here

About the Author

Allyn has spent over 24 years helping businesses like yours find new customers and increase sales to current customers.

Allyn consults personally with clients to design and deliver offline and online direct marketing strategies that focus on metrics and measurable results. You can learn more about Allyn Cutts at http://AmazingMarketingStrategy.com or you can call 610.437.4106 between 10 AM and 4 PM Eastern Time Tuesdays and Thursdays

You may reprint or distribute this article as long as you leave the content and the resource box at the end intact.

7 Sure-Fire Tips for an Irresistible Offer

Direct mail campaigns are highly successful advertising strategies. Personal and direct, they get rid of the middleman and take your offer straight to the consumer… not to mention cutting out the big bucks the middleman would love to pocket.

Just like any advertisement, direct mail offers need to be carefully written. I’ve come up with seven tips to help you make the most of your next campaign.

#1 Make the offer clear. Don’t beat around the bush, waste space, and distract the reader from your offer. Be clear and concise.

#2 Be sure the offer has value. Customers are hard to fool. They know a good deal when they see one.

#3 Create a discount, a premium, or combination to get the reader’s attention.

#4 Have a logical reason for the offer. A holiday sale or introductory offer are plausible reasons to have a great sale.

#5 Urge immediate action. If you let the customer procrastinate, you may never see them. Set a time limit.

#6 Make a strong call to action. Let the consumer know exactly what you expect him to do… call today!

#7 Emphasize your guarantee. Guarantees are important to new customers who fear being taken for a ride. Let’s face it, no one wants to lose money. If they feel confident their investment is safe, they’ll be more likely to buy.

Are you at loose ends trying to get your advertisement on paper? Stay tuned for some helpful hints…

Dedicated To Your Further Success.

All the best,

Allyn Cutts

PS To contact me via email, Click Here

About the Author

Allyn has spent over 24 years helping businesses like yours find new customers and increase sales to current customers.

Allyn consults personally with clients to design and deliver offline and online direct marketing strategies that focus on metrics and measurable results. You can learn more about Allyn Cutts at http://AmazingMarketingStrategy.com or you can call 610.437.4106 between 10 AM and 4 PM Eastern Time Tuesdays and Thursdays

You may reprint or distribute this article as long as you leave the content and the resource box at the end intact.