To get started, you will need to compile and develop a database for your
customer mailing list. If you are targeting different customer segments,
then you should have a separate database for each targeted market. Also,
your direct mail offer should be designed specifically for each market. For
example, if you are targeting age groups 15-20 and 50-65, your direct mail
piece for your 15-20 target market must be designed differently than your
50-65 target market. The term for this aspect of marketing is called
differentiated marketing.
There are multiple sources for locating potential customers for your
direct mail campaign. Excellent sources to search for your potential
customers are the yellow pages, white pages, newspapers, trade publications,
the local Chamber of Commerce directory and you may want to consider
contacting mailing list companies for list building. Before you develop your
lists and leads, it is vital that you conduct research to know who your
customers are; their needs and preferences.
Postcards
Postcards are quick and easy because the message is short and simple and
they are inexpensive to have printed. Postcards can immediately advertise
new products and services and announce a new store location. Postcards
achieve an almost 100% readership versus an envelope, as a postcard doesn't
have to be opened by your recipient, to read your special offer. Postcards
can be converted into coupons for special customers or cross sell other
products and services.
Letter Mailing
This mailing consists of an introductory letter introducing your business
or your offer and a flyer or sales brochure to highlight your business
services and products. This method is very effective. However, the costs
involved with this type of mailing are marginally more expensive than a
postcard.
Newsletters
Newsletters are the perfect way to notify your customers and potential
customers of your current business news, introduce new services, promote new
products, communicate special offerings, and demonstrate you are an
established leader in your industry and community. A one page, two-sided
self-mailer is the most common type of direct mail newsletter. Newsletters
also make excellent handouts for business meetings, off site workshops,
trade shows, networking seminars and community events.
Direct mail has always been a popular medium to advertise for any
business, regardless of size and mailings should occur once a month.
Extraordinarily designed direct mail that communicates your business and
introduces special offers, can open doors for excellent sales leads and
contribute to your business bottom line: growth and expansion.
For additional information, contact Keturah Whitaker at 770-953-0252 or
via email at kw@corenet-imaging.com.
About
CoreNet Imaging Solutions
CoreNet Imaging Solutions is an Atlanta based design firm doing business
with small to midsize businesses and non-profit organizations. CoreNet
Imaging Solutions designs brochures, newsletters, newsletters, direct mail,
flyers, pamphlets, business cards, business forms, and print media ads.
Contact Info:
Keturah Whitaker
solutions@corenet-imaging.com
770-953-0252
For a step-by-step guide to starting a business, order the CD-Rom "Power
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