TABLE OF CONTENTSHow to Write Enticing Fundraising Letters to Drive Donations?Nearly 5.16 million Canadians donate to charitable organizations every year! Most individuals and companies with higher income levels contribute in cash or kind. Also, students and young professionals tend to volunteer in fundraising activities hosted by such institutions. The point is that people are ready to contribute to charities in any way possible, but it is your job to reach out to them. Though online crowdfunding is gaining popularity, you cannot ignore the benefits of writing an offline fundraising letter! It is personal, direct, and persuasive—making recipients pay more attention and complete the CTA. Furthermore, direct mail is more embraced by recipients when compared to digital ads and emails. Therefore, you can expect better results from a direct mailing campaign to boost donations. A fundraising proposal letter allows you to:
However, it is crucial to write a genuine, impactful letter that can make a difference. In this article, we will talk about some of the best practices to employ while writing a fundraising letter. We will also discuss the most commonly-used fundraising letters that charities send out. Plus, we have added a nonprofit fundraising letter template to give you a gist of all the aspects that can help you further. Let’s get started! What is a Fundraising Letter?Fundraising letters are used by charities and nonprofitable organizations to connect with potential donors and communicate their financial requirements. It outlines the institution’s objectives and asks people to join them in accomplishing them. Often, charities write and send a letter asking for donations during specific times of the year—during the holidays or before the tax season. But, it is not mandatory, and you can have your own fundraising timeline. Just ensure that your letter is upfront and guides recipients on what to do next. Thus, you can drive higher responses and collect more funds smoothly. 12 Fundraising Fundraising Proposal Letter Best PracticesWriting a fundraising letter that is to the point and compelling is not an easy task. Try being mindful about several things because it is different from writing other types of letters. Here are some tips to help you write the best nonprofit fundraising letters to boost contributions: #1 Define Your Audience CharacteristicsIt is crucial to segment your audience into smaller groups—to customize your messaging and tone. You cannot mail the same letter to a person engaged with your organization for many years and another person who just started donating. Similarly, donors contributing $100 should get a different fundraising letter than those donating $10,000 gifts. The reason is that they are interested in varied types of information related to your organization and purpose. The first thing you should do is identify your audience! Which demographics do you want to target? What is the psychographics of your current donors? Once you have these answers, compile a mailing list consisting of your potential donors. If you don’t have a mailing list, don’t worry! PostGrid’s direct mail service allows you to build custom mailing lists focused on different criteria hassle-free. It also helps you organize and cleanse your database for accurate mailing. #2 List Your GoalsAnother significant question to ask yourself before writing a sample letter for fundraising support is- what are the objectives of this campaign? You may want to raise a specific amount of money or invite long-term donors to become a part of your sponsorship program. Either way, you must set your goals beforehand and ensure that your letter contents align with them. For instance, if you want to raise $150,000 through your campaign, you may need to conduct mass mailing. But, looking for a company to sponsor one child’s education may be easy and require you to send out a few corporate letters only. Your goals outline the entire planning and execution process, so it is essential to note them in advance. #3 Make It EngagingYour fundraising letter should not sound like a sales pitch because it isn’t. Your focus should be on communicating a story to your audience that is real and engaging. Talk about the people you are going to help with the funds donated. Explain how the reader’s contributions can change some lives for the better. Never be vague regarding your mission—it is best to set a tagline reflecting your organization’s cause. For example, if you are a nonprofit that helps women, share stories of how you have helped women get educated and build a career for themselves. Start your fundraising proposal letter with a captivating statement or question that can keep your readers hooked. Make it flow easily and purposefully! #4 Focus On the DonorUse words that add a human touch to your fundraising letter and make the reader feel valued. For example, replace the word “we” and “I” with “you.” This magic word can change the way readers perceive your letter because you are focused on them rather than yourself. Creating a donor-centric fundraising letter helps in acquisition and retention. Consider this sentence:
Reading such appreciative sentences intrigues the reader further and pushes them to keep donating. You should also personalize your fundraising proposal letter with the recipient’s name for better results. Avoid using phrases “Dear Donor” or “Dear Reader” that give your message a generic appearance. Your recipients might treat such letters as spam and won’t pay much heed to them. Luckily, PostGrid’s direct mail API provides variable data printing (VDP) to help you send personalized letters efficiently. #5 Create Urgency and Add a Straightforward CTASending an open-end fundraising letter may not be your best bet because there is no urgency. The reader does not feel the need to act fast and donate to your nonprofit. Even if they want to make some contributions, they might think of doing so later. These things can easily result in a campaign failure. So, what should you do to ensure that your recipients complete the CTA within a specific time frame? The answer is simple- just add a compelling CTA with a deadline! Here are a few examples:
#6 Stay AuthenticRefrain from making false claims and promises that can tarnish your organization’s image. Remain authentic while writing a fundraising letter and provide some real testimonials to prove your credibility. Such practices can help you gain your audience’s trust and motivate them to engage with your institution. #7 Make It Emotionally AppealingYour fundraising proposal letter should be personal and friendly. Avoid using formal phrases and sentences that make it look like a business contract. Instead, try to connect with your audience emotionally to get more donations. You can add emotionally appealing lines, like
#8 Make It Convenient for Recipients to GiveTry driving your recipients to your website to donate. Driving online traffic via offline mail is always an excellent idea and helps you engage more people. If you check out examples of how to ask for donations via letters, you will notice that there is always a link or QR code at the end. It makes it convenient for the readers to donate—all they need to do is visit the landing page and complete the transaction. If you are mailing to baby boomers or older citizens, you may send Business Reply Mail with your fundraising letter. This feature helps you send prepaid envelopes to your recipients, enabling them to reply effortlessly. #9 Proofread Your Letter WellBefore printing and sending your sample solicitation letter for donations, you should proofread it properly. Look out for grammatical errors, typos, spelling mistakes, misinformation, etc., that can create a negative impression. Get feedback from your team members or third parties to make your letter flawless. This step helps you notice any obvious mistakes that you may have missed. It takes a little extra time but can save your campaign and guarantee results. #10 Keep It ShortDon’t write a lengthy fundraising letter that could distract your audience from your main problem. A short and sweet message that fits on one page covering all the pointers helps keep your readers hooked. Avoid jargon that your audience does not understand, as it can affect your campaign performance negatively. Also, use short sentences and paragraphs to make your letter easy to read. #11 Express Your Gratitude and Sign the LetterThank your readers towards the end of the fundraising letter to establish personal relationships. If the recipient is a long-term donor, express your gratitude for their continuous support. Also, sign your letter using a board member’s or employee’s name who can represent your nonprofit organization. It increases your chances of getting a response as people connect more deeply with individuals than companies. PostGrid’s direct mail API also offers a handwriting font to add a personal touch to your fundraising proposal letter. Such personalization features allow you to attract valuable donors for a long time without any huge investment. #12 Automate Your MailingIt can be overwhelming to conduct an offline mailing campaign because there are tons of manual jobs involved. From creating a letter draft to printing and mailing thousands of copies, you may need to spend tons of money and time. But, you can now automate direct mailing using PostGrid and cut 75% of costs. Also, our API helps you get everything done in half the time you need. Thus, consider automating your fundraising letter design, printing, and mailing to increase efficiency. Different Types of a Fundraising LetterThere are many types of fundraising letters that you should know of—to target potential customers accurately. Also, your goals might change from campaign to campaign, demanding you to write different types of fundraising letters. We have mentioned some of them below for your reference: Standard Fundraising LetterOne of the best direct mail fundraising letter examples is a general letter. You can send them out any time of the year, even when you don’t have an active fundraising campaign coming up. However, some nonprofits prefer sending it during November and December when people donate more actively. These letters talk about your organization generally and communicate your needs to your audience. There may not be a specific goal of this unsolicited letter. But, it is better to stick with the tips discussed above to get positive responses. Sponsorship Fundraising LetterSponsorship letters are very different from the others because there is typically an incentive for the donor in exchange for their contribution. Usually, a nonprofit cannot cover the costs of events like marathons or auctions by themselves. Thus, they write a fundraising letter to individuals and corporations seeking sponsorship. If they donate, they are given an advertising space at the event. Thus, it is a win-win for both parties. Alternatively, the nonprofit may put up banners on the event site with the sponsor’s name or include its brand under the “Sponsors List” on its website and directory. While drafting a sponsorship fundraising letter, mention the event details and ask for a specific amount. Also, include all the incentives that you are ready to offer. Volunteer Time Request LettersAs said earlier, fundraising can also include several other activities other than donating money. You may need volunteers frequently to assist you in your operations. Hence, you also need to send out volunteer request letters to a relevant audience. PostGrid can help you compile a list of college students who are most likely interested in volunteering for nonprofits. Apart from this demographic, you can also mail other people you think might be interested. Remember to include adequate contact details in your fundraising letter to help potential volunteers reach out to you. Fundraising Letter to Request Auction ItemsIf you plan to host a live or online auction to raise funds for your organization, you need a set of unique items. Owing to the upcoming event, you need donors willing to give away some desirable, vintage, or valuable articles for bidding. In such cases, you need to write a fundraising proposal letter requesting readers to donate items they deem fit for an auction. This letter helps you get the word out about your auction and encourages people to attend. Here are some points to remember when writing this type of fundraising letter:
Church Fundraising LetterA church fundraising appeal letter is sent to the congregation members to ask for donations for the following reasons:
You must always send a fundraising letter to congregants only when needed. Perhaps, they are already donating a generous amount during the Sunday mass when most people make specific contributions. So, you should avoid spamming your members’ mailboxes and appeal to them personally. Specify why you need the funds and the amount you expect from them to accomplish the goal. Also, remember to add your congregation’s mission at the beginning of the letter to develop a sense of belonging. You can follow up with your recipients later via email and in-person visits. An omnichannel marketing strategy can help increase the impact of your activities. Matching Gift Fundraising LetterMost donors aren’t aware of their employer offering matching gifts. It is a corporate program that requires a company to donate the same amount as its employee to a nonprofit. By sending a matching gift fundraising letter to your recent donors, you can remind them to submit a request to their human resources departments. If the requirements match, the company proceeds to donate the same amount. However, you need to create a list of all corporate businesses that donate matching gifts. Then, add a link to this list in your letter to allow donors to check their eligibility. How to Write a Good Fundraising Letter?Writing a compelling letter needs you to include all the details in the proper flow and push readers to take action. The format is similar to other B2B or B2C letters, but the content is different. If you are not aware of how to word a fundraising letter to get the maximum contributions, this section is for you! Mailing AddressStart your fundraising letter by adding the date and recipient’s mailing address. Ensure that you have the correct addresses to avoid mail returns and wastages. It is advisable to verify your list beforehand using an address verification API like PostGrid. Also, our API offers complementary address verification when you print and mail your fundraising letters using PostGrid. SalutationThe next part of your fundraising proposal letter is the salutation. As discussed earlier, you should avoid using words like “Dear Donor.” A personalized salutation makes the recipients read further and consider contributing. It tells them that you specifically drafted the letter for them and that their donation can influence your cause. IntroductionBefore beginning your appeal, introduce your organization and talk about its objectives. This introductory paragraph varies for every nonprofit, depending on their type of organization. Suppose a charity is involved in animal rescue- they can talk about how they help animals in the city get adopted. They can also discuss their latest accomplishments and share real-life scenarios to let readers know what they exactly do. Body and Call to ActionThe body of your fundraising letter should be straightforward. Tell your readers why you are writing to them and discuss your expectations. Don’t overwhelm the reader with too much information regarding your causes. Stick with a specific reason why you need them to step and contribute. You can add upfront sentences, like:
It gives the reader a choice and helps them pick a contribution slot that best suits their budget. A fundraising letter with multiple options is more powerful than a generic one, where the organization asks the reader to donate any amount they want. Also, give them a few payment options to donate—via cheque, online transfer, etc. This way, you can help readers contribute more readily and flexibly. ClosingIn the last paragraph of your sample fundraising letter asking for donations, thank your audience for their support in advance. Remind them that their contributions are necessary to keep your organization up and running. Assure the readers that you will continue your commitment to the said cause. Include your contact information and encourage them to get in touch regarding any queries or concerns they might have. PostscriptThis part is not essential, but it is helpful to reinstate your message. Most people absorb the P.S line better than the remaining fundraising letter contents. So, make sure to grab this opportunity and get their attention. To help you get started with your campaign, here is a fundraising letter example or template: [Date] To, [Recipient’s Full Name] [Salutation] [Introduction- not exceeding more than five lines] [Body of the letter] [CTA- Mention your prime request] [Closing] [Signature] Sample Donation Request Letter for NonprofitBelow, we have included two sample letters for your reference. 1. Corporate Sponsorship15th October 2022 To, RYAN MCADAMS Dear Mr. Ryan, We hope you are having a great day! As you know, the Holiday season is around the corner. Our organization works year-round to ensure that the children under our care are never deprived of their prime rights: food, education, and shelter. But, during this season, we strive to take the extra mile and do something more. This year, we are organizing a marathon to help disabled children. The funds raised through this event shall be contributed towards their medical aid. Hence, I am writing this fundraising letter to request a sponsorship from your company. The event will take place on the 15th of November, and we have over 150 participants so far. With your sponsorship, we can ensure that this event is a grand success, which will help us achieve our mission. We are looking to raise nearly $50,000 for the event and would appreciate it if you could contribute at least half of the amount. Our sponsors get an advertising exhibit near the entrance and an honourable mention on our website for the whole year. It would be great if we could meet in person and discuss more concerning this sponsorship. You can reach me through the contact number or email mentioned below in this fundraising letter. Please know that your donations are valuable and help us keep serving society. I am looking forward to talking to you soon. Thank you in advance for your time and generosity! Regards, Will Peters [Signature] P.S Scan the QR code on the envelope to know more about our event and contribute directly. 2. Matching Gift Fundraising Letter7th November 2022 To, ANNA CAMPBELL Dear Ms. Anna, Thank you for your contribution of $250 towards our charitable organization. Since our foundation in 1998, we have worked relentlessly to change the lives of people who have been victims of abuse and alcoholism. Your donations make us believe that humanity still exists, and we appreciate your actions sincerely. Today, I am writing to inform you of the matching gift program. You can check your eligibility by visiting our website. If your employer falls under this category, we request you submit a matching gift request to your human resources. This program pushes companies to contribute the same amount as their team members did to an eligible nonprofit. Thus, you can double the impact of your contribution by submitting this request. Again, your active participation is and always will be appreciated! Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions! Sincerely, [Signature] How Can PostGrid Help You Print and Mail Your Fundraising Letter?PostGrid automated direct mail services can help you draft an interactive fundraising letter in a few minutes. From choosing a template from our gallery to customizing it according to your needs, our API is in-built to assist you. Then, PostGrid helps you print your letters via our established printing partners. At this point, they are personalized, labelled, assembled, and presorted for mailing. Our solutions also assist you at the mailing stage—you no longer need to stand in long queues at the Post Office to ship your fundraising letter. Just integrate our API into your CRM and automate every step! However, PostGrid offers so much more than these three prime steps. Here are some of our use cases to help you learn more:
Wrapping UpDrafting a fundraising letter is a significant task for all nonprofit organizations. It helps them find potential donors to back up their efforts. You can use the tips and ideas in this blog to write convincing letters resulting in your campaign’s success. For further help, try using PostGrid’s direct mail API that offers complete print and mail fulfillment. Therefore, you can focus more on your fundraising activities than worrying about printing and logistics. If you are ready to boost your donations and streamline fundraising letter mailing with PostGrid, sign up now! The post How to Write A Good Fundraising or Solicitation Letter appeared first on PostGrid. source https://www.postgrid.ca/how-to-write-a-good-fundraising-letter/ source https://postgridcanadainc.tumblr.com/post/684706720634781696 Via https://harveywilson355.tumblr.com/post/684709939535626240
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TABLE OF CONTENTSAll In One Guide For Writing An Effective Medical Claim Appeal LetterMedical claims are an integral part of the healthcare industry, and there is no avoiding it. For the most part, medical claims smoothen out payments when it comes to their patients and healthcare providers. However, many of these claims often get denied, and we don’t have to tell you how frustrating that is. Sending a well-drafted medical claim appeal letter on behalf of the patient is crucial for timely payments for your healthcare organization. Unfortunately, many healthcare organizations struggle with this. Hence, we have gone so far as to create three sample medical claim letters for your healthcare organization. In addition to that, we will explain the common reasons for medical claim denials. The article also talks about how you can write and send a medical claim appeal letter efficiently. You might even learn a few ways to reduce your workload by minimizing your involvement in sending appeal letters. 3 Sample Medical Claim Appeal Letter Templates For Your Healthcare OrganizationBelow, we discuss three sample appeal letters for medical claim denial to help you efficiently communicate with insurance companies. Use the samples provided below for drafting your unique appeal letters. Sample Medical Claim Appeal Letter No: 1[Date] [Name] [Insurance Company Name] [Address] [City, Province, and postal Code] Re: [Policy Holder/Patient Name] [Type of Coverage] [Policy number/group number] Dear [Name of Contact Person At The Insurance Company], I am writing this letter on behalf of [name of the policy holder] to appeal the decision to deny [name of medical service, procedure, or treatment] for [name of the policy holder]. If our understanding is correct, [name of the insurance provider] is denying the medical claim to [name of the policy holder] on the basis that “[cite the reason claimed by the insurance provider].” The denial letter you sent to [name of the policy holder] is attached with this mail. We believe that it is medically necessary for [name of the policy holder] to have the [name of medical service, procedure, or treatment] to treat his/her medical condition. It is also our understanding that [name of medical service, procedure, or treatment] is covered under [name of the policy holder] ‘s health plan. We want to point out that [name of health plan] covers all medically necessary services unless they are expressly excluded. As you are aware, these medical services are clearly described in the Evidence of Coverage authorized by the member’s PCP—[Attach relevant sections of the Evidence of Coverage]. Our medical team has confirmed that [name of medical service, procedure, or treatment] is medically necessary for [name of policy holder]. We are also attaching all the supporting medical documents with this letter. Despite what you have stated in your denial letter, [name of the medical service, procedure, or treatment] is a covered service. Furthermore, it is expressed as a covered benefit in your [title of member handbook]. As stated before, [name of the medical service, procedure, or treatment] is not expressly excluded as a covered benefit in the Evidence of Coverage. [Relevant sections or quotes from the Evidence of Coverage and the member handbook.] [Cite any relevant state laws that support your case] [Describe the policy holder’s health condition and how the medical service, procedure, or treatment can help the patient. In addition to that, mention what would happen if the patient does not receive the treatment in time.] [In case you are concerned that the medical claim provider will not cover the medical process because of the precedent, ask for the cover of an extra-contractual benefit. It will help your patient pay for the medical service, treatment, or procedure outside of the healthcare plan.] [Make sure to request an expedited hearing for cases that require immediate treatment. Additionally, request a response from the insurance provider within 72 hours of mailing the letter. And don’t forget to attach a letter from the treating physician detailing the patient’s health condition.] Sincerely, [Your name] Sample Medical Claim Appeal Letter No: 2[Date] [Name] [Insurance Company Name] [Address] [City, State, and Postal Code] Re: [Policy Holder/Patient Name] [Type of Coverage] [Policy number/group number] Dear [Name of Contact Person At The Insurance Company], I am writing you this letter to appeal [name of the insurance provider] ‘s decision to deny coverage to [name of the policy holder] for [name of the medical service, procedure, or treatment]. I understand from your denial letter that you have denied the claim because: “[cite the reason claimed by the insurance provider].” As you are already aware, [name of the policy holder] was recently diagnosed with [name of the medical condition] on [Date]. [name of the policyholder/patient] ‘s consulting physician Dr. [name of the doctor] believes that their patient can benefit significantly from [name of the medical service, procedure, or treatment]. You will find a letter from Dr. [name of the doctor] enclosed with this letter. It explains [name of the policyholder/patient] ‘s medical history and their need for [name of the medical service, procedure, or treatment]. [name of the policyholder/patient] believes that you did not have all the necessary information during your initial review of their case. Hence, [name of the policyholder/patient] has included a letter from the patient’s consulting physician, Dr. [name of the doctor] from [name of the healthcare facility]. Dr. [name of the doctor] is a specialist in [field of expertise], and their letter discusses the [name of the medical service, procedure, or treatment] in detail. In addition to that, you can also find the [name of the policyholder/patient] ‘s medical records and a couple of journal articles further explaining the procedure and its results. [name of the policyholder/patient] urges you to reconsider your previous decision based on the new information. I would also like to inform you that the treatment for [name of the policyholder/patient] is scheduled to begin on [Date]. Hence, we request you to allow the coverage for [name of the medical service, procedure, or treatment] before the said Date. Suppose you require any additional details regarding the patient’s health condition or treatment. In that case, you can contact [name of the policyholder/patient] at [phone number]. [name of the policyholder/patient] looks forward to hearing back from you soon. Sincerely, [Your name] Sample Medical Claim Appeal Letter No: 3[Date] [Name] [Insurance Company Name] [Address] [City, State, and Postal Code] Re: [Policy Holder/Patient Name] [Type of Coverage] [Policy number/group number] Dear Madam or Sir, This correspondence appeals to your decision to deny coverage for [name of the medical service, procedure, or treatment] after [name of the policyholder/patient] ‘s surgery. I would like to inform you that [name of the policyholder/patient] ‘s doctor strongly recommends [name of the medical service, procedure, or treatment] and believe it is the best option for their health condition. In addition to that, I would also like to point out that the requested [name of the medical service, procedure, or treatment] is guaranteed under [Cite relevant state laws that support your case] I have attached the following documents with this appeal letter:
I request you review this appeal and contact me if you need any further information. I look forward to hearing from you. Sincerely, [Your name] [Your address and phone number] Common Reasons For Medical Claim DenialsAs a healthcare provider, you must understand the common reasons for medical claim denials. Medical claims can indeed get denied for any number of reasons. But, generally, it is due to one of the reasons we discuss below. Medically Unnecessary Service/Treatment/ProcedureIf you regularly deal with medical claim appeal letters, you have likely come across this reason countless times. Here, the insurance company rejects your patient’s medical claim citing that the medical treatment or procedure is unnecessary. In this case, you require a medical necessity appeal letter. It must prove to you – the healthcare provider believes the recommended treatment is necessary for the patient. It is relatively easy when the healthcare provider writes the appeal letter on behalf of the patient. However, you must provide documentation explaining the necessity of a medical service/treatment/procedure. Experimental TreatmentsUsually, experimental treatments are not covered under medical claims. Hence, if the insurance provider thinks that your patients are receiving experimental treatments, they will deny the patient’s medical claim. In this case, there are a few ways you can convince the insurance provider to approve the patient’s claim.
Healthcare Setting (Homecare, Hospitalization, etc.)Many medical claims get rejected when patients require in-home care instead of hospitalization. But, a significant amount of these cases may actually be covered under the patient’s medical claim. Usually, all it takes to approve the lawsuit is to show that in-home care is less expensive than hospitalization. However, you should also use the medical claim appeal letter to explain that in-home care can meet patients’ medical needs. As long as you approve the letter as the patient’s healthcare provider, there should be no problem claiming the insurance. Policy Cancellation Due To Lack Of PaymentUnlike the other medical claims we discussed above, the healthcare provider does not play a vital role in this one. However, you can still help the patient with their medical claim appeal letter. For instance, you can try explaining why the payments weren’t made, such as technical problems or errors in payroll. In this case, the medical claim is much more dependent on the policyholder than your healthcare organization. External Review By An IRO Or Independent Review OrganizationAn external review is warranted when the patient runs out of an internal review process from their insurance provider. In such cases, the patient can use the appeal process for an external review by an IRO or Independent Review Organization. How To Write An Appeal Letter For Medical Insurance Claim?You need to consider three aspects when writing a medical claim appeal letter. One is the essential elements you include in the letter. The next is explaining the reason why your patient deserves a medical claim. And the final part is sending the submission to the insurance provider. Essential Elements of Medical Claim Appeal Letter
Explaining Why Your Patient Deserves The Medical Claim
Sending Your Submission
Using Automated Direct Mail For Sending Medical Claim Appeal LetterThe most efficient way for healthcare organizations to send medical claim appeal letters is to use an automated direct mail system like PostGrid. Every aspect of sending the submission listed above is simplified when you employ a tool like PostGrid. Everything from tracking your letters to accessing a copy of your medical claim letter becomes significantly easy. You can use PostGrid’s dashboard to access all your information at any given time. Furthermore, PostGrid comes with PIPEDA, SOC – II, and HIPAA compliances. You can send letters securely to addresses within Canada and outside it. The fully automated nature of the tool ensures that there is minimal error leading to seamless direct mail communication for your business. Writer’s Note: Submitting your direct mail letters, including medical claim appeal letters, is significantly easier using PostGrid‘s direct mail automation tool. The post Sample Appeal Letters for Medical Claim Denials appeared first on PostGrid. source https://www.postgrid.ca/sample-appeal-letters-for-medical-claim-denials/ source https://postgridcanadainc.tumblr.com/post/684619870252498944 Via https://harveywilson355.tumblr.com/post/684623135884148736 TABLE OF CONTENTSHow to Track Direct Mail Campaign: Tracking & AnalyticsDespite our preference for digital means of communication, direct mail still remains one of the favourite marketing approaches for marketers in numerous industries. When it is implemented correctly, direct mail has the potential to enhance the reach of your campaign, communicate with your target audience, and effectively drive sales. Direct mail has evolved over the years and can now be fully automated using an advanced direct mail automation tool equipped with superior tracking and analytics capabilities. Canada Post even has a certification called Software Evaluation and Recognition Program or SERP that lets you know whether a direct mail service provider is reliable. The SERP certification means that the service provider can access and verify whether a postal address is real and deliverable. A SERP-certified direct mail service provider is more than likely to have advanced direct mail tracking and analytic capabilities. Therefore, it should come as no surprise that the best and most convenient way to optimize, track, and analyze direct mail is through an advanced tool. This article discusses how you can track your direct mail, and we also discuss the significance of direct mail tracking and analytics. We further take a look at some of the major direct mail tracking methods and explain how you can effectively track direct mail using KPIs or Key Performance Indicators. Additionally, we also list some of the major KPIs you can consider for effective direct mail tracking and analytics. The Significance of Direct Mail Tracking And AnalyticsUnderstanding the finer details of your direct mail campaign is necessary for its effective implementation. Thanks to today’s advanced solutions, you can get valuable insights into your direct mail campaigns. Earlier the only measurable data on direct mail effectiveness was the count of sales or the leads generated. With advanced direct mail tracking, you get access to valuable insights, when coupled with a systematic approach such insights enable them to measure the performance of their direct mail campaigns efficiently. With such vital data, you also have the ability to calculate an accurate ROI, determine success metrics, and keep records of your campaign and its results. Direct Mail Tracking MethodsWhen it comes to direct mail tracking, it is quintessential that you ensure any point of contact listed on your direct mail is both trackable and unique. The point of contact could be anything, including phone number, website URL, coupon code, or something else altogether. Below we discuss some of the most popular direct mail tracking methods used by marketers today. Trackable Phone NumberCall tracking is one of the easy and time-tested methods for direct mail tracking. You can even set up a dedicated toll-free number and have the calls to that number automatically forwarded to your business line. You can also employ a reliable call tracking software company for this. However, this method can give you the response rate and many finer details are not accounted for. Trackable URLsIncluding a URL in your direct mail that is specifically created for the campaign in each of your direct mail pieces is an effective tracking method. The campaign-specific URL takes the user/recipient to a custom landing page or your website. From here, you can use your website’s analytic tools and get advanced insights that significantly enhance your direct mail tracking capabilities. Coupon CodesCoupon codes are yet another effective tool in marketing campaigns. Coupons in the old days were redeemed at the store, but now you enable the customer to redeem them either at your store or your online website or mobile app. One notable advantage of coupon codes is that it lets you track the sage individually or measure the effectiveness of direct mail campaigns between interest groups. QR CodesQR codes are the most popular choice for direct mail campaign tracking. They are easy and convenient for the user to access your business directly from the mailpiece. The QR code can lead the users to a unique landing page or URL. Similar to what we saw in the trackable URLs, this method can also be used with your website’s analytic tools for getting in-depth insights into your campaign. Track Your Direct Mail With The Help of KPIsKey Performance Indicators or KPIs can be used to effectively track your direct mails. Using KPIs for tracking direct mail gives you a comprehensive idea about the effectiveness of the campaign as they provide you with real-time, actionable insights. However, you must ensure that you pick the right KPI for your unique goals. Below, we discuss some of the major KPIs you use to track your direct mail. 1. Response RateResponse rate is the most commonly used KPI for direct mail tracking as it shows you what percentage of your direct mail targets have responded to your mailer. We have already discussed the tracking methods through which the recipient can respond to your mailer above.
Response Rate = No: of Responses / No: of Mail Pieces Sent
Keep in mind that if you do not track every method of contact with your target audience, you will never have an accurate response rate. 2. Conversion RateConversion rate or order rate is perhaps the simplest KPI you can use, to find out just how effective your direct mail was in terms of conversion. It gives you the percentage of the target audience of the direct mail campaign, which made the desired action upon receiving the mailer.
Conversion Rate = Number of Orders / Number of Responses.
A conversion rate is especially ideal for businesses with a longer sales cycle, such as law offices. 3. Cost Per Acquisition (CPA)Cost Per Acquisition or CPA is a KPI that tells you how much it cost you to obtain a new customer. It is also known as cost per lead/order.
CPA = Campaign Cost / Number of Orders
Often marketers compare the CPA of direct mail with the CPA of their other marketing campaigns so that they can figure out which of the two marketing efforts is more efficient for their business. 4. Average Order SizeAs the name suggests, Average Order Size is a KPI that gives you the average amount of revenue you earn for each sale you make through the direct mail campaign.
Avg. Order Size = Revenue / Number of Orders
You can either calculate this beforehand by examining the data available from their previous order or calculate it using the relevant data from your direct mail campaign. 5. Revenue per OrderThe KPI Revenue per order can be calculated by simply subtracting the CPA from the average order size of your business. This KPI can be extremely useful for determining the profitability of your product or service.
Revenue per Order = Avg. Order Size – CPA
To be more precise, it gives you a clear idea about the profit you can make from every order on average. 6. Return on Investment (ROI)Return on Investment or ROI is a term well familiar for all businesses and a KPI that direct mail campaigns shine at. The ROI conveys the overall effectiveness or success rate of your direct mail campaign.
ROI = (Revenue – Campaign Cost) / Campaign Cost
The higher the ROI of your direct mail campaign, the more successful it is for your business. Direct mails generally have a higher ROI than most other marketing campaigns. 7. Customer Lifetime Value (CLV)Customer Lifetime Value is an essential KPI for every business if they have long-term goals. What makes CLV unique from the other KPIs is that it is not instant feedback. Customer Lifetime Value signifies your business’s relationship with its customers. You can positively influence the CLV through superior customer service, attractive loyalty programs, and other reward programs. ConclusionDirect mail is used by businesses belonging to numerous industry verticals, and more businesses keep on joining the club. Businesses that employ direct mail as part of their marketing efforts must track them and access analytics data to optimize their efforts. There are several KPIs and tracking methods you can use for this. Furthermore, to ensure the best result for your direct mail campaigns, you need to employ an advanced direct mail solution like PostGrid. Advanced solutions, like PostGrid, enable you to track your direct mail easily and also access valuable analytics that lets you optimize your direct mail process. The post How to Track Direct Mail: Tracking & Analytics appeared first on PostGrid. source https://www.postgrid.ca/how-to-track-measure-direct-mail/ source https://postgridcanadainc.tumblr.com/post/684442465426702336 Via https://harveywilson355.tumblr.com/post/684445749252096000 TABLE OF CONTENTSCanada Direct Mail - Precision Targeter by Canada Post vs. PostGrid Smart TargetingStandard direct mailing makes your message reach everyone in a particular zip code or carrier route. However, PostGrid Smart Targeting provides penetration testing, mapping tools, and direct mail marketing experts to help you in the acquisition efforts. This AI-powered tool helps in identifying potential prospects on the right carrier routes by removing wasteful deliveries. Whereas by traditional saturated mailing i.e., Canada Post Precision Targeter, whatever market you choose, it covers 100 houses. With the help of precision targeting, you can increase the effectiveness of Canada direct mail by adding demographic information. Demographic information should be considered for each route, such as median household income, household value, gender, education, status, etc. Canada Post Precision Targeter for Direct Mail CampaignsCanada Post is a company that offers online tools for every business despite its size across the country to identify potential customers and target them better. Hence, with Canada Post direct mail, you can get your message delivered to any mailbox within the Canadian boundaries. And if you want to create a precision target tool for your business, which business owners usually add to their marketing tool for a better response rate, then consider combining the demographic information with this network. By Canada Post’s precision targeter, you can target your potential customers based on demographic information such as education, gender, marital status, etc at the neighbourhood level. This tool provides all required detailed information by completing the address database from Canadian census data so that direct mail marketing can be more targeted. Users can easily price, plan, and place unaddressed admail orders in a period ranging from 24 hours to a minute. What Does Canada’s Post Precision Targeter Do?Promoting with Canada Post’s Precision Targeter is an effective and affordable way to reach and target customers for any business. Precision Targeter by Canada Post can help you with:
PostGrid Smart Targeting for Canada Direct Mail CampaignsPostGrid’s Smart Targeting with AI-powered technology is an effective tool to target the right people for your Canada direct mail campaign. It allows you to plan with interactive maps and demographic data for your next marketing mailing. You can send postcards, flyers, letters, or any other samples to any of the mailboxes in your chosen neighbourhood. With PostGrid, you can see any area you want to target and adjust your direct mail automation campaigns according to additional demographic data, reach, budget, etc. Attracting and acquiring customers for any business is most important, and smart targeting is one of the most powerful and cost-effective ways to do it. Furthermore, it has become much easier with the use of the PostGrid Smart Targeting application, as it increases targeting capabilities, visibility of pricing, simplifying the order entry system, etc. These methods have proved helpful in the entire process. What PostGrid Smart Targeting Does and How is it Better?The PostGrid API allows users to quickly and efficiently execute unaddressed admail campaigns through its smart targeting feature. It’s way faster than Canada Post precision targeter. This powerful and innovative tool takes you up to five steps from targeting to ordering. One tool does everything from targeting to ordering The application lets users plan and creates a direct mail campaign in one place. It provides everything that you need from targeting the customer to placing the unaddressed admail orders. It provides high-quality customers anywhere in Canada PostGrid helps you locate the best potential customers by its demographic and geographic criteria to match your existing customers’ profiles very well. On the contrary, Canada Post precision targeter has no such method to provide you with high-quality customers, which is why the PostGrid smart targeting tool provides better leads than it. It saves and helps in sending the data Depending on your choice, you can save customized targeting analysis for budgeting. You can either keep it in the file for future reference or send it to any third-party mail service provider. What problems does PostGrid Smart Targeting solve for customers?
On the basis of demographic characteristics and preferences of customers, dividing potential audiences by an audience segmentation or marketing segmentation into a valuable subgroup is considered a good practice. With its help, PostGrid Smart Targeting creates more efficient and cost-effective marketing strategies. That is why PostGrid offers precision targeting at better and lower rates compared to Canada Post Precision Targeters. More Demographics DataIn the first step, you will choose the delivery point you want to target, such as businesses, homes, apartments, or other delivery points. After this, you will select some demographic characteristics and preferences of your target audience like age, employment status, home type, labour type, education, household size, age of home, income, marital status, gender, building occupancy, etc. After this, you’ll choose geographic target areas for customers using factors such as radius, drive time, distance, or any other, but not all of them. Different options are available for you to filter, like selecting municipality, postal address, or creating borders on the map for custom target areas. Below you’ll find some demographic filters with which we target mails to acquire the best prospects.
Integration with CRMIf you use any CRM, integrating the PostGrid API with your system is relatively easy for direct mail marketing. You can send any information between direct mail and CRM with the help of PostGrid in no time and without any coding experience. You can also automate the entire print and mail process by using PostGrid’s API Docs, Webhooks, or Native Integrations. For PostGrid Smart Targeting, you can integrate any CRM that you use like Microsoft dynamics 365, SAP, close.io, Zoho, NetSuite, etc. Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat is a Precision Targeter?The Precision Targeter is an online tool that sales and marketing teams use to identify and accurately select target audiences for their Canada direct mail campaigns and create attractive mail pieces with easy steps. It also helps in making payments for delivery. Why did PostGrid decide to establish Smart Targeting?We analyzed that small to medium-sized businesses in Canada also need more support to grow, just like large companies. But to be successful like them, the process of creating direct marketing campaigns should be more simplified. The best possible solution is to do it with an automatic robust application for Canada direct mail marketing campaigns to select the target audience—you can place anything online using the tool. Who is the target audience for smart targeting services?Nowadays, companies of all sizes and types benefit from smart targeting services, including service providers, agencies, enterprises, etc. However, this service is basically designed for small to medium-sized businesses. Although, large companies can also take advantage of this for their business as we provide this application for companies of every size. By doing this, we have made more and more direct mail marketing campaigns successful, and the businesses are using it for a long time now because they’re happy with the results. What was the biggest surprise for PostGrid while developing the Smart Targeting project?When our team developed the Smart Targeting project, their enthusiasm and passion were surprising. We were considering for a long time that we have to simplify the process of direct mail marketing and provide more self-serve options for customers. When we planned and developed this process well, our smart targeting project got good momentum. At that moment, we knew that we have the solution, and businesses will be excited by learning about it. How did PostGrid plan to promote smart targeting services and generate new customers?Smart Targeting is a successful key for businesses to grow in just a few years. So, it has been highlighted and promoted for many direct marketing campaigns throughout the year. It has also appeared many times on our website and has been used by many businesses throughout Canada. The post Canada Direct Mail appeared first on PostGrid. source https://www.postgrid.ca/canada-direct-mail/ source https://postgridcanadainc.tumblr.com/post/683970587056652288 Via https://harveywilson355.tumblr.com/post/683973872174989312 TABLE OF CONTENTSCanada Post Lettermail: How to Get StartedCanada Post offers a plethora of mailing options to mail nationally and internationally. Hence, it can be hard to select a service that best suits your needs. Today, we will discuss everything about a particular Canada Post Service- Lettermail! But, what is Canada Post Lettermail? As the name goes, it is ideal for sending personal and business letters and other documents throughout Canada. It is the most convenient and cost-effective way of sending items, like:
Apart from these items, there are several more Canada Post Lettermail examples that we will talk about further. Let’s dig into our Canada Post Lettermail guide! Types of Lettermail ItemsApart from letters and postcards, there are several more things you can send out as Lettermail. Find some examples below: Notices of voting for municipal, provincial, and or federal events
Lettermail is divided into two categories, and they are: Standard LettermailStandard Lettermail Canada Post includes all the items that fit the Lettermail size and weight guidelines. Other LettermailIt is further categorized into
Other Lettermail consists of mail pieces that don’t match the size and weight guidelines. In other words, Canada Post Non-Standard Lettermail includes items that do not qualify as standard. Please note that Canada Post uses the terms Other Lettermail and Non-standard Lettermail interchangeably. Below are some items that can be mailed only as Other or Non-standard Lettermail:
There are different Canada Post Lettermail rates for standard and non-standard categories. Also, the maximum size and weight limits are different for both. How to Send Lettermail in Canada?You can purchase postage stamps for Lettermail Canada Post at any postal outlet. Or you can print postage on your items through a postage meter or indicia. If the printed or affixed postage is enough, you may deposit your items:
Delivery can also take place through a container or general delivery. You can only drop off mail pieces with a postal indicia at a deposit location. There are several deposit locations for mailers throughout Canada, like:
The above deposit locations are allocated to companies depending on their mailing volume, type, and postal code. Please note: Canada Post processes your items on the next working day, if:
Canada Post delivers Lettermail items to:
However, before you send anything via Lettermail, you should know the Canada Post mail address format. Using the correct format helps postal workers deliver your mail piece without any delays. Canada Post Lettermail FormatFind below the address guidelines that mailers need to follow while addressing Lettermail items: Civic AddressIt is the most common type of mailing address in Canada and has only three lines:
But, civic addresses may have extra lines to make them more accurate, like:
Always mention the company name on the second line below the recipient’s name. You may add additional details on the third line of your mailing address. We have added an example of a properly-formatted civic address below: Claire Wilson Zack Lee There are also rural civic addresses in Canada that have rural postal codes. Here’s an example: Josh Murphy Postal Box AddressInstead of the civic address, Postal Box addresses have the Postal Box number followed by the station information on the second line. Here’s how you draft a Postal Box address: Liam Gauthier You may also mention a civic address in a Postal Box address. Please refer to the example below: Benjamin Moore If you have additional address information then add it below the recipient’s name. Rural Route AddressA rural route address contains a Rural Route Identifier followed by the station information. Below is an example: Jerry Brown If a Rural Route address also has a civic address, you can add it on the second line and push other details to the third line. General Delivery AddressGeneral Delivery addresses contain:
Military AddressesMilitary addresses should include the following details:
An example of a military address is: CAPT O.R Wright If you need to write bilingual addresses, insert a black vertical line separating both the addresses. Methods to Pay for Lettermail Canada PostIndividuals can pay for Lettermail by:
Contract customers or business mailers can pay for their postage in the following ways:
Individual consumers cannot use prepaid postage methods like meter impression and indicia. Also, you can pay through money order, debit card, or cash only when you drop off your items at the Post Office. Now that you know the acceptable payment methods, let’s find out how much is Canada Post Lettermail pricing. Canada Post Lettermail PricesThe Lettermail Canada Post rates differ due to several factors like your postage payment method, item size, and weight. If you don’t know how much it cost to ship Lettermail, you can take your items to the Post Office. Find below the Canada Post Lettermail Costs: Standard Lettermail
Other (Non-standard and Oversize) Lettermail
You may notice that you get a reasonable discount when buying stamps in bulk. Canada Post Incentive LettermailIncentive Lettermail is for mailers who want to mail in large quantities for discounted rates. Find below the rates for Incentive Lettermail:
Canada Post Letter Mail Sizes
Other Requirements to Send LettermailThere are other crucial Lettermail requirements that mailers need to consider. Firstly, you should seal all the sides of Standard Lettermail self-mailers and letters. If you are mailing brochures, newsletters, etc., without an envelope, they are subject to Other Lettermail rates. You need to wrap all Lettermail items securely to prevent:
The location of printing or graphics on a Standard Lettermail piece should not be:
Canada Post Lettermail Delivery TimeThe Canada Post Lettermail time is only an estimate as Lettermail deliveries are not guaranteed. Please find the delivery estimates for Lettermail below:
However, it depends on whether you are mailing to urban centres, remote areas, or northern regions. Some deliveries take up to 8 business days if you are mailing to rural areas or places that are difficult to reach. Lettermail Features and OptionsLettermail features are services included in the cost of the Lettermail postage. In short, they are a part of the Lettermail mailing option. Find below the two features of Lettermail: Mail ForwardingRecipients can get their Lettermail items forwarded to another address for free. Mailers may also put a Mail Forwarding request to direct their mail pieces elsewhere. Return to SenderIf you write a return address on your mail piece, it is sent back to you in case of non-delivery. Make sure to write it on the outside to get back your item without a fee. The item is forwarded to another delivery address if a Mail Forwarding request is already in effect. Now, let’s discuss some add-ons that mailers can avail of for an additional cost. Below are some add-ons or options that you may select at the time of mailing: Registered MailRegistered Mail helps you prove that your item was delivered to the correct person. You get a mailing receipt, delivery confirmation, and the recipient’s signature copy via this option. Forward Under CoverMailers can avail of this option and forward their items to a postmaster for reposting cancellation, or processing. Do Not ForwardYou can use the Do Not Forward add-on when you want to stop an addressee’s mail forwarding request. Instead of forwarding the item, Canada Post sends it to the return address. ConclusionLettermail is the most affordable, simple, and convenient way to send your mail pieces in Canada. But, you should follow the Canada Post Lettermail guidelines to keep your postage rates low and mail more smoothly. We hope we answered your questions like what qualifies as Lettermail and how to send it. If you want to prepare, print, and send your Lettermail pieces without any manual effort, Try PostGrid’s print and mail API. It can help you in every step, from designing your items to grabbing mailing discounts. Sign up to know more about how we can make your on-demand and bulk Lettermail campaigns a breeze! The post Canada Post Lettermail appeared first on PostGrid. source https://www.postgrid.ca/canada-post-lettermail/ source https://postgridcanadainc.tumblr.com/post/683902655329894400 Via https://harveywilson355.tumblr.com/post/683905939606241280 TABLE OF CONTENTSA Guide To Direct Marketing: How to start it, Advantages, Examples, and MoreIt is no secret that personalization and proper targeting are crucial for the success of a marketing campaign. Perhaps the only marketing strategy that whole-heartedly accepts this fact is direct marketing. Yet, many companies are still not using it for their business. If you are among one of these companies, then it is high time you reevaluate your marketing decisions. Here’s the scary part: every day you spend without direct marketing is a day gained by your competitors. Talking about your competitors, they could be using direct marketing to get closer to your target audience with them even as we speak. Hence, it is high time that business organizations better understand direct marketing and how it can benefit their business. What is Direct Marketing?In essence, direct marketing is a type of advertising that targets specific consumers or consumer groups instead of the masses. It is the more personalized approach of marketing where you communicate directly with the target audience, which effectively gets rid of the middleman. Direct marketers aim to persuade their target audience into taking the desired action. The desired action could be placing an order, visiting your website, filling out a form, etc. What’s more? You can use numerous formats for marketing your products/services to your target directly. Some of the most commonly used marketing formats include:
Why Does Your Business Need Direct Marketing?You would be wrong if you think that direct marketing is yet another marketing strategy for boosting sales and generating leads. Marketing your business directly to your customers offers numerous advantages that make marketing management easy. Efficient Strategy For Promoting Products and ServicesThe most distinguishing aspect of direct marketing is that it does not target the masses, unlike standard marketing strategies. The highly targeted nature of directly marketing your business enables you to target an audience genuinely interested in the product or service. As you can guess, better targeting leads to better leads, which eventually leads to more sales and conversions. Hence, marketing your business directly to the customers boosts the efficiency of your marketing efforts significantly. Customized Marketing CampaignsThe chances are that you are already using an indirect marketing strategy for your business. Did you ever notice that indirect campaigns always use the same marketing message for all your target audience? How well can a generic message resonate with the target audience? You can create a personalized marketing message for group or individual audiences with properly executed direct marketing plans. For instance, your company can target customers based on their age, income range, etc. Using such extensive data can create relevant marketing messages for your existing and potential customers. Measure The Success of Your Marketing CampaignsMeasuring the success or efficiency of your marketing efforts is a must if you want to yield better marketing results. Without a personalized approach to marketing like you have in direct marketing, you can’t get a comprehensive picture of your campaign’s effectiveness. So what does all this mean? It means you can analyze aspects such as the response rate for each specific channel, the revenue it generates, and the ROI. Furthermore, it helps you understand how much your target audience is willing to pay for particular products or services. Conveniently Reach Your Target AudienceLooking at your existing or old indirect marketing channels, you notice that it doesn’t leave much room for flexibility. It is more likely that you have to meet the demands of the middleman for executing your marketing campaigns. In contrast to this, your direct marketing plans are significantly more flexible and convenient. For example, if you are looking for a higher response rate, you can use direct mail for your campaigns. But, if what you want is speed or shorter execution time, you can opt for an email marketing campaign. Advantages of Using Direct Marketing For Your BusinessIt is not easy to list all the advantages a business organization can get from employing direct marketing campaigns. However, below we have compiled a list of the most significant benefits of direct marketing for your business. Targeted AdsTargeted ads always drag in better results for your business than non-targeted ads. As we have already discussed, targeted ads refine who sees your ads or marketing content. Only the people who are likely to be interested in your product or service see your ads. In short, targeting specific groups of customers with a direct marketing message is more likely to generate quality leads. For instance, consider a real estate business – they are likely to generate more quality leads by targeting buyers and sellers within their area of operation. Budget MarketingAs a business organization, you would have unquestionably come across situations where you have had to cut down on your marketing expenses. Directly marketing your business does not merely help you minimize your marketing expenses. It helps you set up ambitious yet realistic goals for your marketing campaigns. As a result, direct marketing enables you to improve your sales despite having a relatively low budget for marketing. Compared to broadcast promotions, marketing directly to the target audience costs significantly less. Increase Sales to Existing and Past CustomersMany marketers assume that the customer, by default, doesn’t welcome businesses to interact with them. But, the truth is that customers value companies that understand their customer’s needs and build a personal relationship with them. Direct marketing is perfect for targeting your existing and past customers. Why? Because you already have the information of what kind of products your customers like. Hence, it is not hard to find the right products and offers that can catch the customer’s attention. Furthermore, it will also help your business find out why some of your customers decided to move on to a different brand. More importantly, it lets you find out what it takes to re-establish your relationship with lapsed customers. Boost Customer LoyaltyAs you saw in the section above, direct marketing plays a significant role in maintaining good relationships with its customers. When you are marketing your products or service directly to the customer, you can personalize both the message and the offer. It also means that you can link the offer in your marketing campaign with the customer loyalty program. Sending birthday cards, inviting the customer to a sales event, and offering loyalty points are some customer loyalty strategies that you can use. Ideal For Launching New Products or ServicesIf you want to market a new product or service that you intend on launching to the market, direct marketing is the best choice for you. What makes direct marketing the perfect launching pad for your business’s new product/service is obvious. It is no secret that the communication between a business and its target audience is much more effective when it is direct. Using a personalized approach works best for your customer acquisition programs as it can generate authentic leads. If that’s not enough, direct marketing also helps businesses adapt to the market demands and adopt an approach best suited for it. Ideal For Measuring Product DemandNothing can give your business an edge over its competitors than understanding the product’s demand in the market. No matter how good your product or service is, it will fail if it does not meet the consumer’s demand. Furthermore, it also lets you:
As a result, you can easily modify your marketing campaigns and ensure their good performance. Therefore, direct marketers must monitor and analyze their marketing efforts to optimize them. Types of Direct MarketingWhat makes direct marketing an ideal marketing strategy is that you can implement it using different formats or channels. You can market your products or services directly to the target audience using offline and online communication channels. Here are various ways that are most effective in selling your products or services straight to the target audience. Direct Mail MarketingDirect mail marketing is one of the best ways for businesses to reach out to their target audience. Despite what you may have heard about offline marketing channels like direct mail, they are not dead. In fact, offline marketing channels like direct mail are perfect for your direct marketing campaigns. Why? Because the digital marketing sphere is already filled to the brim with marketers trying to catch the audience’s attention. If that’s not enough, direct mail marketing offers a higher ROI potential than most advanced marketing strategies. Additionally, using an advanced direct mail automation tool like PostGrid gets advanced capabilities. We have made a list of methods you can make your direct mail marketing more effective, and you can read all about it direct mail marketing here. You can use PostGrid for printing all kinds of print media for marketing your business, such as:
Advantages of Direct Mail Marketing
Email MarketingIn a way, Email marketing is the faster version of direct mail marketing. It is also one of the most commonly used direct marketing plans companies use. In terms of speed of execution, email marketing is much faster than direct mail marketing. However, email marketing is not as effective as it once was. One reason is that almost every mainstream company now uses email marketing. The customers are bombarded with one marketing email after another. More importantly, it is easy to ignore emails and leave them unread forever. You can use this type of direct marketing to send all types of marketing materials, such as:
Advantages of Email Marketing
Web Push MarketingWeb push marketing involves using the customer’s stored information in the browser to send relevant push notifications. In most ways, web push marketing is similar to push notifications on mobile devices. The only difference is that the notices are sent to the target’s desktop or laptop instead of mobile. These are the same notifications that you might have noticed popping out on the corner when browsing through websites. The push notification can be about anything, including:
The direct marketing method helps your business establish direct contact with the target audience. It does so by providing relevant information to the user in real-time. Advantages of Web Push Marketing
Mobile MarketingMobile marketing is one of the most popular direct marketing plans available for business organizations of all shapes and sizes. It involves all communication with the target audience through their mobile devices. Some of the most widely used mobile marketing strategies are
Mobile direct marketing usually includes sharing links, discount codes, etc., with the customers, which leads them to business websites. It is an effective marketing strategy in a day and age where a good amount of our time is spent on mobile phones. When implementing mobile marketing for your business, it would help to analyze your target audience. For example, a deep analysis of the target audience can reveal when the audience actively uses mobile devices. Once you have that information, you can easily pitch relevant offers or content to the target. Advantages of Mobile Marketing
Messenger MarketingAs you can guess from the name, messenger marketing uses various messaging apps such as Facebook/Meta messenger, WhatsApp, Telegram, etc. These apps let your company send direct messages to the target audience. Generally, it involves a hybrid of text message and email. Messenger marketing is often considered a more subtle way to reach the target audience. What does that mean? It means it is a direct marketing method you can use for collecting more personal details of the target, such as their phone number and addresses. Hence, it is no wonder that many B2B companies are in love with messenger marketing as they often need an initial touchpoint. They can use messenger communication to nurture leads and establish dynamic relationships with prospective buyers. Advantages of Mobile Marketing
TelemarketingTelemarketing is perhaps the oldest direct marketing strategy in this list other than direct mail. Although telemarketing is not as popular as it was back in the days, it is still an effective marketing strategy. As you know, telemarketing involves contacting prospective customers directly via phone. It can be an extremely effective marketing strategy if you have the right people for the job. However, several countries have a do-not-call list that lets individuals opt out of unsolicited sales calls. Hence, it might be hard to get the full potential out of your telemarketing campaigns. But, if you want to target people with whom you already have an existing relationship, the opt-out facility won’t be a problem. Furthermore, a significant portion of the target audience generally doesn’t go through the trouble of adding themselves to the list. Advantages of Telemarketing
Social Media MarketingSocial media marketing is by no means a new concept to marketers. It is one of the most effective direct marketing strategies to help your business achieve the desired result. The target audience uses social media platforms regardless of their age or economic background. Furthermore, social media platforms like Facebook offer superior targeting features. You can ensure that your marketing ads always reach the right audience when you have such advanced targeting capabilities. Did you know that several companies depend solely on social media marketing to generate leads and sales? Yes, that’s how effective social media marketing can be as long as you execute it right. Advantages of Social Media Marketing
Direct Marketing vs Indirect MarketingThe main difference between indirect and direct marketing is their targeting. When marketing directly to the customers, it is either for an individual customer or a highly targeted customer group. Whereas, in indirect marketing, the marketing message is broadcasted often randomly. But what other differences do the two marketing techniques have? The following table will help you understand the differences between direct and indirect marketing.
How To Start A Direct Marketing Campaign For Your Business?You have already understood how promising it is to market your product/service directly to customers. And you are probably wondering how you can get started on direct marketing advertising for your business. The following pointer should provide you with every information you need for that. Step 1: Choose The Best Marketing Method For Your BusinessThe first thing you need to do before implementing direct marketing for your business is to decide on the ideal marketing method. Now the best marketing method for your business can vary depending on the various factors such as your
Let’s take the example of the real estate business again. A well-designed direct mail postcard campaign is the best direct marketing method for real estate businesses to target their prospects. Why? Because it lets realtors target people within their farm area and can include attractive images of the property. In addition to this, realtors can even employ specialized direct mail services for the real estate business. Step 2: Create a Targeting ListOnce you have picked the suitable direct marketing method for your business, you can create a targeting list. If you are unsure about how to create a targeting list, start with the data you have on your existing customers. You can segment your current customers into smaller groups. Some of the factors you can use for segmenting your target audience are
Understanding your target audience is essential in creating an effective marketing strategy and message for your business. Step 3: Create Your Direct Marketing MaterialAgain, creating the marketing material for your business can vary depending on what marketing method you choose. For instance, if you are using direct mail marketing for your business, you may have to consult with a designer or a direct mail company. Furthermore, you may also use advanced automation tools like PostGrid for designing and printing personalized mailers. Similarly, all direct marketing plans can be streamlined and simplified using advanced tools with automation capability. One of the recent projects we undertook required us to programmatically automate the workflow of our client’s direct mail communications. We were able to use our direct mail automation system to significantly reduce the manual errors in the process. Our solution also ensured that our client could easily send 1000 – 3000 mailings a month, which affected their retention and response rates positively. Step 4: Ensure You Can track Your Direct Marketing CampaignTracking your direct marketing plans is a must regardless of your marketing method or strategy. Thankfully, it can be easily implemented by adding results trackers to your marketing campaigns. For example, you can add scannable QR codes or promotional codes to your direct mailers as a results tracker. Now, if you are dealing with email campaigns, you can add pixel code to the emails for tracking your marketing campaigns. The pixel code lets you know every time someone clicks on the CTA and navigates to your website. Similarly, you must add a relevant results tracker to your direct marketing plans. Step 5: Test Your Direct Marketing CampaignTesting is an integral part of every marketing campaign, and it is no different for your direct marketing campaign. You can test your marketing campaigns by selecting a small batch or group of the target audience for sending your marketing material. After they receive your marketing material, you can check their response. If a significant portion of the batch responds to your marketing message, you can consider sending the marketing mailer to a larger audience. And, if you do not receive the desired response initially, you may have to make adjustments to your marketing material. Step 6: Analyze Your ResultsMerely testing your direct marketing campaigns is not good enough to make them successful. You also need to analyze the data you get from the tests. But, before you begin studying your marketing campaign, you need to ensure that you give the campaign enough time to run. Some of the factors you need to analyze are each campaign’s response rate and marketing material. Comparing campaign results against your lead generation and revenue would also be best. Furthermore, the analysis should be carried out throughout a specified time, like a month or two. Direct Marketing ExamplesWe hope that you know all there is to direct marketing and how you can implement it for your business by now. Now, let’s take a look at some direct marketing examples that can help you along the way and optimize your marketing efforts. #1 Touch BrandingTouch Branding is a leading branding agency based in Prague with extensive experience in global marketing campaigns. A direct mail campaign is one of their notable marketing projects that directly target the target audience. It carried a peculiar tagline, “We’ll give our blood for good branding.” Of course, it also had relevant graphics that supported its marketing message and tagline. The direct mail had a picture of a blood bag. And the marketing tagline was printed on the blood bag rather than on the background. Interestingly, the company supported the direct mail campaigns with an email campaign and banners on their website. #2 CanvaThere is a good chance that you or someone at your organization has already come across one of Canva’s direct marketing emails. Whenever Canva creates a new design concept, they market it to all their subscribers. Every subscriber receives an email informing them about the new design concept and how they can use it on presentations and infographics. It is a simple and effective way to market a product, and Canva often backs it with minimalist content that communicates everything the recipient needs to know. ConclusionThere is no question about the effectiveness of direct marketing plans. It offers a more personalized and targeted approach to marketing that is bound to bring positive results. Businesses have numerous reasons to market their products or services to the target audience and few reasons not to do it. Furthermore, businesses can use online and offline channels for marketing their business directly to the customers. Offline marketing channels such as direct mail offer superior marketing capabilities. It is especially true when employing advanced tools like PostGrid. Automated solutions like PostGrid ensure easy and convenient execution of your direct marketing plans. In addition to this, tools like PostGrid also help you analyze your marketing performance and systematically perfect your strategies. Similarly, every direct marketing campaign can be optimized with the right tools. We could go on and on about the benefits of marketing directly to your target audience, or you could try it and see the results. The post Direct Marketing: What, Why, How and Examples appeared first on PostGrid. source https://www.postgrid.ca/direct-marketing/ source https://postgridcanadainc.tumblr.com/post/683540282986348544 Via https://harveywilson355.tumblr.com/post/683543516484386816 TABLE OF CONTENTSAddress Autocomplete - CanadaThe worst thing about filling out an online form is having to manually fill out the details such as your name and address. A user finds nothing more inconvenient than having to type in lengthy details just to submit a form. Even when users place an order online, they prefer not to type in these details. The address part is without question the most lengthy detail that the user has to feed to the system. You have to type every little detail which includes everything from the street name to the full nine-digit ZIP code. Address Autocomplete feature makes this a lot easier for the user to provide their information on a website or landing page. However, the significance of the Address Autocomplete feature is grossly underestimated by businesses. Think of all the times your connection timed out or refreshed after entering the address details. There is a good chance that you have given up on the process altogether because you grew tired of reentering the lengthy data. Hence, your business could be losing sales or leads if you don’t have an address autocomplete feature. Furthermore, there is a good chance that the user will end up typing in the wrong address. Maybe the user missed a number in the postal code or perhaps made a typo error. If you are still unsure about the Address Autocomplete feature and how it can benefit your business, you should keep reading. But, first, you must understand how Address Autocomplete API can be used on a website. What is Address Autocomplete?Address Autocomplete is a feature that suggests or automatically fills street addresses to the user as they type it into a form. Businesses access the Address Autocomplete feature via an address verification API like PostGrid. The fact is that you can’t find dedicated Address Autocomplete APIs available in the market. Furthermore, advanced APIs like PostGrid are equipped with additional features like address verification. Address Autocomplete APIs like PostGrid are SERP certified or Software Evaluation and Recognition Program. It means that software like PostGrid can access Canada Post’s official address database. So, you can be sure that addresses filled using Address Autocomplete are accurate and deliverable. Why Do You Need Address Autocomplete?There are many advantages of using an Address Autocomplete API on your website or landing page. However, the primary purpose of API Address Autocomplete is convenience. Additionally, it also provides a superior quality address database. Address Autocomplete API can further streamline how your prospects interact with your business. Some of the significant advantages or reasons why you should use Address Autocomplete are discussed below. It will become clear why Address Autocomplete is a necessary feature for your business as you read on. Minimize ErrorsYou can significantly reduce an error in the address database. Most unintentional errors in address data are from its point of collection. Users tend to type in their address in a hurry and often make errors in the address data they enter. Address Autocomplete ensures that the address data you have is verified right from the start. As soon as the user starts entering the address, the advanced systems like PostGrid get to work. The SERP-certified software accesses Canada Post’s official address database and fills in the accurate address for you. Minimize KeystrokesWe know that the Address Autocomplete tool such as PostGrid suggests street addresses even as the user types them. As a result, the keystrokes are significantly reduced, and the chance of an error is minimized. You get real-time predictions with each keystroke making it highly convenient for the user to enter their address. This convenience offered by Address Autocomplete is highly desirable to the user. It significantly improves the user experience. Simplified Checkout ProcessAddress Autocomplete can simplify the checkout process for your business. Filling in the address and the card details are two of the slowest and most time-consuming parts of making an online purchase. An Address Autocomplete tool like PostGrid eliminates keystrokes for shipping and billing information. Furthermore, an address filled via Address Autocomplete is highly unlikely to have any errors in it. Minimize Cart Abandonment RateNowadays, everything is about convenience. The average person has come to expect this for everything in life. The same is true for checkout processes. Thus, there is a good chance for the user to abandon the cart simply because they have to enter the address manually. Furthermore, there are chances that the user may be forced to reenter the address because of an unresponsive checkout page. In such cases, it is not hard to imagine that they abandon the cart altogether. Address Autocomplete can effectively bring down cart abandonment through a convenient checkout process. Minimize TyposOne of the most common reasons behind bad data in address databases is typos. Typos are rather common when you manually input data, especially for long data like addresses. Furthermore, if a user also types in their alphanumeric postal code, the chance of an error increases. Address Autocomplete feature by filling in the address for the user ensures that there are no typos. You can also correct your already existing address database using a tool like PostGrid. PostGrid can easily detect and correct minor typographical errors. It can even provide you with the alphanumeric postal code for the addresses. Standardize and Validate AddressesThe Address Autocomplete features are usually accessed through an address verification API. Advanced systems like PostGrid don’t just fill the address that the user types in. They also standardize and validate it. Every time a user starts typing in an address, systems like PostGrid get to work. It goes through Canada Post’s official address database and suggests potential addresses based on the data from the user. Hence, every address you get via Address Autocomplete is already standardized and validated. Factors to Consider When Using an Address Autocomplete APIWe have already made it clear why businesses need the help of an Address Autocomplete API. But, before you jump in and start looking for the perfect API Address Autocomplete, here are six factors you should consider.
Given above are the several factors that you need to consider before picking an Address Autocomplete API for your business. It would be a waste of time and effort if you integrated an API into your website only to find out later that it does not have everything you need. Although every business’s needs are unique, the factors given above are common for almost all businesses. So, let’s discuss each of the factors separately. After analyzing these factors you can determine whether an Address Autocomplete API is suited for your business. 1. GeolocationThe ultimate goal of Address Autocomplete is to ensure easy, quick, and accurate address collection. One of the most preferred ways to ensure this is by choosing an API tool with a geolocation feature. With a geolocation feature, you can approximate the user’s location based on their IP address. Once the system assesses the location data, it can suggest addresses to you near a geographic location using the IP address. As the API points to addresses near the user’s physical location, the user can quickly identify the correct address. Why is Geolocation Important?An Address Autocomplete API without geolocation capabilities may require more time to process. The user may have to enter more data for the system to close in on the specific location. The address you need to enter is longer when the API Address Autocomplete does not have a geolocation feature. So, the manually entered part of the address is longer here. Hence, there is a bigger chance of typographical errors. So, using an Address Autocomplete API without a geolocation feature could very well end up being counterproductive. How Can Geolocation Enhance Address Autocompletion?Suppose a user enters an address with the number “1408” on your website/landing page. They are hoping that the system would suggest the rest. A system with the geolocation feature can automatically detect the IP address and offer an accurate address. On the other hand, a system without geolocation capability might suggest every address with the number the user typed. So instead of offering addresses that are closer to the user’s physical location, the user is provided with multiple addresses with “1408” in them. 2. Apartment Numbers or Secondary Unit DesignatorsMany Address Autocomplete tools are available in the market today. But, many of these can only provide you with the primary address of a location. Not every Address Autocomplete API can provide you with the secondary unit of an address. This secondary unit is usually the apartment number of an address. So, what is the difference? Well, the primary address of a location may only give you the address of an apartment building. In contrast, a secondary unit designator can pinpoint the exact apartment and not just show you the building. So, ensure the Address Autocomplete tool that you choose can provide you with apartment numbers if required. Otherwise, you can go for Address Autocomplete APIs that provide you with a primary address only. Front Door Accuracy or Ballpark AccuracyAsk yourself before choosing an Address Autocomplete API if you need “front door” accuracy or “ballpark” accuracy. If your business does not require knowing the user’s exact location, then you only need a ballpark accuracy for the API. On the other hand, if your business needs to make deliveries, then a ballpark accuracy is not really enough to get the job done. In this case, you should choose an Address Autocomplete API that provides addresses that are accurate to a front door level. Why You Need Front Door Accuracy For Your Address Autocomplete APIIn most cases, the address you obtain via the Address Autocomplete process is accurate. However, sometimes the address obtained via an Address Autocomplete API may not be accurate enough. For instance, there are many businesses that share office space inside a large building. Such a large building likely has separate addresses for different floors, suites, units, and lobbies. So even if you do get access to an address that seems accurate to a front door, it may not be the case. Therefore, it becomes necessary to double-check the accuracy of an Address Autocomplete API. 3. PO Boxes and Other Special AddressesYou might think that there is nothing to worry about as long as you have a front door accurate Autocompletion system. But sadly, this is not the case. When it comes to addresses, there are other special cases that you need to consider. Businesses may often have to deal with special addresses like PO boxes or Post Office boxes. However, it might shock you to know that even some of the leading Address Autocomplete API providers do not deal with PO boxes. A large number of entry-level Address Autocomplete APIs do not bother themselves with PO box addresses. The primary reason for this is that the entry-level autocomplete APIs are usually built by mapping services. Therefore, there is no reason for them to concern themselves with mailing points. Why You Need an Address Verification API For AutocompletionAs mentioned above, most entry-level autocompletion APIs are created by mapping companies. As you can guess, the mailing points you or your customer wants to ship are not a concern to them. Hence, using Address Autocompletion for PO box addresses is not possible through such APIs. You need a specialized autocompletion tool like PostGrid, which focuses on the addresses over the location. PostGrid utilizes the official address database managed by Canada Post. Hence, you can ensure that tools like PostGrid can access, verify, and supply you with PO box addresses. 4. Standardization and ValidationThe first thing you should consider before choosing an Address Autocomplete API is the ability to standardize and validate addresses. Standardization is the process where a given address is formatted to align with the official postal format. The standard format of the address is defined by the country’s official postal service provider. When it comes to Canada, this format is decided by Canada Post. Go through the following guidelines from Canada Post to better understand the correct postal format.
Why is Standardization Important?As you can see, the details involved in proper mail format are not as simple as you might have thought. Now, ensuring the standardization of addresses can be easy. But, only as long as you are dealing with one or two dozens of mailers. If your company sends out bulk emails, then an automated system for address standardization is a necessity. The standardization of your postal mail is crucial. Because otherwise, there is a good chance of delays. Properly standardized addresses are easier to process for the Canada Post. Hence standardization ensures minimal delivery time for your direct mails. PostGrid is a tool that not only standardizes the address but also validates its deliverability. 5. Detecting Wrong AddressesJust because using an Address Autocomplete tool does not mean that every address in your database automatically becomes deliverable. In fact, there are many Address Autocomplete API that gives you an address based on a hypothetical location. Finding Whether An Address Autocomplete API Can Detect Fake AddressesAddresses like the one we have mentioned above may or may not exist. They are most likely obtained from a mapping-based system. However, there are easy ways through which you can determine whether an autocompletion tool can detect fake addresses. All you have to do is pick an address that you know is real, perhaps a nearby mall. You should then change one digit of the building number and push it through an Address Autocomplete tool. If the tool you are using shows that the address is “fake” or “non-existent,” then the tool probably works. Why Use an Address Verification API?Unlike a mapping-based system, an address verification API is capable of correcting wrong or fake addresses. In addition, address verification APIs like PostGrid can access the official address database of Canada Post. Therefore, PostGrid only returns addresses that are accurate and deliverable. Also, it can detect and correct minor typos in an address that the user accidentally made. The tool also helps you identify fake or wrong addresses and further enhance your address database. 6. Detecting Non-Postal AddressesAny street address that exists in reality but is not included in the Canada Post’s address database can be termed a non-postal address. Non-postal addresses usually include:
Given above are some of the examples of non-postal addresses. However, non-postal addresses are not limited to the ones we have stated above. Although Canada Post may not deliver to these addresses, you can always use other postal service providers like UPS and FedEx. Different Address Autocomplete APIsWe have already explained the things you should look for in a good Address Autocomplete API. Now let’s take a look at some of the popular Address Autocomplete APIs that you can use. Understanding the capabilities offered by these service providers will help you choose the best one for your business. Before we dive into the details of the different Address Autocomplete APIs, you must understand that all of them have their strengths and weaknesses. Therefore, the best one suited for your unique business needs can only figure out after examining what each of them has to offer. It is also worth noting that even tech giants like Google acknowledge the potential of the Address Autocomplete API. Google Address Autocomplete is already one of the most popular choices among businesses. But, does it really live up to the expectations? Read on to find out. Google Places Autocomplete APIBoth Google Maps and Google Places have already become a part of our personal lives. But, how good are they for business applications? It is not hard to see why Google would try its hand at Address Autocomplete, seeing as they already have Google Places. Google Places library is probably the most extensive set of business listings in the world. With access to data from over 200 countries and territories, Google’s API opens up new opportunities for businesses. Furthermore, Google has access to volunteers who use a Local Guides program to submit location data. But, the real question is how feasible is Google’s solution when it comes to business applications? Can it measure up with the other SERP-certified Address Autocomplete solutions? And how well does it perform when it comes to the six considerations we have discussed above? GeolocationIn terms of geolocation capability, there are very few software solutions that can keep up with Google. Hence, Google’s Autocomplete API is capable of quickly returning address suggestions by detecting the user’s current location. Secondary Unit Designators/Apartment NumberGoogle’s Address Autocomplete is not equipped to suggest any secondary unit indicators. This includes apartment numbers, floors, and more. Furthermore, Google’s Autocomplete tool cannot check whether a given address is valid for delivery by Canada Post. There is a significant number of addresses that contain some form of secondary address indicator. So, not having the capability to suggest secondary unit indicators is a potential deal-breaker for most businesses. Why is the secondary unit designator such a big deal for businesses? It is because a great number of customers may get inconvenienced by manually entering this information. As a result, the chances of cart abandonment also increase, which is never desirable for businesses. Standardization and ValidationGoogle can neither standardize nor validate the addresses that you provide it. So, if your business application involves the delivery of products or services, Google may end up disappointing you. In addition, much of Google’s data comes from volunteers around the world. There is a good chance that these volunteers reach some roadblock from time to time. And as Google’s API does not require the standardization or validation of addresses, its data accuracy can be unreliable. PO Box AddressesEven something as simple as autocompleting a PO box address is not possible through Google’s tool. In addition, most businesses send a significant number of mailers to PO box addresses. Hence, it further distances Google Address Autocomplete from being used for business operations. Detecting Wrong AddressesOne of the biggest disadvantages of using Google Address Autocomplete is that it may not detect wrong addresses. As a result, Google may very well suggest wrong or fake addresses. Google takes the house/building number provided by the user at face value and doesn’t bother to validate it. You should consider that hundreds or even thousands of addresses may have the same street name. In such cases, it can become impossible to find the right address. So if the user accidentally enters a wrong address, Google has no way of detecting it, and the package could get lost forever. Furthermore, Google will show the wrong address as a valid suggestion rather than letting you know that the address is incorrect. It cannot detect the wrong address or tell the real ones from the fake because it does not support address validation. Detecting Non-Postal AddressesOn the bright side, Google is capable of detecting non-postal addresses. Thus, it can significantly help you in growing your business’s address database. But, at the same time, the address you get is often unreliable. This is because the volunteers employed by Google are untrained. Without proper training, the volunteers often end up mixing up residential and business addresses. In addition, it further complicates Google’s address database as there are many duplicates which in turn affect its accuracy. Things to Note Before Employing Google Address AutocompleteThere are some additional factors that you should be aware of about Google Address Autocomplete before using it for your business.
Algolia Address Autocomplete APIAnother popular tool when it comes to Address Autocomplete is Algolia Address Autocomplete API. Algolia is an open-source project which means it is highly flexible. Furthermore, Algolia also has an extensive data library that can go on par with Google. GeolocationAlgolia Address Autocomplete API does not utilize the geolocation feature. Hence, Algolia’s Address Autocomplete feature is a lot slower than advanced solutions like PostGrid. It also means that the keystrokes required for effective Address Autocomplete are also high. Secondary Unit Designators/Apartment NumberAlgolia Address Autocomplete API can not give you the apartment number of an address. So if you try to type an apartment number on Algolia, then it is likely that the software will get confused and return not such accurate data. PO Box AddressesAlgolia’s Address Autocomplete API is basically a mapping API, and hence it can not access address data like PostGrid. Thus, Algolia can’t return accurate results for Post Office box or PO Box addresses. Standardization and ValidationAs we have already mentioned, Algolia is primarily a mapping API. Therefore it is not equipped with standardization and validation capabilities. Thus, similar to Google Address Autocomplete API, you are likely to get conflicting information via Algolia’s tool. Detecting Wrong AddressesAlgolia cannot access the official address database of Canada Post or validate an address’s deliverability. Much like Google Address Autocomplete, Algolia also assumes the addresses that you enter are accurate and free of error or typos. Hence, the results are based on the street address and not on the house/apartment number. Detecting Non-Postal AddressesSimilar to Google, Algolia can also detect and provide you with non-postal addresses. However, the similarities between Algolia and Google Address Autocomplete don’t end there. Both depend on volunteers to add addresses to their system. However, the addresses obtained through Algolia are often considered more reliable than Google. Therefore, Algolia is a perfect tool if you are looking for general information for your Address Autocomplete feature. But, they are not ideal if you need access to the front door-accurate information. PostGrid Address Autocomplete APIPostGrid is a SERP-certified Address Autocomplete tool that works using the official address database of Canada Post. Unlike other systems that are primarily mapping APIs, PostGrid is mainly an address verification API. This means that address standardization and validation are in-built features for tools like PostGrid. Therefore, you can ensure that every address you receive via PostGrid is accurate and deliverable by Canada Post. GeolocationPostGrid supports geolocation for quick and easy address autocompletion. Furthermore, you can even access advanced features like geocoding through PostGrid’s advanced tool. Secondary Unit Designators/Apartment NumberThe advanced Address Autocomplete API from PostGrid can easily find the apartment or house number of an address. It is possible for PostGrid because the SERP-certified system can access Canada Post’s address database. Therefore, not only can it access apartment numbers but also the full postal code of addresses. PO Box AddressesAs Canada Post keeps a record of all the Post Office box or PO box addresses, PostGrid can easily auto-complete them. Furthermore, any changes or updates in an address are quickly reflected on the Canada Post address database. Standardization and ValidationAs we have already mentioned, PostGrid is primarily an address verification API. Hence, PostGrid comes equipped with address standardization and validation capabilities. Each time an address is looked upon, the Canada Post address database gets standardized and validated by the system. Detecting Wrong AddressesPostGrid can easily detect wrong or fake addresses and alert you. This is again thanks to PostGrid’s ability to access Canada Post’s address database. Furthermore, PostGrid can even correct minor errors or typos accidentally made by the user. ConclusionThe Address Autocomplete feature is a necessity for businesses these days. It is to ensure a friction-free user experience. However, it is not easy to find the right tool to do the job. There are many Address Autocomplete APIs available in the market. These APIs even include Google Address Autocomplete. However, despite all the advanced features, even Google’s tool fails to deliver front door-accurate addresses. The primary reason for this is that most tools are mapping-based APIs. On the other hand, PostGrid is primarily an address validation API with access to Canada Post’s address database. A robust standardization and validation process back PostGrid’s Address Autocomplete feature. As a result, you can be sure that the address obtained through PostGrid is accurate and deliverable. Therefore, it is evident that businesses that require front door-accurate Address Autocompletion need a solution like PostGrid. The post Address Autocomplete appeared first on PostGrid. source https://www.postgrid.ca/address-autocomplete/ source https://postgridcanadainc.tumblr.com/post/682808569962414080 Via https://harveywilson355.tumblr.com/post/682813401957859328 TABLE OF CONTENTSDirect Mail Reach vs Frequency: What are They and Why You Need ThemReach and frequency are two of the most common terms related to marketing. But, most business owners do not understand the difference between reach and frequency. The business owners’ vague knowledge of the two marketing terms confuses them. In such cases, it is not uncommon for them to mistake reach with frequency and vice versa. Here, we discuss the reach vs. frequency in direct mail campaigns. In addition to this, you will also learn why they are so crucial for your direct mail campaigns. We will talk about how you can optimize marketing mail frequency and reach and maximize your marketing results. What Are Reach And Frequency In Direct Mail?To put it as simply as possible, reach and frequency are terms you will often encounter in the marketing space. These terms may mean nothing to a customer. Still, they indicate how successful their marketing efforts were for a marketer. What is Direct Mail Reach?The reach of a direct mail marketing campaign is the number of people who view your direct mail campaign within a specified time. Both reach and frequency are standard terms in all kinds of marketing. In TV ads, reach is the number of people who view your ad while it plays on the TV. Reach is the total number of people viewing or receiving your marketing mailer for direct mail. However, just like everyone that has their TV on does not watch it, all received mailers are not read. Effective reach is a much smaller number of people that most likely received your marketing message. What is Direct Mail Frequency?The frequency is the number of times an individual target is likely to interact with your marketing message throughout a marketing campaign. Direct mail frequency statistics are essential for determining the effectiveness of your direct mail campaigns. You can boost your chances of creating a high-quality engagement with your target audience by increasing the frequency of exposure. In other words, the more direct mail messages you send, the more are your chances of creating a high-quality engagement with an individual target. Why Should Businesses Focus On Frequency of Direct Mail Campaigns?Both reach and frequency can help you determine the effectiveness of your direct mail campaigns and optimize it for better results. However, experienced marketers always focus their attention on the frequency of their marketing campaigns rather than the reach. Yet, many newcomers often run after the reach because they believe the more their reach, the more their chances of conversion. They are convinced about the role of reach that they don’t even bother to factor in frequency. A direct mail campaign must always take reach and frequency into consideration. You may be tempted to reach out to 1000 people with a one-time rather than reach 200 people 5 times. But guess which of these two options yields a better result for your business? The latter option is more likely to generate the desired response with a higher frequency. Here is why Reach Without Frequency is Money Down The DrainReach is significant to business marketing, and we know it. But, ask yourself, what does it take to get the desired response from the prospect with a single mailer? The perfect strategy? The perfect mailer? Perfect everything? Perfection is only something we can aim for and can never really achieve. When it comes to marketing, attaining perfection or even near perfection is virtually impossible. But, you will see a more realistic result if you use the direct mail frequency statistics for optimizing your campaigns. So, if you want to see conceivable results for your direct mail campaign, you would need more than just one mailer. Frequency is Essential For Niche AudienceBefore going into the reach vs frequency debate, let’s look at it through an example. Let’s say that you own a real estate business looking for new potential sellers. And you are focusing all your efforts on a particular market or locality. In this case, there is no point in reaching out to general audiences outside your niche. Even though people outside your target area may own real estate properties, the chances are minuscule. The marketing message tailored for a specific niche audience may not resonate the same way with other audiences. In such cases, it is also essential to have specialized direct mail services for real estate businesses for ensuring the best results. And the same goes for every other industry vertical. Frequency is Vital For Targeting Prospects Who Are Ready to BuyLet’s take the example of the real estate business again to understand why frequency wins the reach vs frequency argument. Suppose one of your prospective real estate sellers is thinking about selling their home. Assuming that the prospect is yet to finalize their decision, imagine the effect a well-timed direct mail can have on them. Even if the target were to brush through the mailer, they would notice your real estate brand. And with a higher frequency of mailers, you are more likely to grab the attention of prospects. After that, it is just a matter of time before the target gets in touch with your real estate business. Determining The Optimal Frequency Of Direct Mail CampaignsMarketers know that the target audience generally responds to marketing campaigns after three or more exposures. We also know that the optimal reach and frequency can vary from business to business. So how do you determine the ideal frequency for your direct mail campaigns? The only way to find this is to test different frequencies and examine their result. So then what is the ideal frequency for direct mail campaigns? It is the frequency with minimal expenditure and maximum response rate. Direct Mail Frequency Best PracticesThere are several best practices for optimizing your direct mail frequency, and some of the crucial ones are listed below: Automated Direct Mail: One of the reasons businesses are not too enthusiastic about high-frequency direct mail marketing is the effort it needs. You can set up high-frequency direct mail campaigns with a button with a fully automated system. To get a more holistic idea of automated direct mail, click here. Testing And Analyzing: Like any other marketing strategy, testing is crucial for optimizing your reach and frequency. Usually, advanced direct mail management tools such as PostGrid come equipped with robust testing and analytic capabilities. ConclusionThe reach and frequency of direct mail campaigns play a crucial role in their effectiveness of direct mail campaigns. Unfortunately, many businesses only think about the reach and conveniently ignore the frequency aspect of marketing. But, the truth is that reach without frequency is hardly adequate. In many cases, the frequent mailing is the only way to grab the target’s attention. However, there are also situations where reach is more important than frequency. Hence, marketers should avoid the reach vs frequency argument and optimize the frequency based on their requirements. Using a direct mail automation tool like PostGrid is a great way to optimize your direct mail frequency. Such solutions can help you automate high-frequency direct mail campaigns and test the effectiveness of different frequencies for your campaign. The post Reach vs. Frequency in Direct Mail Campaigns appeared first on PostGrid. source https://www.postgrid.ca/reach-vs-frequency-in-direct-mail/ source https://postgridcanadainc.tumblr.com/post/682792889637617664 Via https://harveywilson355.tumblr.com/post/682796255672418304 TABLE OF CONTENTSHow to Run a Direct Mail CampaignMarketing campaigns are now even more complex than they ever were. Every marketing strategy employed today uses automation tools. These automation tools enable you to run complex marketing campaigns that stretch across different channels such as email, social media, and so on. The digital medium offers excellent flexibility and convenience to the marketers that practically everyone has flocked around it. From a consumer point of view, one might even say that it has become a little too much. Just think about all the times your Email got filled with marketing emails. Many of us have at some point given up an email ID simply because it was too exhausting to unsubscribe from all of them. As far as the customer is concerned, it is often easier to create a new email ID. We have already trained ourselves to ignore marketing messages via texts, emails, etc. Therefore, it is no wonder that marketers are now turning back to direct mail campaigns. The direct mail marketing strategy has a higher response rate and ROI than most digital marketing strategies. The truth is sustainable and effective direct mail campaigns should not be overwhelmingly expensive. Additionally, effective direct mail campaigns don’t cost you an arm and a leg. The direct mail marketing strategy also offers quick and reliable testing to get a fair idea in terms of the market response of a product/service. But, running a direct mail campaign is not easy. You can improve your chances of success by using advanced direct mail automation tools like PostGrid. However, you would still need to learn how to run a direct mail campaign. Mastering a direct mail marketing strategy will inevitably take a lot of experience. However, we have compiled an article that can help you get started and guide you away from making unnecessary mistakes. So, read on to find out how to run a direct mail campaign. Why are Direct Mail Campaigns Still RelevantIsn’t it surprising that the direct mail campaign is still very much popular despite not being a digital marketing strategy? You must be wondering why many companies prefer using it when every company depends entirely on digital campaigns. What’s even more interesting is that the direct mail campaign strategy only seems to be getting stronger each passing day. There are several reasons why direct mail marketing campaigns are still relevant for businesses. The high open/response rate is one of the reasons for their continued popularity. Apart from that, it also has a higher return on investment (ROI). For any marketer, the potential of a higher ROI is a big enough reason to invest in a direct mail campaign. However, there are several other reasons why you should employ a direct mail campaign for your business. Some of these reasons are discussed below. Direct Mail Is Tangible and InteractiveDirect mails like postcards and letters are tangible. The customer can touch and feel the paper, and they have to take it out of their mailbox physically. It dramatically improves the customer’s chance to notice and open it, unlike a text or Email that can quickly go ignored. Furthermore, you can use direct mail to include a coupon code that can be redeemed online or at your store. So, you can navigate potential customers to your desired channel (website or store) and also boost interactions. Provides a More Memorable ExperienceRemember the last hyper-personalized marketing email you got from your favourite brand? You probably don’t, and that’s the thing about receiving messages via digital mediums. Digital channels like text messages and Email are not particularly memorable. Whereas receiving direct mail that you can touch and feel is likely to ignite a feeling of nostalgia in the recipient. By creating a nostalgic feeling in the recipients, you can generate an emotional response from them. As we all know, an emotional response is more likely to lead to a sale or conversion than a well-thought-out response. You can further enhance this connection with the recipient with personalization. Use the customer’s name or even a handwritten signature to personalize your direct mail. Enables You to Access a Wider DemographicsIn theory, direct mail marketing is capable of reaching more people than digital marketing. However, this depends heavily on the target audience you set for the campaign. One of the reasons why direct mail can reach more people is that not everyone is on social media or has an email account. So, how do you reach the target audience who does not have a significant presence in the online world? Direct mail is the only feasible solution for such situations. Canada Post even offers neighbourhood mail which allows you to send targeted marketing mailers to specific areas without asking for an address. Direct Mail Are More CreativeWith today’s direct mail automation capability, you can get more creative with your direct mail campaign than ever before. You have practically limitless ways to combine your digital and direct mail strategy. Also, you can expand the reach of your campaign and your target audience. For example, you can use direct mail’s high open/response rate for initial engagement with the prospects. You may then direct the prospective customers to your website or landing page using a PURL or QR code. Once the user reaches your website or landing page, you can make them fill a form or make a purchase. There is Significantly Less CompetitionMost companies have already given up on offline marketing strategies like direct mail. Although direct mail is gaining popularity, there are not many businesses out there experienced in running such offline marketing strategies. It means that the competition in direct mail marketing is far less compared to digital marketing. As a result, it is easier for your business to get noticed via direct mail. You could even say that people are surprised at receiving direct mail these days and hence more effective than any other marketing strategy. Advantages of Using Direct Mail Marketing PlanThere are several advantages of using a direct mail marketing plan. For example, you can use your marketing database or purchasable mail lists to run direct mail campaigns. It is highly convenient for marketers as getting their hands on the required data is not too hard. That being said, using purchased lists could turn into a nightmare if the data quality is poor. You could end up with a significant number of undelivered or returned mail. As a result, all your money would go down the drain. However, this is easily avoidable if you use an address validation tool like PostGrid. Apart from buying the required data for the campaign, there are several other advantages to direct mail. Listed below are some of the reasons why you should learn how to run a direct mail campaign. Precise TargetingIf you can get the targeting right for your direct mail campaign then, then you are already halfway there. It is not so easy to have precise targeting in most marketing strategies. However, direct mail marketing is an exception to this. Direct mail campaigns let you target your recipients more precisely. As a result, you can get more responses and high-quality leads. Hence, the direct mail marketing strategy is fast gaining popularity, especially among smaller businesses. Avoid an Overwhelming ResponseSome marketing strategies, such as advertisements, may have unpredictable results. You could be aiming for generating 100 responses and end up generating 10 or even 1000 responses. Although the latter may seem appealing, it is not ideal for businesses to get an overwhelming response unless they can meet the high demand. For small to mid-scale businesses, such an overwhelming response can do more harm than good. Suppose you are unable to deliver the product/service. In that case, it could ruin your relationship with the customer before it even begins. Direct mail is targeted to individual addresses. Even with the most effective direct mail, it is unlikely that you will get an overwhelming response of such magnitude. Hence, you can ensure the credibility of your brand is undented through a direct mail campaign. Budget-FriendlyDirect mail campaigns can work for your business regardless of how big or small it is. You can create a direct mail marketing plan to fit your budget. If yours is a small business with modest resources, you can create a direct mail marketing plan that fits your business. Furthermore, you can quickly minimize or maximize your target audience using the address database. You can also use different mailers such as postcards, letters, brochures, catalogues, etc. Postcard direct mails are perfect for reducing the cost as they use minimum paper and ink. Test Different OffersAs we mentioned before, direct mail marketing strategy is ideal for testing your marketing ideas, products and services. However, if you could only test only one thing using direct mail, then it should be the value offering. You can use direct mail to figure out the best offer that resonates with your target audience. For example, you can use AB testing to present different value offerings to two distinct groups. You can then examine the response for the various offers and use the one with better results. You can try and optimize your direct mail with different offers through further testing. This type of testing is an iterative process by which you can find the ideal offer for your campaign. You may then use the same offer for pitching digital or multi-channel marketing campaigns. Never Run Out of ProspectsOne of the most prominent advantages of a direct mail campaign strategy is that it never runs out of prospects. You can simply find new niche markets for your direct mail campaigns based on numerous data such as demographics, age group, etc. It means you could decide on potential customer clusters based on factors like geographic area and purchase a quality mailing list. In other words, you will never end up hitting a wall so long as you can think of a way out of it. However, you shouldn’t make the mistake of choosing a random target audience. Make sure that you put your thought into deciding on a new market niche. You can even seek the help of a list broker or mailing consultant to figure out which market is worth targeting. Sell Through MailThe beauty of direct mail marketing is that you can sell right through the mail if you want to. At the very least, you can get the customers to stop in. For example, let’s consider a B2B product; it usually involves a two-step process. The first step is to get a response from the target audience. Therefore, the initial step is not under your control. But, you need to identify the target audience who is genuinely interested in your offer. You can do this easily if the prospect requests a catalogue, report, or sample. At this point, you have already entered the lead generation phase. The next step is simple. All you have to do is send the prospects the requested material. You can then follow up via phone call/fax/e-mail or send additional materials via direct mail. What is a Direct Mail Marketing Strategy?A direct mail marketing campaign strategy involves sending a mailer to a business or home address through a postal delivery service like USPS. Like any other marketing strategy, direct mail marketing also uses promotional pieces or offers to generate responses. Some of the most commonly used types of mailers for direct marketing strategy include the following.
This type of direct mail marketing plan works like a charm in specific situations. For example, direct mail marketing is the ideal strategy for targeting specific demographics. You can target such demographics regardless of whether it is in the same neighbourhood or not. Advanced Direct Mail Marketing StrategyThe direct mail strategy is not even remotely new. It has been around for almost as long as marketing itself. However, the direct mail marketing plan was eventually dropped by most companies as they turned to digital marketing. Today direct mail marketing strategy is again taking center stage. You might wonder what has changed so much that direct mail marketing is again gaining popularity. Direct mail is re-entering marketing mainly because direct mail has a significantly higher response rate and ROI than digital marketing. However, this was always the case and why businesses like real estate never gave up direct mail. Apart from this, advanced direct mail automation tools like PostGrid are also a reason for direct mail to gain popularity again. Today you can automate the entire direct mail process with a tool like PostGrid. It means everything from personalization, printing, and delivery of mail can now be automated. Furthermore, you also get additional features like geocoding to target your audience better and generate more responses. How to Understand Your Target AudienceThe most crucial factor that can decide the fate of your direct mail marketing plan is the target audience. Your entire direct mail marketing strategy depends on how well you assess the target audience and their needs. Asking Questions to Yourself About The AudienceAs you know, there are different sources for getting address lists that let you target both businesses and consumers. However, you can not just choose any random address list as the audience for your direct mail campaign. Sending direct mail to random addresses could lead to significant financial loss and waste your resources. You need to pick a list that has a higher chance of reaching the desired conversion goals. For this, you need to understand your audience better. And the best way to begin understanding your target audience is by asking questions about them and their needs. Use Demographic Data to Your AdvantageThe demographic data such as income, age, voter registration, and more can help you ensure that your audience fits the ideal buyer persona. You can even pick a list based on nuanced data such as the type of car they drive, their education level, and even their employment status. Access to such detailed data reveals how well your target audience’s persona aligns with the ideal buyer persona. The closer this alignment, the better are your chances of generating a response and successful conversions. Formulate Strategies Based on Target AudienceAfter gathering enough data on the target audience, you can analyze it to understand their requirements. But it is not enough that you understand the customer requirements. You need to formulate a strategy based on this data and your understanding of the target audience. For example, a newly opened women’s beauty salon in Vancouver can send postcards to all households with women. Suppose the salon only intends to target women of a specific age group. In that case, they can do so with the help of quality data. How to Design Your Direct MailThe designing stage of your direct mail is a crucial one and may seem complicated at times. Once you understand your target audience and their requirements, you can move on to designing your direct mail. Choose The Right Type of MailerFirst of all, you need to decide the type of mailer you want to use for your direct mail campaign. The popular choices of mailer types when it comes to direct mail campaigns include
You must keep in mind that mailers like postcards have only limited space for content. However, it also means that you can minimize your expenses by using postcards. They require the least amount of paper, ink, etc. So, if your primary concern is reducing the cost of the direct mail campaign, then postcard mail marketing is your best option. But, sometimes your first priority is to convey more details about the product/service to the customer. In such cases, you should go for a mailer type that can accommodate more content, like a brochure. Use Unique And Effective Direct Mail Designs That Stand OutYou must make sure that the direct mail design you use does not come across as bland. The direct mail you send to the customer must stand out from the rest and grab the recipient’s attention. In other words, the direct mail design should excite the reader. Using flat or boring-looking mailers could make the recipients chuck it into the trash can almost immediately. Adding lively colours and unique design elements is one way of grabbing the recipient’s attention. However, you shouldn’t go overboard as it can distract the reader from the more important aspects of the mailer such as the CTA. Use Short Paragraphs And Bulleted ListsNo one wants to spend a big part of their day reading long paragraphs on your products/services. The customer may never know about your product’s exceptional capabilities because you described them using long paragraphs. It means your design should include short paragraphs and bulleted points that are easy to read and understand. Furthermore, you should also have high-resolution graphics such as charts and diagrams to convey the idea better. Vital Elements in Your Direct Mail Design And How You Can Optimize ThemThere are four vital elements in a direct mail design. You need to optimize all four of them to ensure that your postcard has a unique design that can grab the recipient’s attention. The four vital elements in your direct mail design are as follows:
So, how can you ensure that these four elements of your direct mail are optimized? Fear not, because we will help you understand the ins and outs of how you can optimize and use all four details in your direct mail below. ImagesWhat is the first thing you notice on a postcard or an article? For most people, the answer to this question would be the images. So, it wouldn’t be an overstatement to say that the pictures are the most vital part of your direct mail design. Images or graphics can quickly grab the attention of the recipient. Therefore, it would be a terrible mistake not to include pictures in your direct mail design. Use high-resolution images which can pique the interest of the reader. You can even try going for funny or witty photos to ensure that the recipient reads the rest of the mail. FontsAlthough it may surprise some of you, the font you use in your direct mail design plays a vital role in your campaign’s success. When creating a direct mail design, you should be careful to stick with no more than two typefaces for the fonts. Using different and funky fonts may grab the attention of the reader but may end up making your mailer look less professional. However, you can use different font sizes to highlight the important points in your mailer. It can significantly enhance the readability of your mailer and make it look more organized. White SpaceWhite space is something that often goes ignored in many of the direct mail designs. It is the empty space between the various design elements in your direct mail. These white spaces are provided on the mailers for a reason. White space plays a vital role in ensuring that your mail is not cluttered with too many design elements and every element is in the right proportion. Imagine reading a flyer jam-packed with all sorts of design elements like images, charts, pointers, and more. Such a flyer or direct mail will likely make the reader feel overwhelmed. What’s even worse is that overcrowded or cluttered direct mail is hard to understand. Most readers would not even bother to read a direct mail letter with little or no white space. Therefore, you should ensure good use of white space in your direct mail. Call-to-ActionCall-to-Action or CTA is important in all forms of written marketing strategies, whether physical or digital. A clear CTA is a must for your direct mail design. The CTA must specify the following action the reader should make after reading your direct mail. Never leave the reader wondering what their next move should be after reading the direct mail. You can include a coupon or a QR code/PURL to take them to a landing page or even provide a toll-free number. How to Use Value-Added Promotions For Your Direct Mail CampaignsValue-added promotions are a huge part of direct mail campaigns. Although they are not always necessary, it is best to incorporate them for better results. It is hard to meet your direct mail goals if you don’t use a value-added promotion. Incentives such as sales, coupons, promotions, or bonuses can easily appeal to the target audience. By providing such incentives, you are giving the recipient a reason to make the purchase then and there. So, you need to make sure that whatever incentive you are offering the customers is relevant or useful. You need to ensure that the offer you put forward provides value to the customers. Put yourself in the customer’s shoes and ask yourself whether you would take the deal. If you feel like the reader won’t take the deal despite the offer, you should probably come up with a better offer. Ensure The Value-Added Offers Are MeasurableYou must ensure that the value-added offer in your direct mail is measurable whether you use coupons or promotions. The best way to do this is to include a code to measure your campaign. It will help you determine whether the campaign is a success or if it needs further improvements. Furthermore, you can use a QR code to guide the customers to your online store or landing page. You may then use your website’s existing analytics tool to access more profound insights. By doing so, you can better optimize your value-added offers and direct mail campaign. Look at Your Direct Mail Campaign From The Customer’s PerspectiveWhen creating direct mail for your business, you must always take a step back and look at it from the customer’s perspective. It’s not necessary that the customers feel the same way about the mailer as you do. Therefore, it is essential to consider how the customer reacts to your direct mail before sending it to them. There are a few ways through which you can ensure that your direct mail connects with your target audience and some of them are listed below. Easily Noticeable CTARead the direct mail that you have prepared and check whether your CTA is front and center. Suppose you feel like you can’t stay objective in your opinion on the CTA you created. You may try getting the opinion of someone outside your organization. It means you can get the opinion of your friends or even family members on the CTA you created. The more insights you get, the better you can make your CTA. You must examine the colour palettes used in the mailer to ensure that attention is not drawn away from the CTA. Strong Value OfferThe next thing you need to analyze is the value offer included in the direct mail. Check whether the offer sounds convincing enough for the recipient to take the desired action. Here also you can check with others who work inside and outside your firm and get their opinion. There is no point in providing an offer that the prospect does not find valuable. It might even be better not to give a value offer if you do not feel the offer’s value is subpar. One of the best ways to ensure the strength of the proposal is to conduct surveys. It provides reliable data on what offers can and can not work on your target audience. Quality Printing And Credible BrandingThe quality of the paper and ink you use plays a more prominent role in the success of your direct mail campaign than you’d think. You wouldn’t trust a brand’s credibility that sends direct mail using flimsy paper and poor-quality printing, would you? The same goes for your prospects or potential customers. The chances are that the recipients who are not well-familiar with your brand will judge your brand’s credibility based on the printing quality. So, you should outsource the printing of your direct mail to a reliable printer like PostGrid. Specialized service providers like PostGrid use certified printers and top-quality ink that ensures best-in-class direct mail printing. How to Come up With a Plan of Action For Your Direct Mail CampaignThe first rule of a direct mail campaign is to never rush the process from beginning to end. Make sure that you give yourself adequate time to plan and prepare the direct mail. A captivating direct mail is not easy to create. The time you invest in it is just as vital as the money you spend on it. Take Your Sweet TimeThink of direct mail as a personal letter like a Christmas postcard you send to your loved ones. Would you settle for a generic quote you can get from the internet to send to your closest friends and family? No, you will take your time and pour effort into writing that letter. Similarly, you must take your time to understand your customer and personalize the mailer. Additionally, you need time to finalize the design, print it, and deliver it to the customer. Take all these factors into consideration before you decide on a delivery time for a specific campaign. Personalize Your Direct MailIf you target past customers and leads, you should analyze their previous purchases and provide them personalized offers. The more personalized your direct mail, the better it can connect with your prospective customers. You must at least personalize your direct mail enough to include the prospect’s name. If you don’t address the recipient by their name, then it just ends up sounding robotic. As a result, you could end up losing potential customers on the very first line of your direct mail. Consider The Holiday Seasonal RushAn important note you must remember about postal delivery is that direct mail may get delayed during the holiday season. Canada Post often deals with a mind-blowing number of direct mail during the holidays, particularly around Christmas and New Year. Due to the overload of mail, the delivery may get delayed by days or even weeks. Many companies offer discount sales during the holiday season. So, if you plan on running a holiday campaign, you should start your direct mail process earlier than usual. Use an Automated System to Speed up Your Direct Mail ProcessIf you have ever wondered about the most efficient way to speed up your direct mail process, then the answer is automation. You can use advanced direct mail automation solutions like PostGrid to speed up all your manual processes. Systems like PostGrid can be easily connected to your CRM and used to personalize your direct mail. Automating the personalization process alone can save you a whole lot of time. Furthermore, the printing and delivery processes can also be automated, which saves you even more time. PostGrid also offers an address validation API which you can use to verify addresses. A confirmed address from PostGrid includes the complete postal code and is deliverable via Canada Post. The full postal code avoids any unnecessary delays from the postal service provider. As a result, you can speed up your direct mail campaigns. ConclusionDirect mail marketing is slowly rising in popularity as more and more businesses are incorporating it into their campaigns. The numerous advantages of direct mail marketing are way too enticing for any marketer to ignore. However, most companies are left wondering how to run a direct mail campaign. The best way to run a direct mail campaign today is to employ a powerful direct mail automation system like PostGrid. Using an automated system enables you to personalize, print, and deliver direct mail without any manual intervention. PostGrid’s ability to connect with your CRM and personalize your direct mail makes it a perfect tool for your direct mail campaign. You can also use PostGrid’s API to validate addresses using Canada Post’s official address database. It even provides you with a complete postal code to avoid any delays in delivering your direct mail. The post How to Run a Direct Mail Campaign appeared first on PostGrid. source https://www.postgrid.ca/how-to-run-a-direct-mail-campaign/ source https://postgridcanadainc.tumblr.com/post/682724950959915008 Via https://harveywilson355.tumblr.com/post/682728227601612800 TABLE OF CONTENTSWhat is Overnight Mail Cost? And How You Can Save Money On it.Snail Mail. Most of us would agree that the postal mail is well-deserving of that name, except for overnight deliveries. But even with fast overnight delivery, there is one thing that still holds back businesses from using direct mail: the overnight letter cost. Businesses are always worried about how much an overnight letter costs and how they can minimize this cost. So that is what we are going to do here. We will explain how much it costs you to send overnight mail and how you can effectively minimize the expenses of sending them. How Much Does It Cost To Overnight A Letter?There are several options you can choose to overnight a mail in Canada. Different postal service providers, including our own Canada Post, offer super fast mail delivery options. The cost of overnight delivery tends to vary depending on the delivery provider and the type of service you choose. And that’s not all. Several contributing factors can significantly affect the cost of sending overnight mail. Even though some of these factors may not directly affect the postage of your overnight mailers, it still holds significant influence over the ROI. For now, let’s see how much it costs to overnight a letter using different postal service providers. Canada Post Overnight Delivery CostCanada Post is usually every business organization’s first choice for sending direct mail communications to their customers and partners. In addition to this, Canada Post has its presence all over the country, making it a reliable postal service provider. Priority mail is the fastest postal service your business can get from Canada Post. According to the latest postal mail charges released by the postal service provider, the Canada Post overnight delivery cost can range anywhere from $21.59 – $328.49. It is worth noting that the overnight delivery charges change based on the size or weight of the package or letter. So, suppose you want to send a thick booklet or product catalogue. In that case, you might want to check how expensive it is to send it overnight. FedEx Overnight Delivery CostAfter Canada Post, FedEx is another reliable postal mail service provider trusted by businesses for sending time-sensitive documents. One of the great things about using FedEx for overnight a mail is that it offers three different overnight mail services. The overnight service offered by FedEx include:
More on that in a moment – but first, let us look at the overnight mail cost when your business employs FedEx Overnight services. The price of a FedEx Overnight mail can fall anywhere between $85 to $210. It is also worth noting that the delivery time of the different FedEx overnight services varies from early in the morning to mid-evening. UPS Overnight Delivery CostWhen it comes to delivering postal mail overnight, UPS offers a variety of services, much like the overnight services provided by FedEx. So, both UPS and FedEx provide similar benefits in terms of flexibility to overnight a letter. The overnight mailing services offered by UPS are as follows:
In a broad sense, the overnight mail cost for your business mailers using UPS can fall anywhere between $19.85 to $956.50. However, it is improbable any company will reach the upper price limit for UPS overnight mail as it is for packages that weigh 68kg. How To Overnight A Letter?A significant part of how your business sends overnight mailers is choosing the most suitable postal delivery partner. The mailing requirements of a company are usually in bulk, and most companies often go for the less expensive option. Before choosing a postal delivery partner, every business has to consider its own postal mail needs. There are mainly three postal services you can use to overnight a letter, and they are as follows: 1. Overnight a Mail via Canada PostCanada Post is often the first choice for sending all forms of postal mail for a business organization. Why do I say this? Because Canada Post offers the most budget-friendly postal service anywhere in Canada. In addition to this, it also helps that Canada Post has a widespread presence practically everywhere in the country. Here’s how you can use Canada Post for sending time-sensitive documents of vital importance for your business. Canada Post Priority MailAs we mentioned before, Priority Mail is the fastest postal mail service offered by Canada Post for domestic mailers. It is worth noting that Canada Post claims that their Priority Mail can take up to 2 days for delivery. Anyhow, in most cases the delivery you can overnight a letter easily via Priority Mail. Features and Additional Options Canada Post Priority Mail is not only the fastest way you can send your postal mail but also one of the most expensive. But on the bright side, it is equipped with several features and additional options that make it perfect for time-sensitive business communication. The significant features and additional options offered by Canada Post Priority Mail are as follows:
2. Overnight a Mail Via FedExFedEx is a trusted postal mail service provider for many individuals and businesses. Although it does not have extensive coverage over postal routes all over Canada, like Canada Post, FedEx is still able to keep up. There are three ways a business can overnight a mail through FedEx, and they are as follows: FedEx First OvernightThe FedEx First Overnight is the fastest overnight delivery option you can get from FedEx. It gives you superior flexibility to meet the deadline with next-day delivery. With FedEx First Overnight, your mailer can reach its recipient as early as 10 AM. However, it does not apply to all locations. Features And Additional Options As you can imagine, FedEx First Overnight comes equipped with many nifty features and additional options. It enables you to overnight a letter conveniently while ensuring peace of mind. Some of the most attractive features of FedEx First Overnight include:
FedEx Priority OvernightFedEx Priority Overnight is another overnight delivery service from FedEx. It is available to all provinces and territories within Canada. Usually, the FedEx Priority Overnight offers morning deliveries to almost all metropolitan areas. Features And Additional Options In terms of features and additional options, the FedEx Priority Overnight service is very similar to FedEx First Overnight. Some of the features and other options available in FedEx Priority Overnight service include the following:
FedEx Standard OvernightSuppose you are looking for a more budget-friendly way to overnight a letter using FedEx. In that case, FedEx Standard Overnight is your solution. As you can guess, the lower postage rate for FedEx Standard Overnight implies that the deliveries may be relatively slower. FedEx usually makes FedEx Standard Overnight deliveries by 5 PM to businesses and 8 PM for residential addresses. Features And Additional Options You get the same features and additional options as you do in FedEx First Overnight for FedEx Standard Overnight. The only significant difference between the two is their delivery time and the cost to overnight a mail. 3. Overnight a Mail Via UPSUPS has similar overnight mailing services to FedEx because both offer three different ways to overnight a mail. Let us take a closer look at UPS’s three overnight mailing services to examine whether it is suitable for your business. UPS Express EarlyUPS Express Early is the fastest overnight delivery option from UPS. It guarantees an early morning delivery of your business mailers. However, there are some cases when early morning delivery is not possible with UPS Express Early. Features And Additional Options The significant features of UPS Express Early are as follows:
UPS ExpressUPS Express is another great way to ensure the timely delivery of your business mailers. It also offers early morning deliveries and free UPS packaging for your mailers. It means you can cut down on expenses for packaging your mailers. Features and Additional Options The features and additional options available for UPS Express are the same as UPS Early Express. The main difference between the two is that instead of a 9 AM delivery, you get a 10:30 AM delivery for UPS Express. However, you get a money-back guarantee, just like in UPS Early Express. UPS Express SaverThe UPS Express Saver is the best option for businesses that want a budget-friendly way to overnight a mail. The cheaper overnight letter cost is the highlight of this service. In addition to this, you also get to save more money on packaging as UPS provides it to you. Features and Additional Options The UPS Express Saver comes with the same features as the UPS Express service. The main difference between UPS Express Service is that it does not have early morning delivery unlike the other two UPS overnight services. And yet you can still overnight a mail by 3 PM on the next day. Which Is The Best Way To Overnight A Mail?There is no perfect way to overnight a mail because business mail requirements vary from one company to another. Canada Post is ideal if you look for the most affordable and efficient overnight mailing service. In addition to this, you also get discounts for bulk mailing pre-sorted mail. But, if you are looking for the fastest overnight delivery, then UPS is your best bet. FedEx also offers similar packages to that of UPS. It also provides advanced security to your mailers with its different FedEx Delivery Signature Options. How To Use Direct Mail Automation To Minimize Overnight Mail Cost?We know that using a postal service like Canada Post is the most cost-effective way to overnight a letter. But what if we told you that you could optimize your mail delivery so that you can save even more money? An automated direct mail system like PostGrid can streamline your postal mail process and minimize wastage and errors. For instance, we were able to help one of our clients and a healthcare service provider significantly bring down their expenses with direct mail optimization. Our automated system ensured that a consistent mailing reached the target audience and cost-effectively managed bulk orders. Similarly, every business can use a system like PostGrid to minimize their overnight letter cost by optimizing their direct mail processes. Writer Note: Get maximum deliverability of your direct mail by using our automated direct mail system in combination with our address verification API and minimize your overnight mail cost. Don’t believe us? Request a free demo. The post Overnight Mail Cost appeared first on PostGrid. source https://www.postgrid.ca/overnight-mail-cost/ source https://postgridcanadainc.tumblr.com/post/682718900636581888 Via https://harveywilson355.tumblr.com/post/682724417397194753 |