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Top 5 Benefits of Direct Mail Advertising

Did you know there were 31.7 million small businesses in the US in 2021? How many of those companies could benefit from your services? The answer is probably a lot, and you need to let them know about your company and tell them why they should buy from you. A cost-effective way to do this is through direct mail marketing.

But, how can you be sure this is the right advertising channel for you? After all, you’re constantly bombarded with ads for digital marketing. The truth is that there are plenty of reasons why direct mail marketing is an excellent strategy that can provide a better return on investment than other less profitable advertising methods.

Read on to learn about the fantastic advantages of direct mail marketing.

1. Personalize Your Message

You can achieve a high level of personalization with a direct mail marketing campaign. When an envelope comes through a prospect’s door, they see that you know their name and have taken the time to send a letter offering them a service or product.

This can create a deeper connection than sending an email. With electronic communications, people may think you are only taking two minutes to spam thousands of consumers simultaneously over the internet.

2. Benefit from Less Competition

How many emails arrive in your inbox every day? Probably too many to read them properly. But, you have much less competition when you launch a direct mail campaign as your letter will be hand-delivered by a postal worker. It goes straight into the hands of a prospect, increasing your open rates.

3. Deliver a Lasting Document

Print marketing creates a physical document that people can keep. Even if your marketing material does not lead to an immediate sale, you may find a customer calls you at a later date because they have kept your letter in a desk drawer.

4. Perform Split Tests to Optimize Campaigns

You can optimize your campaigns to reduce direct mail advertising costs. For example, you could run two different campaigns side-by-side and analyze the results. When you determine which one was most effective, you can continue sending this type of content.

This is an excellent way to streamline your adverting techniques and receive an excellent return on your investment.

5. Enhance Your Marketing Campaigns

Direct mail marketing can complement and enhance your overall advertising strategy. In the modern era, a digital marketing strategy is important, but you can also run a direct mail promotional campaign at the same time to increase your company’s brand awareness and remain prominent in the minds of your customers.

Contact Modern Mail & Print Solutions Today

Modern Mail & Print Solutions is a market-leading direct mailing company with years of industry experience. We get to know our customers, taking the time to understand their needs before designing and implementing custom marketing campaigns for their business.

We take pride in our outstanding client retention rate and receiving the majority of our work from word-of-mouth referrals.

For a consultation and a free quote, contact the Modern Mail & Print Solutions team today.

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Digital vs Offset Printing With Modern Mail: Why Choose Offset?

Are you considering digital vs offset printing for your next order? The global commercial print market is valued at more than 411 billion dollars in 2020.

There’s a lot of printing to choose from. Making decisions is easier when you trust the business you are working with.

Are you looking for a direct mail service that will treat you like a partner?

Digital vs Offset Printing, What’s The Difference?

Digital printing uses toner or liquid inks to get the job done. It doesn’t use plates to transfer the ink onto the paper.

When you choose an offset printing press, your print job is made into a plate.  The ink is transferred from the plate onto a rubber sheet.  Then the rubber sheet is used to roll the ink onto your printing surface.

Size Matters

When you’re looking at large print runs, offset printing is a great option.  The more you print, the cheaper it gets. Even though the initial setup costs are higher, the larger run makes the cost worth it.

Digital printing is ideal for smaller runs because the setup costs are lower.

Let’s Get Personal With Digital Printing

Variable data jobs allow you to make a change on each piece you print.  That little change allows you to customize each piece with someone’s name or other personal information.

This option is available when you use digital printing.  It makes each piece unique, and it’s a great marketing tool. It can be used on labels or postcards, letters, or other documents.

Background images can be changed, or you can use different artwork for customers in different locations.

The Pros of Choosing Offset Printing

One of the main benefits of offset printing comes into play when you’re printing larger print runs.

It’s a more cost-effective way to go.  The more you print, the cheaper it gets when you’re looking at the cost per item.

When you’re using specialty colors and inks, offset printing machines are the best choice. It allows you more creativity as metallic and custom inks are available for use.

You can choose to print on larger sheets of paper when you’re using offset printing. Special papers or papers with a custom finish can be used as well.

Offset printing is generally considered to create a higher quality product.

Digital Printing Advantages

Sometimes you only have a small printing job. When you’re considering offset vs digital printing, it’s good to consider setup costs.

Digital printing is a good choice for small runs because the setup costs are lower. It’s great for variable data jobs.  The software can accommodate different addresses on each piece. That allows you to personalize each piece.

When you’re going with black and white, digital printing is the cheaper alternative.

This Business Partnership Will Support You

At Modern Mail, we are committed to helping your business grow.  Our professional staff is ready to fulfill all of your direct mail needs.

Bring us your ideas, and we will work with you to decide between digital vs offset printing. We will work within your budget while focusing on providing a quality solution for your business.

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Direct Marketing Trends to Incorporate in the Coming Year

Are you looking to add a jolt of life to your next marketing campaign?

Marketing your business can feel like a complete shot in the dark if you don’t have a good plan in place. While digital marketing has grown in popularity and importance over the years, there’s still an important role to be played for direct marketing.

There’s something to be said for that little personal touch that direct marketing gives you. In this post, we’re going to discuss a few of the most important direct marketing trends to keep an eye on in 2021. If you can integrate a solid direct marketing campaign into your digital marketing ethos, then you’ll be off and running.

marketing trends

Targeting and Personalization

Direct marketing is a great way to accrue data about your customers and has been for a long time. The difference is that nowadays, we’ve got much better tools for obtaining and analyzing data. This allows us to target certain customers and personalize ads for their enjoyment, which is proven to boost customer response.

You always want your ads to hit home and achieve a level of efficiency. Integrate personalization into your direct marketing campaign by learning all there is to know about your customer base and use it to your advantage.

Eco-Friendly

Sustainability is important, especially when you’re talking about direct mail. More and more customers are eco-conscious and they’re not going to like seeing a direct mail postcard or pamphlet in their mailbox that isn’t made from recycled materials.

Furthermore, it’ll be wise to take a public stance on sustainability so that those same customers know that you’re making informed decisions about the materials you use.

Integration With Digital Marketing

There’s no reason why you can’t use both digital marketing and direct marketing as complementary advertising tools. In fact, if there isn’t some digital component on your direct mailers, like a QR code that brings customers to your website or your social media handles, then you’re going to miss out on a lot of customers.

Omnichannel marketing is how you make your business thrive these days. Coordinate your marketing message across multiple channels and you’ll see your campaign succeed.

Concise Copy

The more concise you can be in the copy of your direct mailers, the more effective they’ll become. Over the last 20 years, direct mail copy is over 60% shorter, resulting in more concise and direct, and thus more effective, messaging.

Go shorter all around; shorter sentences, fewer of them, shorter paragraphs, keeping important info in bullet points. These things all make your postcards more readable, which is always better for direct mail.

Keeping Up With Marketing Trends

At Modern Mail, our direct mail marketing service can help take your direct marketing to new heights. We’ll work with you to create the best strategy for your mailers so that you’re standing out from your competitors and effectively hitting your target market. With 40 years in the business, we’ve got a keen understanding of current and upcoming direct marketing trends, so we know we’re the best choice to help your business.

Visit our website to learn more about our company and our processes, then contact us to discuss your direct mail marketing needs.

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The Best Print Ad Campaigns of 2020 and 2021

The best thing you can do for your business is to make your marketing campaign stand out.

So how can you do that? It may be worth looking into direct mail marketing, a form of print advertisement. In a world over-saturated with digital ads, what’s a better way to stand out than to create print ad campaigns?

Whether your target market is B2C or B2B, using this strategy can help enormously. You might protest, “But customers get so much mail every day! How can we make sure our campaign catches their attention?”

print ad campaigns

Don’t worry, we’ve got your back. Continue reading for three of the best print ads of 2020 and 2021 that exemplify what a clever ad campaign looks like.

Three Stunning Print Ad Campaigns

So what makes a great print advertisement? The short answer is creativity. The slightly longer answer is personalized content that the consumer relates to in some way.

It comes as no surprise that some of the most successful print ads were created by companies with robust marketing departments, like Nestle, Nike, and the World Wildlife Fund (WWF). How can your business emulate their example? Read on to find out.

Nestle: Chunky Mail

This clever mailer by Nestle earned its spot as one of the award-winning print ads named by Design and Art Direction (D&AD).

Nestle created a personalized mailer for each targeted consumer. The mailer resembled a “Failure to Deliver” slip, citing the fact that that package was too “chunky” to fit in the mailbox. This was a clever play on words since the campaign was meant to advertise the Kit Kat Chunky!

The personalization and creativity of this ad couldn’t have worked better. The Kit Kat Chunky flew off the shelves, and Nestle enjoyed a hefty ROI from this clever campaign.

Nike: Stadium Shoe Box

Nike also employed a targeted marketing campaign. By targeting a select few customers, they were able to send limited edition shoeboxes to recipients. Each shoebox, when opened, resembled a stadium and even included sound chips emitting the sound of a cheering crowd.

The campaign was meant to encourage kids’ involvement in soccer, and it worked. The product, soccer shoes, saw a huge increase in sales.

WWF Earth Hour: Candle Box

WWF celebrated Earth Hour with an incredibly creative direct mail campaign. Their marketing department created black boxes (resembling buildings) encasing yellow candles. They strategically sent these mailers to CEOs of large businesses, encouraging them to turn off their lights for Earth Hour.

The campaign was wildly successful and resulted in a 260% increase in industry support for Earth Hour.

Creating Your Own Direct Mail Campaigns

If you’re looking to create print ad campaigns just as eye-catching as the ones we’ve just discussed, look no further. Modern Mail is happy to partner with your business to create the best advertisements possible.

When creating your print advertisements, don’t forget to implement the concepts Nestle, Nike, and WWF’s marketing teams used. A creative concept paired with a great distribution channel, like direct mail, can work wonders for your business. Check out Modern Mail’s direct mail marketing services to get started creating your own direct mail campaigns.

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5 Postcard Design Ideas for Your Small Business Marketing Campaign

5 Postcard Design Ideas for Your Small Business Marketing Campaign

There’s no greater feeling than that of entrepreneurship. You’re the boss and filled with great ideas for your small business. That’s why it’s crucial to have a strong marketing campaign.

Running a small business is rewarding and challenging. Luckily, postcard design ideas aren’t one of these struggles. The right postcard will help you generate business and spread the word about your fantastic company.

When a business takes the time to create high-quality postcards, it shows customers they take pride in their work and are committed to excellence.

In fact, studies show that direct mail has a significant return on investment, making it a great way to market your small business.

Keep reading to learn about five of the best postcard design ideas, guaranteed to draw attention during your next mail marketing campaign.

  1. Make It Personal

What better way to capture your customer’s attention than with a personalized postcard? You’re trying to generate new business, and by mentioning potential customers by name, you’ll connect with them on a personal level.

Add your recipient’s name to the address field and on the postcard itself, making your mailer a truly special experience.

  1. Get Vertical

It’s no secret that most postcards have a horizontal layout. So why not switch things up with a vertical layout?

Odds are your prospective clients won’t expect it, and you’ll grab their attention with your innovative design.

  1. Promote Your Brand

If your small business is interior design, what better way to promote your genius ideas than with a postcard displaying your work?

For small businesses in the graphic design industry, showcase your work by using a sample of your portfolio when dreaming up your marketing postcard design ideas. This is true, no matter what your small business is.

You’ll have an eye-catching postcard while giving customers a taste of what your business has to offer.

  1. Get Interactive

Ever get a scratch-off with a birthday card? It’s a great feeling, grabbing a quarter and hoping to win big. So why not give potential customers the same thrill?

Include scratch offs on your postcards to generate interest and clients. Consider offering a percentage off to new customers based on what they “win.”

  1. Magnetic Mail

It’s always a shame when you get a great piece of mail, add it to a pile of papers, and can’t find it when you need it.

This is what’s so great about a magnetic mailer. Not only will you have a cool new magnet for customers to use, but you’ll ensure they see your information every time they open their refrigerator.

Postcard Designs Ideas for All Your Small Business Needs

No matter what type of small business you operate, there are countless postcard design ideas guaranteed to generate attention.

Utilize your creativity and showcase your style in order to sell your business during your next mail marketing campaign. Consider using funky layouts, samples of your work, and convenient magnets.

Contact us today, and a member of our dedicated staff will be happy to help you with all your mail marketing needs. Our industry experience allows us to provide you with outstanding mailing services for quality and satisfaction you can rely on.

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Types of Printed Marketing to Use for Your Next Marketing Campaign

Types of Printed Marketing to Use for Your Next Marketing Campaign

You might think that just because technology’s always advancing, you need to focus on digital marketing. But that’s not true at all!

Did you know that 92% of young adults think print is easier to read when compared to digital content? And did you know that consumers trust print ads 34% more than search engine ads?

The fact is, printed marketing still has its place today, and it’s not going away anytime soon.

Are you now wondering what types of printed marketing you can do for your next campaign? Then read on, as we’ll show you the best ones around!

Direct Mail

Do you have a client list already? Then direct mail marketing can be a great way to reach out.

Your mailers can include promotions, exclusive offers for previous customers, and more. In any case, it’s a very interactive way to get your brand out in front of consumers’ faces so they not only remember your name but are also motivated to take action.

Business Cards

If you frequently go to networking events for your company, then business cards are a must. These are very easy to pass out after an interaction, plus you can always leave a note on the back of the cards if you have a pen handy.

Do note that 72% of professionals will judge you by the quality of your business cards. And 39% won’t do business with you if they deem your cards as cheap looking.

So it’s definitely worth it to put some careful thought into your business cards and to invest some money into them. It’ll pay off.

Catalogs

Do you sell a wide variety of items? Then catalogs are a great type of print marketing to show consumers what you have to offer!

These can then be distributed through the mail, or you can lay them out at trade shows and other events for people to take. This gives them an easy way to see your brand’s offerings at their leisure, which can increase the likelihood of them converting.

If you’re constantly switching out stock on a seasonal basis, make sure you keep up with updating your catalogs. Sending them out as the seasons change can be a great way to keep your brand name top of mind.

Up Your Printed Marketing Game With Our Tips

Now you know the types of printed marketing available to you.

Keep in mind that you don’t necessarily have to go with just one. In fact, it might be in your best interest to explore all if possible!

By covering all your bases, you’ll ensure that you have the widest reach possible when it comes to your target audience. As a result, you’ll be able to leave a lasting impression and sway consumers to you instead of your competitors.

Need help with your marketing? Then contact us today. Modern Mail is the partner you need to help with anything from direct mail to graphic design services!

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Custom Envelopes: 5 Killer Ways to Make Them Stand Out

Custom Envelopes: 5 Killer Ways to Make Them Stand Out

With the advent of email, it was predicted that good old fashioned snail mail would become redundant. In fact, the opposite has happened. As your email inbox fills up with junk mail and spam, the arrival of a physical letter can be a real event.

This is an event that can be capitalized on by anyone who owns a business. The envelope can be a great marketing opportunity and to help you utilize it, we give our top five tips for creating custom envelopes.

1. Experiment With Shape and Size

The first thing you can do to really make your custom business envelopes pop is to experiment with the shape and size. Who said that envelopes have to be a rectangle shape? Try to move them around so you have anything but a boring rectangle, to make them stand out in the mailbox.

The size is the next element you should play with. Tiny, small envelopes often invoke intimacy and friendship, like tiny gift cards and presents. Big envelopes signal something good is on the way, like a parcel or important documentation.

2. Balance Colour With White Space

Balance is the key to grabbing attention with custom mailing envelopes. Too much color and your mail could look like a promotional junk mail items. Too little, and it will blend into all the other letters and items of mail.

Colors will stand out more if they are balanced on a white background. Use complementary colors, tied into your graphic design and marketing aesthetic. Ideally, you should be sticking to around one or two colors on an envelope.

3 Give Thought to the Paper

Give as much thought to the material the envelope is made from as to what you will put on it. Ideally, you want to be using high quality, high-grade paper. People will be able to see and feel the difference, making them more likely to open this upmarket delivery.

Secondly, anything printed on a high-grade paper will instantly look better. Fonts will be sharper, colors will be bolder. Do not spend time and effort making a killer envelope to see it fade and look weak on bad quality stock.

4. Use the Logo Sparingly

Of course, you want customers to see the logo of your company. It shows what you are and increases brand awareness. However, it can not be the only item on-page, neither can it be overused.

A single logo will look too formal and business-like. However, too many logos will look badly designed and a little bit tacky. Strike a balance by placing it once on the envelope along with other design elements.

5. Match the Custom Envelopes Content

Make sure that the theme from the envelope carries on into the letter. This will really make your mail stand out, as you keep the interest up going from opening the letter to reading it. This includes keeping the same colors, designs, and font.

It even extends to using high quality, premium-grade paper. It may cost, but it will be worth it in replies, engagement, and ultimately, revenues.

Find a Printer

Once have your custom envelopes designed, you will need to source a printer. Take two or three designs and ask what is possible. They may be able to print off a small batch of samples for you.

If you are in need of a quality printer then consider our website. We can give quick quotes on several mailing solutions for large and small businesses. Stop by and tell us your needs, so you can utilize the power of mail and marketing today!

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The Three Most Important Postcards Success Factors

The Three Most Important Postcards Success Factors

Despite what you might have heard, mail marketing is not dead! In fact, it continues to be an extremely effective solution for many businesses.

Postcards are one of the most successful and cost-effective mail marketing products. However, to see real results, you need to do it right! Take a look at these three important tips for a successful postcard marketing campaign.

1. Understand the 40/40/20 Rule

The key to success with all types of direct mail is understanding the 40/40/20 rule. This marketing concept states that 40% of your success depends on who you send the mailing to (your list), 40% depends on the offer (what recipients see is in it for them), and 20% is dependant on everything else (ex. the design, copy, etc.).

Once you’re aware of this, you’ll know where you need to focus your time.

2. Perfect Your Call to Action

Your call-to-action (CTA) is arguably the most important aspect of your postcard. You can spend a lot of time and money creating and mailing postcards, but if the content doesn’t motivate the recipient to do what you want, it’s all a waste.

Your offer must be compelling – think “and offer they can’t refuse.” Even more importantly, though, your CTA must make them want to take action NOW. It must very clearly tell them exactly what you want them to do next and how to do it.

Taking the time to learn how to write a great CTA is one of the best investments you can make.

3. Avoid the Most Common Mistakes

An important part of success is knowing what not to do! When you start your postcard campaign, make sure you avoid these common mistakes.

Failing to Target the Right Prospects

You can’t have a successful postcard campaign if you send them to the wrong people. For example, imagine your business sells dog products, but you send your postcards to a group of cat lovers. You won’t get much business!

Take the time to develop a list that’s targeted to your ideal audience.

Spending Too Much on Printing

It’s hard to make a profit if you’re spending a fortune on your ad campaign. Find a printing and mailing partner you can count on for fair and reasonable pricing.

Over-Complicating Your Message

You only have so much space available on a postcard, so use it wisely. This is not the place to make a full-blown sales pitch. Keep your message simple, and you’ll receive much more traction.

Forgetting to Add Your Contact Information

This is a huge mistake! You must make it easy for readers to take action right away. If they have to look up your company to figure out how to reach you, your postcard will end up in the trash, and you’ll have wasted your time and money.

Start Sending Postcards Today

Are you ready to start reaching customers and making real profits? It’s time so start sending out postcards! Modern Mail and Print can help you set up your campaign from start to finish.

Contact us today to learn more about our process and get started.

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5 Different Kinds of Printings to Consider For Marketing

5 Different Kinds of Printings to Consider For Marketing

Are you a business owner and need to get in front of new customers? What business owner isn’t looking for a fun new way to spread the word about their business? You need to create something all your customers will keep and share so you can grow your business.

The trick is to find something that won’t end up getting tossed. Something they will use and will see a reminder of your business every day.

The printing business has taken a hit with the rise of digital marketing. But print marketing can still be quite effective, and you won’t have to break the bank to use any of these ideas.

Here are the five different kinds of printings you can use to market your business:

1. Promotional Flyers

Flyers have topped the list of every print marketing list for decades, and there’s a reason, they work. Offer a catchy flyer to everyone who visits your store and you’re sure to see an increase in visitors to your next big launch.

2. Calendars

Everyone needs a calendar, they are a great way to track our busy schedules. And don’t limit yourself to the wall-sized variety. Think outside the box with magnet calendars, desktop versions, and others that your customers can use in their everyday lives.

3. Bookmarks

Yes, people do still read books and bookmarks can be a great way to promote your business in an auspicious manner. Include a great quote about reading and you’re sure to win the hearts of every bookworm in your customer list.

4. Postcards

Everyone loves getting mail, but nobody loves opening envelopes. So, send a quick postcard and your potential customers will see the important information without having to open anything.

Spark their interest with a catchy image and you’ll see conversions increase with your next big sale or launch.

5. Business Cards

Business cards are still a great way to spread the word about your business. They’re small, convenient, and carry all your important information. You can bring a few with you everywhere you go and share them with anyone who might need what you offer.

As you can see print marketing is still a great way to spread the word about your business. And with a little ingenuity, you’re sure to find a useful item you can create that your customers are sure to hold onto.

Different Kinds of Printings to Add to Your Marketing Strategy

Don’t underestimate the power of physical items when it comes to marketing your business or company. With these ideas, you’re sure to find a way to bring back print marketing.

So if you’re looking for a printing partner to help improve your marketing, then consider a full services printing company like us. We offer several different kinds of printings that can grow your business. If you have more questions about how you can better use print marketing, contact us today.

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4 Flyer Design Tips to Capture Your Target Customer

4 Flyer Design Tips to Capture Your Target Customer

There’s a reason why you see as many ad flyers floating around today as you did decades ago: because they work. Whether you’re promoting a specific event or your business as a whole, a flyer is a quick, concise way to spread the word.

Of course, your success depends on how well you follow through. Your flyer design can make the difference between a sold-out event and a total flop. Nail it with these flyer design tips.

1. Be Stingy on Your Words

Your flyer has a very specific topic to cover, and that’s all it should cover. It shouldn’t tell your life story.

Flyers are all about quick glances and easy summaries. To make those glances count, you want as little flyer copy as possible on your flyer.

Only say what readers need to know. Even for that minimal information, format it in brief, skimmable ways. Bulleted lists and short phrases are your best friends.

2. Choose a Central Image

For your flyer to work, it needs to grab a reader’s attention. The best way to do that is with a singular focal point, usually a primary image.

This could be as simple as a stock photo of a smiling person or a big picture of a product you’re advertising.

This doesn’t mean you can’t have other images, too, but they should be understated. Make them small and unobtrusive. If you’re trying to pull a reader’s eye in too many directions, they’ll gloss over the flyer entirely.

3. Include the Essentials

As important as it is to keep your flyer text to a minimum, don’t try to do that by skipping your contact information.

You need to include your contact information for a few reasons. First, it serves as a call to action by telling readers how to take the next step of buying from you. Don’t assume people will take the extra step of Googling your business to find out how to reach you.

Second, your contact information establishes more transparency and trust between you and the reader. It shows them that you want to interact, that you aren’t just pushing them to make a purchase. For brick and mortar businesses, your address also shows readers that you’re a neighbor, not just a nameless corporation.

4. Highlight Your Brand

All kinds of people will see your flyer: those who already know you well and people who have never heard of you before.

To make sure you’re reaching all these people, your flyer needs to have plenty of written and visual branding. You can use your brand’s colors as the color scheme, and give your flyer the same feel you want your brand to have. Above all, make sure your logo is a part of the design.

This ensures that even when someone doesn’t attend your event or become a customer, they’ve started to get to know your brand.

Making Use of Your Top Flyer Design Tips

Flyer design is an art form, not a science. The tips above can help you learn what works and what doesn’t, but it takes creativity and technical skills to produce the results you want.

Whether you’re printing a flyer you’ve designed yourself or you need help with your flyer design, shop our online services for help.

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