Direct mail is one of the ways that businesses can boost their bottom line. In order for companies to attract customers, they have to advertise. Advertising can be done in a variety of ways, including posting ads in print or online versions of newspapers, flying banners announcing special events, and mailing ads directly to the potential customers. It’s all about getting the word out about your product or service so that customers will be interested enough to try out your company.
Newspaper and magazine ads can be effective ways to get the word out about your company. Some especially helpful periodicals are local papers and magazines. Not only are these local missives targeted to a specific town, city, or neighborhood, they are also less costly to place ads in than national papers or magazines. Typically, ad space is purchased by size, whether it’s black and white or color, and by the number of days it’s run. This is true for both paper periodicals and online journals or newsletters.
Banners are also great ways to get potential customers to notice you. If you are starting up a new storefront business, having a colorful and attractive banner hanging up can draw the eyes of passersby. These temporary signs can be made of vinyl, paper, or mesh. They can specify event type and dates and should be enticing enough to interest clients and customers. First comes noticing, then interest, then sampling; if you play your cards right, a new customer will be created. If you provide excellent customer service and a top quality product to the samplers, you may develop a loyal following of clients and customers.
Direct mail is also called ad mail. With this approach, flyers, catalogs, samples, postcards, and letters are delivered to the homes and businesses of potential clients and customers in a target area. Depending on what is being sold, the target market might be based on income, age, previous sales, or neighborhood. For example, in a ritzy neighborhood, ads for European vacations or second homes in the mountains might be sent out. To a retirement community, ads for funeral plots or hearing aids might be mailed out. If a customer owns a certain type of car, that dealership might send ads for oil changes or tires. These advertisements are sent through the U.S. Mail, FedEx, and UPS. If certain guidelines are followed by businesses, they may be eligible for reduced mailing fees.
In order for a company to be successful, it needs to get the word out about its products and services. This can be accomplished by newspaper ads, banners, and direct mail. Once the customers learn about a company’s offerings, it’s the company’s chance to make a good impression.