Direct Mail

John Reidy · 12-29-2004, 01:52 PM

In an effort to start the ball rolling I am promoting myself via direct mail. This seems to be the best way to reach those potential customers.

I have done one post card with a few images and bought a mailing list with the criteria of -1. Households with an income of $150k or more, 2. Home values of $500k or more, and 3. Expressed interest in art/antiques. I chose a geographical area with good numbers and convenient to my location.

I will also have an unveiling/showing this January or February within the same geographical area and the audience fits the mailing criteria with the exception of the interest in art/antiques.

What other ideas are out there? Should I continue to bang away at my mailing list to reach saturation? My marketing experience tells me to hammer away at this customer base. Any advice?

Mary Sparrow · 12-29-2004, 03:40 PM

Sounds like you have gotten a great start. Just exactly where do you go to get a list like that?

I see that you are in NC also. I'm in Shelby, near Charlotte.

John Reidy · 12-29-2004, 05:21 PM

Mary,
There is a direct mail company in Winston-Salem called PostMark. Their web address is www.PostMark.ws

Give them a call.

John

Michele Rushworth · 12-29-2004, 11:36 PM

Lots of companies will provide direct mail lists to a set of demographic statistics that you specify. (Area, income, kids in the home etc.) I recently did a mailing to 1500 names in my area through www.modernpostcard.com -- they do the printing and mailing all at once, which saves me from having to put labels on, etc. I plan on mailing to this same list over and over again. I haven't heard any response from my initial mailing, but from what I understand this sort of thing takes repetition to really bear fruit. (Of course, that's what the mailing companies say!)

Kimberly Dow · 12-29-2004, 11:42 PM

Michele,

I am sure this sounds negative, but - how do you know they mailed all they said they did if they do it all? If you had heard from someone that would prove it. Maybe I just have control issues.

John Reidy · 12-30-2004, 03:18 AM

Kimberly,
Hi. It's always a good idea to seed the list with names and addresses of people you know and who will let you know when and if they recieved their post card and in what shape it is. I'm a little familiar with Modern Postcard. They have a reputable reputation and their pricing is hard to beat.
I chose a local company and printer because I have friends in those businesses and I was able to design and produce the card myself.
John