Direct Mail Buyers Guide
Use these ten steps to plan a practical direct mail marketing campaign.
Define Your Campaign Objective
Choose a measurable goal such as customer calls, website visits, appointments or coupon redemptions.
Choose Your Target Audience
Identify relevant neighborhoods, geographic areas or customer groups for your offer.
Select a Direct Mail Format
Compare postcards, self-mailers and other formats based on your message and mailing requirements.
Build a Clear Offer
Use a strong headline, understandable benefits and a specific call to action.
Plan Your Mailing Quantity
Estimate the number of recipients and compare the total cost of different quantities.
Understand Printing and Postage Costs
Consider printing, mailing preparation, postage and other applicable fulfillment charges.
Prepare Print-Ready Artwork
Confirm finished dimensions, bleed, safe margins and image resolution before submitting files.
Review Postal Requirements
Check current USPS eligibility, addressing and dimensional requirements for your mailing.
Allow Time for Production and Delivery
Plan for design, proof approval, printing, mail preparation and postal processing.
Track Campaign Results
Measure responses using relevant landing pages, offer codes, dedicated phone numbers or other appropriate attribution methods.
Explore More Direct Mail Resources
Compare mailing options, postcard preparation, campaign planning and printing considerations in our Direct Mail Resource Center. The resource center brings together our direct mail buying, EDDM and postcard printing guides.