One of the easiest and most classic ways to engage with members is through direct mail. Sending an individual a letter or any kind of physical mail piece directly to their home is a sure-fire way of knowing they’ll receive the information you have to share. Direct mailing can make for a great marketing strategy because the communication between your members seems more intimate, contrary to sending mass emails. With there being different types of direct mail, you are more likely to see a difference in response rates and can even test which type of direct mail is more effective on your members.
The Different Types of Direct Mailing
Classic Package
The most commonly known type of direct mail is the classic package. The classic package involves the standard envelope enclosed with a letter and a response form, such as a donation form, for example. Classic packages can also include additional mail pieces such as brochures, flyers, or announcements. With classic packages, you can personalize the letter within the package using variable data printing. You can customize the letter and any additional mail pieces within the package to match the preferences of your members and donors.
Classic packages are often considered one of the most effective direct mailing types.
Newsletters
Another type of direct mail is a newsletter. Newsletters are most effective with existing members and donors as they keep your supporters abreast of what it happening with your organization. Newsletters can contain a variety of content from the latest of achievement of your organization to the new missions your organization is working on or developing. Newsletters can provide the latest news on issues important to your organization combined with the current efforts of your organization. Compared to other types of mail, newsletters are fairly inexpensive to produce.
Self-Mailer
Contrary to classic packages, self-mailers are a type of direct mail sent without the envelope. Self-mailers are typically inexpensive and usually involve one piece of large paper that is folded down to a smaller or “envelope-like” size. Just like with classic packages, you can utilize variable data printing to customize self-mailer pieces as well. There are a variety of styles you can choose when crafting a self-mailer piece, but it is of course more effective to craft your self-mailers in a way that appeals to your members.
Postcards
Another cost-effective type of direct mailing is a postcard. Postcards range in size, but are usually small, allowing for cheap shipping rates (unless you request larger sizes). Postcards are visually appealing and can contain short, personalized messages, photos, and graphics. Again, you can use variable data printing on your postcards to make them unique to each recipient. Postcards are great for intriguing new members and for keeping your current members captivated by and in support of your organization.
Catalogs
When it comes to acquiring more donations or donors for your organization, catalogs can be an effective type of direct mail. You can create print gift catalogs, which allow donors to fund causes specific to your organization. Though the initial printing of small booklets containing a specific amount of pages may be costly, in the end, catalogs can prove to be a great fundraiser for your organization and important causes. You can include images and text in your catalog to display to your members where exactly their donations will be going and how their donations help. Catalogs are a great way to acquire new members and keep the support of your existing members.
How Valtim Can Help With Direct Mailing
Whether it’s a postcard, self-mailer, letter, or dimensional mailer Valtim is your one-stop shop for direct mail in quantities of 5,000 – 5,000,000. We make sure every mail piece has a personalized feel and features targeted content that will appeal to your members. We also customize and print postcards specific to our clients’ members. You can count on your direct mail pieces having a unique design, no matter what type of direct mail you choose. Contact Valtim to learn more about your direct mail options.
