How To Generate a Direct Mail Marketing List

What is the best way to generate data for my direct mail marketing campaign?

Odds are, if you're a small business owner (or if you work closely with sales and marketing for the business that you work for) you've looked into starting a direct mail marketing initiative.   But there is a good chance you never made it further than that - - How do I get started - -  Who do I send to  - - What message and how do I send - - ? The process to getting started can be the most cumbersome part of your direct mail campaign.  Whereas we will not go into detail on how to manage a full direct mail marketing campaign, we will review what options you have to begin to answer the question Who Do I Send To? Internal - In House Customer Lists This is a low hanging fruit of list generation if you had the means and customer base to pull from.  Some companies have their own internal database of customers and that is where you want to start.  Drumming up more business from your current customers is a great way to add a percentage point or two to your sales growth.  A good customer list will have, Contact Name, Business Name and Address.  If your list is up to date and correct, this is a gold mine for you to get started with. Every Door Direct Mail (EDDM) by the USPS Did you know that the United States Postal Service (USPS) developed a cost effective way to get your messaging out to local consumers and businesses.  The EDDM program allows you to hone in on zip codes and postal route and send your direct mailer postcards to them.  The benefit is that the postage is very inexpensive, and you do not need a list.  I repeat, you do not need a list.  Whereas this is a benefit, this is also a drawback. WIthout a list, you are less targeted and less personalized.  The EDDM blankets an area, and you will likely get your message in front of audiences who could care less.  But the cost savings may make it worth while.  EDDM's work great for B2C (businesses selling to consumers) : Restaurants, Landscape Companies, Contractors, Mechanics, Plumbers and Salons. Purchase A List With A Company Like Mailers Haven Companies like Mailers Haven are data companies who collect, clean up, cross reference and organize data so its the best it can be.  The lists are highly targeted and they are vast.  These data companies tend to only sell to resellers (like Alphagraphics) but it can immediately get you into the game if you want to purchase a list because you do not have one.  The trick here is to monitor and  update the feedback from your list, to even make it more accurate. Focus On Building Your Own List One idea here is to set up an online lead generation Ad on a site like Facebook.  Facebook allows you to target your specific demographics and you can even set up lead generation form.  Depending on your business, this lead generation source could be a slow trickle or a burst pipe.  The good news is, you know you already have potential clients who are interested in your services or products. Direct Mail Companies In Providence Rhode Island Who Can Help Me Get Started To run a great marketing campaign, you need to be organized, consistent and you need to start with a plan.  Generating your list should be 1a on your plan.  As you can see from above, generating a good list, alone could take some time to build.  But the better your list is, the better results you will see.  If you think that running and managing a direct mail campaign for your company by yourself is too much to pull off, give us a call and let's see how Alphagraphics can assist you. Give Alphagraphics a call 401-648-0078, or click here to contact us to begin to talk about your next direct mail piece. Alphagraphics in Providence is a visual communication marketing company that specializes in printing services and custom signage.