Making money using direct mail isn't easy. And anyone who tells you it is, is lying.
To run a successful direct mail campaign, you must have a compelling offer... amazing copy... and most important... the right list to mail to.
And even if you have each of these things running at their peak, there are many other subtle "little" tricks you can use to increase the responsiveness of your mailings, which is what it's all about, right?
Because this means...
You'll Be Increasing Your Cash-Flow As Well!
And remember, in whatever you're doing: All you need is 5-or-6 little steps that each increase your response rates 1 or 2 %, and before you know it, you've got a lot more money pouring in than you did before.
So don't start neglecting the subtle differences -- this is usually what separates the people who are marginally successful, from the people who are wildly successful.
First, always hand-address your envelopes. Why? As my mentor Gary Halbert taught me from "Day 1", you'll always open a hand-addressed letter because you think its "personal" mail -- as opposed to a sales letter or a bill.
Make sense?
Remember, if your letter never gets opened, I promise you... you'll never make the sale.
Second, in your corner card (which is the upper left-hand corner of the front of your envelope, where your name and address goes), DON'T put your company's name!
Put your name and then your address.
See, your prospects are programmed into thinking as soon as they see the name of a company, even yours... your letter's either trying to sell them something, or collect their money -- neither of which is good for you if you want that envelope to get opened. And,
Third, use "live" postage stamps and NOT a "bulk" rate indicia. Again, when your prospects see a "bulk" rate, or even a metered stamp, they know right-away... you're trying to sell them something.
Also, try to use the "decorative" postage stamps the post office has and not the "standard" stamps with a U.S. Flag. I always tell my clients to use the ones that say "Happy Birthday" on them.
After all, who doesn't like opening a personal letter that says "Happy Birthday" on it?
I know having your letters hand-addressed is a pain. Honestly, I do.
And I have seen some software out there that is "almost" close to human handwriting, but the amount of variation from letter-to-letter isn't quite there yet.
About the Author
Craig Garber is one of America's Top Direct-Response Copywriters and Direct-Marketing Consultants. For more copywriting tips, go to www.kingofcopy.com
Copyright 2005 www.kingofcopy.com
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