Every year, direct mail proves those who think it’s dead wrong. According to an article by DMN3, over 50% of American consumers prefer direct mail over email. However, for direct mail marketing to continue thriving, it must adapt to change to stay relevant to today’s consumers and trends. Today, we are going to go over a few direct mail design ideas that seem to be on trend this year. Here are some noteworthy direct mail design ideas to keep direct mail marketing fresh.
Oversized Mailers
In the sea of letter-sized envelopes and 4 x 6 postcards, a large direct mail piece is sure to stand out. The 2015 DMA Response Rate Report states that the format and size of a mail piece used in a direct mail campaign can impact your results. If you’re worried about expensive postage costs, keep in mind that a mail piece that is within 6 1/8 inches x 11 1/2 inches is still within the USPS’s definition of letter mail. This means you pay the same postage for a bigger piece. However, if postage isn’t an issue, you can go as large as 13 inches x 17 inches.
Soft-Touch Vanish Finish
One of the freshest direct mail design ideas out there right now is applying a soft-touch finish to the mail piece. This gives the paper a smooth tactile appeal. Neurological studies show that physical material involves more emotional processing in the brain, which can enhance memory and brand associations. Imagine feeling a soft mail piece that feels different than all the other ones in your mailbox. This offer is more likely to capture your attention because it’s different than everything else.
Full-Color Mailers
Research has shown that color can give a significant boost to direct mail response rates as well. This is great for marketers looking to maximize their investment. Adding color to your mail piece is a relatively low investment with a high outcome. When done correctly, color can help your direct mail piece stand out among a crowded mailbox while allowing you to highlight specific text, messaging or imagery.
While it’s one thing for a direct mail recipient to acknowledge an offer, it is the direct marketer’s job to make that happen. Help your mail piece get noticed by utilizing these direct mail design ideas and techniques. Although direct mail is a top contender in marketing, you still need to put in the effort to keep it that way. A good place to start is by freshening up the direct mail design. For more advice on direct mail marketing, please call US Data Corporation at (888) 578-3282. If you have additional direct mail design tips, let us know in a comment below!