Printing

How to make direct mail environmentally friendly

Posted on by allisterfreeman@gmail.com
How to make your direct mail environmentally friendly
26
Jan

When it comes to saving the planet, small changes can make a big impact!

And, in both our personal and working lives, it’s important that we all play a conscious role in making environmentally friendly decisions that will ultimately help to save our planet.

After all, there is an increasing amount of evidence that has proven that neglecting our planet is having a catastrophic impact on civilisation, air, water, animal habitats and our food chain.

And, one of the best ways to combat these issues is to recognise the many benefits that come hand in hand with recycling, especially in the workplace.

This is because all businesses should actively monitor their environmental performance by assessing and controlling their recycling processes and waste reduction procedures.

We’ve taken a look at how to make your direct mail environmentally friendly!

First and foremost, there’s a common misconception that direct mail campaigns are not environmentally friendly – this is not true!

Why? Paper is one of the most recycled products in the world, meaning it can be reused for other purposes once it has done its job!

There are lots of ways that you can make your direct mail campaign more environmentally friendly including…

1. Only Work with sustainable paper sources

When implementing any direct mail campaign, you should only ever work with sustainable paper sources!

When looking for sources you should consider whether the paper has been sustainably stocked and you will know this by asking your supplier if their stock has been planted and harvested for paper.

2. Avoid plastic envelopes

Any form of plastic should be avoided at all costs when it comes to saving our environment. This is because plastic has become one of the most common forms of marine debris, causing devastation to our planet’s oceans.

With this in mind, when it comes to initiating your direct mail campaign, you should consider not using any plastic packaging in order to minimise the risks to our environment.

And there are lots of alternatives you can use to plastic if packaging in a necessity including compostable and biodegradable polywrap! This can be disposed of by putting it into a green bin or compost bin at the end of its life.

3. Know your target market

Segmenting your audience by reaching out to only your target market can not only allow you to optimise the success of your direct marketing campaign but it can also help to keep numbers down when it comes to the number of direct mail pieces you are sending out!

To minimise waste and maximise ROI, we offer expert data solutions.

After all, waste can have a huge impact on our environment, especially if you are reaching out to a demographic that you know already has no interest in your product or service.

With this in mind, it certainly pays to clean out your data when creating data lists that are a strong match for new potential customers.

And remember, you should always personalise your direct mail pieces for maximum impact.

It’s the small changes that add up to big differences in our environment. Play your part today!

Next steps…

Direct Mail Solutions is an established mail house offering a range of direct mail services to help you communicate with your target demographic, in an eco-friendly manner 🙂

Printing

5 Amazing Benefits of Envelope Printing for Successful Business

Posted on by allisterfreeman@gmail.com
envelope printing for succesful business
10
Nov

You may not have given your business envelopes much thought before. Many businesses have long underestimated the positive benefit that a business can enjoy by using customised envelope printing. Envelope printing can enhance your professional image, and help you target offline customers in your local community.

Here are the top five benefits of envelope printing to improve your business success in today’s marketplace:

1. A Hidden promotional tool

The greatest benefit of business envelopes is that it acts as a hidden promotional tool. Your envelope can quickly convey its brand message, colour, logo, etc. This will help your brand stand out from other letters that your target audience receive.

2. Personalised Marketing

You can tailor your envelopes depending on whom you intend to reach. This could be potential or existing customers or another business you’re working in conjunction with. People are more inclined to open your envelope if there is something unique about it. We are flooded with dull white envelopes and marketing material in our letterboxes daily. Your recipients will feel a curiosity to open your letter that contains a unique logo, branding, and colours. A personalised envelope is a perfect way to promote your business in a simple and succinct manner.

3. Highly Cost-effective

Custom envelope printing is a cost-effective marketing tool you can use to get a response from your target market. We can run your campaign to target a specific geographical area or a specific customer demographic. What’s great about this method is that you can achieve a high recall rate by using professionally printed envelopes in a number of colour and printing options.

4. Also Targets offline customers

Currently, the letterbox marketing space is way less cluttered compared to digital marketing channels. The average Australian household receives around two to three pieces of unaddressed promotional items per week. Compared to the hundreds of electronic advertising messages you receive daily, customised envelope printing stands out by being tangible and convenient to use.

5. Improves Direct Mail efficiency

Aside from promotion, you can use them to improve the efficiency of your business. For instance, you can easily break up and organise your daily outgoing mail into convenient categories. This is based on the customised colour coding of your envelope printing, making the task of sending out envelopes a lot more simplified.

Businesses are often quick to assume that electronic mail is the best choice to reach potential and existing customers. However, with technology playing an ever-increasing role in society more and more people appreciate envelope printing as a form of physical marketing.
Direct Mail Solutions is a full-service printing and mailing company for all your envelope printing and mailing needs. We can come to you to discuss which design best suits your requirements.

Printing

Envelope Printing: What You Need To Know 

Posted on by allisterfreeman@gmail.com
printing & enclosing machine
09
Jan

If you work in marketing or design, you’d know that almost nothing significant gets send to your prospective clients without an outgoing envelope (OGE). And similarly, nothing is returned to you without a business reply envelope (BRE). So it helps to understand envelope printing. In this week’s blog, we cover everything you need to know for envelope printing.  

Window Envelopes 

A window envelope is an envelope with a small area of clear plastic in the front to show the address information. The window patches are available in a variety of sizes and placements, although there are typically a few options for each. This can be helpful as you only need to address the letter, and not the envelope.  

Consider Postage  

The next thing you want to consider is postage. If you’re posting the envelopes yourself, make sure to keep in mind that the cost varies depending on the size and weight of the envelope. Check with your Post Office first before you create and budget.  

Consider BRE Markings 

If your envelope is designed to return to you, you must follow the Post Office’s design requirements. This includes the size and placement of certain preprinted type, as well as various scannable barcodes. Where you place these is critical to avoiding unwanted stress and surcharges.  

Find a Reliable Direct Mail Printer 

Printers that focus on envelopes and other aspects of direct mail printing will understand all the posting regulations and can help you with your project. They can provide you with templates to help you design business reply mail, and also have all of the printing and inserting equipment to complete the different steps of a direct mail job in an efficient and economic fashion. At Direct Mail Solutions, we can provide you with custom branded envelopes that enhance your professional image. We have a range of colour, size and envelope type options to choose from. .  

 

Design

Tips for Effective Direct Mail Envelopes 

Posted on by allisterfreeman@gmail.com
direct-mail-envelopes
22
Sep

A direct mail envelopes is an essential part of any direct mail package. But with not much space to put your design or copy, it can be difficult to decipher the most important things to include to ensure an effective direct mail envelopes design. That’s why in this week’s blog, we’re breaking down our top tips for effective direct mail envelopes. 

1) Use teaser copy targeted for your specific audience 

Upon receiving your envelope, it should be clear that your message is addressed specifically to your reader. A simple way to do this is to include key words such as “exclusive offer for shoppers inside” or “for serious investors only”. Make sure to select words relevant to your audiences’ interests and identity.  

2) Use directive language 

Entice your reader to open the envelope by using clear, directive language. Examples include “see inside” or “open immediately“. Combine this approach with a benefit the reader will receive, such as “FREE recipes! Look inside” or “How to save hundreds on your taxes! See inside for more information…“ 

3) Get creative with illustrations or photos 

Pictures are a great visual tool to engage your audience. Furthermore, they communicate instantly. While words are great, pictures can enhance your overall message. For example, a photo of a book with the word “FREE” next to it can be far more effective than several lines of text. 

4) Put your deadline on the outside 

Deadlines inspire action. If you include a clear deadline on the outside of your envelope, there is a greater chance that your audience will be propelled to act. It is best to use a real deadline over a random one as it maintains the honesty and authenticity of your company.  

Fulfiment

Why You Should Choose Shrinkwrap Over Envelopes

Posted on by allisterfreeman@gmail.com
shrink wrap
07
Jul

Deciding on the right packaging for your next advertising campaign can be a bit of a conundrum. Whilst the humble envelope is the most common choice amongst advertisers, it’s not the only option and in fact often falls short when it comes to protecting your material from the elements. In our opinion, shrink wrapping is the future for direct mail marketing services and we will explain why this packaging is superior to the traditional envelope.

Marketing

One of the biggest hurdles direct mail marketers must get over is finding a way to get their audience to open the envelope and read their content. A lot of the time, envelopes which the reader identifies as marketing material are thrown out, regardless of the potential value or appeal of the message inside. Shrink wrap on the other hand, eliminates this problem as the core message of your marketing material is visible to the reader from the moment they pull it out of the mailbox.

Aesthetics

In the same vein, because your marketing material is not obscured or hidden by an envelope, any images or design elements are clearly visible and will catch the eye of your reader. Packaging your marketing material in this way can also help to improve brand awareness.

Protection

Envelopes only really work for rectangular marketing material and don’t perform very well when it comes to bulky objects. Shrink wrap on the other hand can be moulded to securely wrap almost any product shape or size. Shrink wrap is also far more effective when it comes to protecting your carefully designed marketing material from the elements (dirt, humidity and moisture).

Durability

Plastic is a lot harder to damage than paper, so shrink wrapping is particularly useful to protect marketing material from damage during transit. Shrink wrapped catalogues and promotional products packaged in an envelope are particularly vulnerable to damage when in transit, as they tend to more around inside the packaging. Shrink wrap however, holds your marketing material firmly in place, ensuring it arrives to your target audience’s mailbox in pristine condition.

Cost

Shrink wrap is far superior to envelopes in terms of weight and material use. Because it uses so much less material than say corrugated cardboard products and produces minimal offcuts, shrink wrap is incredibly cost effective to use and is virtually weightless, helping to keep shipping rates low.

Direct Mail Solutions offer a convenient and cost effective shrink wrapping service for Melbourne businesses.

Mailing

Make a Good First Impression with These Envelope Hacks

Posted on by allisterfreeman@gmail.com
04
May

When it comes to direct mail, may businesses tend to put all their effort into writing engaging copy – which is great, however there’s no use in having great copy if no one reads it. The first thing to worry about is not the copy, but designing an envelope your recipients can’t help but open. In this blog, we share a few ways to hack your direct mail envelope to make sure your direct mail gets read every time.

Teaser copy

Consumers are used to receiving a lot of mail, so you’ll need to give them a reason not to throw your direct mail in a pile with the rest of the junk. One of the best ways to get recipients to open your mail is by offering them something and giving them a taste of what’s inside. For example, entice readers with promise of free samples, discount coupons, or an exclusive offer within the envelope – just be sure to deliver on this promise. It’s also a good idea to print the expiration date of your offer on the outside of the envelope to create a sense of urgency.

Involvement devices

Involvement devices such as stickers, tokens, scratch panels and lift tabs on the outside of your envelope are a great way to engage your audience and encourage them to find out more.

An all or nothing approach

When designing your direct mail envelope, you’ll either need to choose a very bold design, complete with pictures and enticing teaser copy, or leave the envelope completely blank to create a sense of mystery and intrigue. An in-between approach will just confuse your recipients.

Don’t try to trick the reader

Although it may seem like a good way to get readers to open your mail, dressing your envelope as a government or official letter is not a good idea. This approach will invoke distrust among your readers and encourage them to avoid your company in the future.

Personal touch

One of the best tactics to get your mail opened is to give it a personal touch. Try handwriting each address and using proper post stamps to let your readers know you care.

Direct Mail Solutions offer end-to-end direct mail services and will design you an envelope that demands attention.

Mailing

How to get consumers to open your direct mail Marketing envelopes

Posted on by allisterfreeman@gmail.com
Person preparing mailing envelopes
14
Mar

Direct mail can be an extremely effective way to market your brand, products or services to your target audience, as long as you can get them to open your envelopes. So, how  can you make sure the recipient notices your envelopes and is enticed to open them? Let’s explore 6 great tips for making your envelopes your secret direct mail weapon.

Continue reading →

Mailing

Push the Envelope for winning Direct Mail

Posted on by allisterfreeman@gmail.com
envelope
23
Feb

While there are many important aspects to consider in any given direct mail marketing campaign – the target audience, the copy, the graphics etc. – the first thing that consumers will see, and therefore make judgement on, is the envelope. Envelope’s should not simply be viewed as the vessel that carries your direct mail, but as part of the overall campaign. In this blog, we share a few tips that will help you make your envelopes more alluring, increasing the likelihood of a successful direct mail campaign.

Ensure you have the correct details

This should be obvious, but the fact is that a significant number of direct mail gets lost in the post due to incorrect details like name and address. And even if your direct mail does arrive at the correct address, its recipient won’t feel very inclined to open it if their name has been spelt wrong. So, remember to double check for any errors on your envelope before posting.

Hand done touches

Hand done touches like interesting stamps and hand written addresses will give your envelopes a much needed personal touch, increasing their appeal. Consumers are much more likely to open an envelope with these features than a mass produced, impersonal feeling mailer.

Envelope Art

Envelope art is a great way to make your direct mail stand out; it will make your campaign unique and memorable. Not only does envelope art help to make your direct mail more eye catching, it is also a great branding technique. By including your company colours or logo on the front of your envelope, you can build brand recognition with your customers.

Include a message on your envelope

Direct mail copy doesn’t have to be restricted to inside the envelope. Include a short message on your direct mail envelope to push your readers to take action and find out more. Even a message as simple as “we need your help” or “special event” will make your readers curious about the envelope’s content.

Use recycled paper

More and more, consumers are concerned about sustainability, and a great way to promote yourself as an environmentally conscious, ethical business is through the use of recycled paper. An envelope (along with its contained leaflet or letter) made from recycled paper is a great way to show consumers that you are committed to sustainability.

By using these techniques to make your envelopes stand out among a sea of boring, white mail, you’ll increase the likelihood of a successful direct mail campaign. Direct Mail Solutions offer end-to-end direct mail services, from design to fulfillment.

Printing

5 Key Envelope Printing Points to Consider

Posted on by allisterfreeman@gmail.com

Envelopes are an often overlooked element in direct mail marketing. While most businesses tend to put an enormous amount of thought into the formatting and content of their mail advertising, they tend to conceptualise the envelope as no more than a casing for their marketing material. Underestimating the significance of an envelope’s appearance and formatting is an enormous mistake as when you think about it, the envelope functions as the customer’s first impression of your business, and a recent Nielsen study uncovered that the kind of envelope used can have a significant impact on whether or not the content inside is read. In this article, we look at five key factors which businesses need to consider when designing an envelope for their direct mail marketing campaign.

Format

envelope-printingWhilst standard envelopes, wrappers, and self mailers might be more cost effective, the Nielsen study suggests that the printed envelope is substantially more effective when it comes to enticing consumers. In the study, 84.5% of recipients opened and read the contents of printed envelopes; that’s 8.9% more than the number which opened and read standard envelopes.

Colour

White is of course the traditional colour for envelopes but that doesn’t mean you should stick to the status quo. Choosing a bright colour or even something just slightly out of the ordinary (like the less common yellow envelope) will catch your customer’s eye the moment they look in their mailbox.

Texture and weight

Choosing a high quality envelope with a heavier paper weight not only appeals to the recipient’s sense of touch, it also frames your brand as one concerned with quality and customer care.

Font

The font in which the envelope is addressed can also have a strong impact on whether your customer opens it or not so it’s worth experimenting. Using classic fonts like Times New Roman or Arial will give your mail a professional, almost formal appeal, whilst sharper, cleaner designs can help your brand appear current and fresh.

Addressing

When it comes to addressing your envelope, the results from the Nielson poll clearly indicate that people are much more likely to open mail if it is personally addressed to them.

One of Direct Mail Solutions’ core services is envelope printing in Melbourne.