We live in the Information Age, but for all the information that surrounds us, sometimes it’s darn tough to tell fact from fiction. As a business owner and marketer, you may have run across any number of “facts” about direct mail companies that are actually just myths. Taking that information to heart without checking it out could be holding your company back from success.
Let’s debunk some of the most common misconceptions.
1. All direct mail companies are the same.
Is your business exactly the same as your competitors? We hope not. Without any way to differentiate yourself, you can’t attract customers, and that will definitely hold you back from success. Direct mail companies can differ widely from one another, in terms of the services they offer and the quality of their work as well as cost.
If you’re looking for marketing success, look for a company that offers a comprehensive range of services from creative custom design through mailing list development, printing, mail prep and postal delivery. You’ll get all the help you need from a single source. That’s more efficient and lot easier.
2. Bigger is better.
Perhaps you think that if a direct mail company isn’t a “household name,” they can’t possibly be big or experienced enough to do a good job for you. Nothing could be further from the truth. First of all, just because you’ve heard of a company doesn’t make them the most skilled or mean that they produce the highest quality work. Second, in today’s virtual business world, it’s not really possible to know how large a company is. What counts is results.
And when you come right down to it, what you should be looking for is a company that treats you as if you’re their only customer, giving you personalized, friendly service and all the attention you need.
3. The whole approach of direct mail is outdated.
Direct mail is actually experiencing an exciting resurgence. Observant marketers have noticed that the internet is getting crowded, whereas it’s easy to stand out from the crowd when you deliver your message right to your prospect’s mailbox.
4. It’s expensive to get custom work done.
This simply is not true. Direct mail postcards are especially popular with small businesses because of their affordability, including design. What’s really expensive is not getting the kind of custom-tailored design that ensures your mailings set you clearly apart from the competition and generate great response.
5. I don’t need a direct mail company, because direct mail doesn’t make sense for my business.
You don’t have to have a storefront business such as a shop, restaurant, dental office, salon or gym to boost your business using direct mail. Thousands of organizations all around the country, including performing arts groups, churches, schools, in-home and yard-related services and B2B companies rely on direct mail to grow their clientele and build customer loyalty.
But you’re right that every business is different, so look for a direct mail company that has strong, successful experience working with businesses like yours. That will give you extra confidence, and you’ll also benefit from the success of other clients, when it comes to crafting just the right message or offer.
6. I’m better off just doing it myself.
Often small business owners feel compelled to do everything by themselves due to budget limitations. But by now you’ve learned you cannot do it all alone, and partnering with a pro can be the smartest investment you ever make. Marketing isn’t a business luxury, it’s a requirement of life if you expect to grow and succeed.
Teaming with the right direct mail company takes the burden off your shoulders and ensures you’ll get top-quality advice and workmanship instead of holding yourself back.