1. The packaging should stand out
You could have a beautifully crafted message in your direct mail letters, but if it’s not going to be opened, then it won’t be seen. You must make the recipient want to open the letter or package.
Some ideas:
2. Stroke the recipient’s ego
We all want to be told we’re good-looking, smart, and witty. That we’re one-of-a-kind.
If you’re targeting single women, maybe you could say something like:
Dear. Ms. Smith,
You deserve a partner that is as ambitious as you. You shouldn’t settle…
If you’re targeting boomers who are soon-to-retire, maybe you could say:
Dear. Mr. Jones,
You’ve worked so hard to get to this point. It’s only the smart people who are able to retire before 65…
3. Tell a story
Storytelling is the most underrated tool in marketing. When starting with a story, people can’t help but want to know what happens next.
Reservation Animal Rescue once sent me a letter (with a picture of the dog):
“Ralphie was a very sick puppy when he was brought to my vet clinic…”
I want to know more about that poor puppy. They hooked me.
4. Give yourself authority & make it personal
For B2B direct mail campaigns, when the recipient sees the letter is coming from the “President” (Or “CEO” “Director” “Vice President”) of the company, they’re more likely to read it. People like dealing directly with the person in charge. And people feel special when it’s from someone important.
Examples you may have seen before:
Even for larger corporations, direct mail is often signed at the bottom, by the CEO.
I always receive emails from Delta Airlines and most of them feel like the CEO is writing to me directly.