Direct Mail Marketing Tips

Have you ever wondered how to differentiate yourself from the other direct mail marketers?  Here are 10 ideas that will help you do just that.   

1.        The Handwritten Postcard

How: Using a bold marker, write a simple, straight to-the-point message on a 4X6 inch piece of paper, take the paper to your local printing center (Staples, Kinkos, etc.), and copy the message onto card-stock. Now you have your very own postcard that really STICKS OUT and it’ll sure look a whole lot more personal than your competitors.  

Cost: As low as .02 each if you are printing 5,000+; as much as .20 each if you are printing in low quantities.

2.        Colored Paper

How: Use colored notebook paper (a popular one is yellow legal paper); hand-write or use a believable hand-writing font. It gives your letter a personal touch and will differentiate your marketing piece from the printed ones.

Cost: Cheap if you are using plain paper.

 
3.        Large Professional Envelopes (Parcel Delivery)

How: Insert your marketing piece inside an important looking envelope and drop it off at the front steps of a property. If it looks important, homeowners will open it.

Cost: You will have to pay for the envelopes but some investors get creative with where they get those envelopes.

 
4.        Stamp vs. Metered Postage

How: Use a regular stamp rather than metered postage to give your mailing piece a more homemade feel.  Nothing screams "mass mail" or "spam mail" like metered postage with windowed envelopes.

Extra tip:  Try adding a .02 cent stamp to give it an extra unprofessional look.  Unprofessional = Homemade.

Cost: Metered postage can save you up to 20% but your mailing piece loses some personality.
 

5.        Dolla Dolla Bills

How: Stuff a dollar bill in a windowed envelope along with your marketing letter. 

Cost: One dollar extra per letter.

6.        Lumpy Mail

How: Try inserting a small object like a rubber bouncy ball that will make the envelope appear like there is something inside. Your objective is to draw curiosity. You can also try sending a crumpled up letter.

Cost: Free or cost of rubber bouncy ball.  Also, depending on the weight of your object, postage costs may increase.
  

7.        Stickers

How: Place stickers on your envelope, anything from animals to glittery stars, the more attention-grabbing the better. 

Cost: 2-10 cents.  Save money by buying in bulk.

 
8.        Something for Free!

How: Everyone likes FREE. That’s why Realty Robot exists! Mention in your letter or even outside that you are offering something for free. This could be free information, a free booklet, or maybe even a free consultation.

Cost: Free! 

 
9.        The Informational Booklet

How: Instead of just sending a letter, try sending an information booklet. Most homeowners facing foreclosure are confused and will appreciate some useful information more than they would a marketing letter.

Cost: Depends on how elaborate your booklet is. It can be as simple as a single piece of paper folded into three parts.

10.     CAPS/Bold

How: Consider putting a few words/phrases/lines of your marketing piece in bold or CAPS.  Most readers will typically skim through letters and any portions that are important points, you'll want them to read.

Cost: Also Free!