When it comes to marketing, people often think B2B (Business-to-Business) and B2C (Business-to-Consumer) are completely different animals. B2B is usually seen as formal, stiff, and all about the facts, while B2C gets to be fun, personal, and emotional. But the truth is, they’re not that different after all. Superior Plumbing, Heating & Mechanical’s recent direct mail campaign shows that the same core principles work in both worlds. You can see a …
Let’s talk about data driven marketing and how direct mail plays it’s part. Done right, it’s still one of the most powerful marketing tools out there. But let’s be honest—most businesses are still stuck using outdated methods to build their mailing lists. And that’s why so many campaigns fall flat. If you’re still picking names based on zip codes or age brackets alone, you’re not just missing the mark—you’re wasting …
In today’s saturated advertising landscape, grabbing and holding consumer attention requires more than traditional methods. Enter multichannel marketing, a strategy designed to deliver consistent messages across diverse platforms, creating a cohesive customer journey and amplifying engagement. Businesses leveraging this approach achieve not just higher visibility but also significantly improved conversion rates. Here’s why multichannel marketing is a must for any business and how it can achieve exponential results. What is …
In a world where data is king and attention spans are sprinking, spray-and-pray marketing is dead. The good news? There’s a better way—Data Modeling—and it’s quickly becoming the gold standard for direct mail that actually works. The old way of doing direct mail doesn’t cut it anymore. Let’s dig into why cold lists are dying, how data modeling changes the game, and why the businesses using it are seeing response rates …
This week, I’m sharing a few case study from one our long-standing, best producing, 3D Mail items, the x-ray mailer. Yesterday I shared a very cool B2B version of the x-ray mailer. You can see the full case study, and the entire mail package at this link. This case study comes from Dr. McGrath of Atlantic Spine and Joint Institute. It’s a letter sent to those with knee pain. With Dr. McGrath …
In the interest of full disclosure, I’m not the mastermind behind the Rubik’s’ Cube idea. I first saw this mentioned in the late Chet Holmes’ book, The Ultimate Sales Machine: Turbocharge Your Business with Relentless Focus on 12 Key Strategies. In his book Chet uses this great opening: This Rubik’s Cube has more than four billion possible combinations. Fortunately, there are only five that you need to worry about when …
This new item, the life-preserver, is one of those ideas that has been rattling around in my head for several months. However, I wanted to find the exact right ‘life-ring’ for your use. I wanted it to be small enough to that your postage rates stay low, but also looked and felt right. It had to look like the real deal, just like they look at the dock down at …
Let’s be honest—we’ve all taken a few punches the last few years. Some of us are just now starting to breathe a little easier. The waters are calming, sure… but don’t get too comfortable. This ain’t smooth sailing just yet. Yeah, the headlines tell you unemployment’s down and people are spending. But let’s not kid ourselves—there’s still plenty of economic weirdness bubbling under the surface. Wages haven’t kept up, costs …
Cross-channel marketing isn’t about choosing between traditional or digital—it’s about using them together to amplify results. Studies have consistently demonstrated the power of integrating multiple platforms to engage prospects effectively: Coordinating direct mail and digital marketing increases response rates by 63%, boosts website visits by 68%, and leads by 53%. Campaigns combining direct mail with digital channels see a 118% lift in response rates compared to direct mail alone. This …
Most people don’t think of their business cards as a direct response marketing tool. Most see them as a necessary evil. However, you can create your business card as a REAL advertising tool. Plus, you can measure your results like we do in direct response, if done correctly! What’s The Perceived Role Of A Business Card? Most people say, “so they have my information on file” FACT: 90% of all …
Direct mail lists are by far the most important part of any direct mail campaign. While all components of a campaign play a role, the list ultimately has the greatest impact on its overall performance. Investing in the right custom mailing list can lead to exponentially better results. Here are three steps to help you find the right list, followed by three essential questions to ask when purchasing a mailing …
The power marketing words you use will garner attention, increase open and read rates, and ultimately make more sales. Here are the 8 most powerful marketing words to use in your direct mail. FREE is still the most powerful word in marketing. It’s hard to outperform “Free.” That’s why so many people use it in their marketing. Current split-test of single work teaser copy on envelopes proves it out pulls …
If there’s one thing every business need, it’s a fresh batch of new, ready-to-buy referral clients lining up each day. And direct mail marketing is one way help get more referrals, quickly. However, like most things, it’s easier said than done. One of the best ways we use 3D Mail is with to get REFERRALS. Here’s a copy of a letter we wrote for a kitchen remodeler using the Million …
Dimensional mail, also known as 3D or lumpy mail, adds depth to traditional mail pieces, making each mail piece more engaging and attention-grabbing. Unlike standard flat envelopes, dimensional mail includes items with length, width, and depth—such as boxes, mini trash cans, or bank bags—that intrigue recipients and encourage them to open the mail. Why Does Dimensional Mail Yield Such High Returns? The biggest advantages of dimensional mail is that it …
This post, I’m going to share a case study from one our long-standing, best producing, 3D Mail items, the x-ray mailer: Rory Fatt, a consultant to the restaurant industry, first used this X-ray mailer, and his direct mailings have appeared in this e-newsletter many times over the years. I then saw it used by Bill Glazer in his menswear retail store. You can see a copy of both campaigns here. …
3D Mail 2.0 is the only integrated omni-channel marketing platform that integrates digital ads to your direct mail campaigns. Instead of just sending out a traditional solo direct mail campaign, 3D Mail 2.0 combines your direct mail with 7 digital technologies to create an omni-channel experience. This increases your return on investment by reaching your target audience on multiple channels simultaneously. How Does Omni-Channel Marketing Work? Your direct mail pieces are …
I raided the 3D Mail vault for this month’s S&D example of the month. I originally wrote this letter seven years ago which is part of the 3D Mail Direct Marketing System for Dentist. It’s since been modified for chiropractors, MD’s, optometrists, foot and ankle doctors… The list goes on. As you’ll see by reading the letter its purpose is to target patients with insurance whose benefits are expiring at …
Did you know that Sept. 19th in International Talk Like A Pirate Day? Before we get to our main post, a quick joke. What’s a pirate’s favorite letter? The answer is at the bottom of this page. If you’ve read any of the articles on this blog, you know we preach and encourage you to use holidays in your marketing. While this month’s example may not be a true holiday, …
Who ISN’T going to open a little safe that arrives in the mail! This overcomes our #1 hurdle in ALL of marketing, getting attention! You’ll notice the lift note right away. That’s the letter we put in the box, but OUTSIDE the safe. When using the safe I would almost always use a lift note. This is to briefly explain what the reader is getting, and more importantly, to sell …
Enter the power of “lumpy mail.” As you can see, I’ve attached a ___________ to this letter. And I did this for three important reasons… Direct-mail success hinges on three critical steps: getting it delivered, getting it opened, and getting it read. While all three matter, let’s focus on the third step—getting it read. In today’s fast-paced world, even the most loyal customers may skim, shuffle, or trash your mail …
William H. Russell was looking to grow. His stagecoach company was making him money, but he was limited mostly to passengers and their belongings. This made the westward crossing from St. Louis to San Francisco 3-weeks in length. But there were also important documents and communication being carried as well. Remember, this was before the telegraph had wide distribution and use in the west. This is when Russell wen to CA …
I’m cheating a little… I must admit, this isn’t a “brand” new item, but it in one of the most unique direct mail ideas we’ve seen. We stocked it as recently as two years ago. However, our manufacturer discontinued the item a few months later. I hated that. I thought this piece was outstanding and was working its way up our “Best-Seller” chart. I suggest you click here and read the …
Background Information Travis Lee is internationally known as the expert in getting direct mail delivered, opened and read. As co-founder and president of 3D Mail, he generates huge returns for thousands of businesses each year who use his innovative and effective marketing strategies. His unique, yet tested marketing methods have helped add millions of dollars in sales to a wide variety of businesses, from “kitchen-table-run” sole-proprietors, to National and Multi-National …
A few months ago, I received a great note from a relatively new client. He had just sent out the bank bag for his direct mail campaign. It happens quite often, but it’s never surprises, this stuff really works! Just wanted to drop a note to tell you that I just got my first new client using your crazy program! I expect to get many more as the response that I …
Let’s talk Big Game hunting; going after those accounts that, when you land, would dramatically increase your sales and profits. This month’s example is a great case study in Big Game Hunting in the business-to-business (B2B) space using the express mail envelopes. The owner, Michael Nguyen, recently bought the company, Produce Results. They are a marketing agency in north Texas. Immediately upon taking ownership, he decided to move all his …
This new item of the month was inspired by a piece of direct mail I received last spring. Here’s a picture of the entire package: The box had a hand-written address label, and inside a pair of drum sticks, how clever! Also included was a small sheet on card stock with the message: I love the use of the personal URL (PURL), and the drum theme and personalization carried over …