15 Elements to Add to Your Next Mailing

Direct mail is a great way to connect with your customers and prospects. But what goes into a direct mail package that gets results?

Of course, there are the standard components of any direct mail package, including the outer envelope, the letter, the reply form or envelope, and the reply device. But if you’re looking to mix things up and try something different, consider adding one or more of the following elements to your next mailing.

1. Personalization

Personalization is more than just adding a name to the top of a letter. It’s about making the entire message feel like it was created just for the recipient. You can do this in a variety of ways, such as using their name in different parts of the message, using their company name, or mentioning something specific about them or their business.

Personalization is a great way to show your customers that you care about them and that you’re paying attention to their needs. It can also help increase response rates and drive more sales. To enhance personalization and reward referrals, businesses can integrate tools like Shopify referral apps. 

2. QR Code

QR codes are a great way to add an interactive element to your direct mail. You can link the QR code to a video, a landing page or even your website. A QR code generator can help you customize it with your logo, as well.

This is a great way to get people to take action on your mail piece and can help you track the success of your direct mail campaign.

3. Social Media Icons

If you have a strong social media presence, you may want to include your social media icons on your direct mail pieces. This will give your prospects an easy way to find and follow you on their favorite social media platforms.

Social media icons can be a great way to add a little extra visual interest to your direct mail piece. You can use them to create a border, a background or even a pattern on your mailer. Just be sure to keep the design simple and clean so that your icons don’t distract from your message.

4. Testimonials

Testimonials are a great way to add social proof to your direct mail. They show that other people have used your product or service and have been happy with the results.

Testimonials can be in the form of a quote or a short video. If you have a lot of testimonials, you can create a collage or use them throughout your mailing.

5. Special Offer or Coupon

In a world where we’re constantly bombarded with ads and marketing messages, who doesn’t love a good deal? If you want to drive sales and get people in the door, a special offer or coupon is a great way to do it.

You can include a special offer or coupon in your mailing to give people an incentive to take action. This could be a discount on a product or service, a free gift with purchase, or a two-for-one deal. Whatever you choose, make sure it’s something that will get people excited and make them want to act fast.

6. Expiration Date

Use an expiration date to create urgency and prompt your customers to act quickly. You can tie this to a sale, promotion or a coupon.

If you’re using a coupon, be sure to include the expiration date on the coupon as well as in the body of your mail piece.

7. Headline

A headline is the first thing your prospects will see when they open your letter. Make sure it’s clear, concise, and attention-grabbing.

Your headline should be the main benefit of your product or service. This is not the place to get cute or clever. Just state the most important thing your prospect will get from doing business with you.

Your headline should be big and bold, and it should be the first thing your prospect sees when they open your letter.

8. Benefit-Oriented Bullet Points

People don’t read long paragraphs. They skim. So, it’s important to break up your text with bullet points. This makes it easier for them to quickly see the benefits of your offer.

In this mailing, you can see how the copywriter uses bullet points to highlight the benefits of the product.

9. Guarantee

A guarantee is a great way to offer reassurance to your customers. Guarantees can come in many different forms, from a money-back guarantee to a satisfaction guarantee.

A guarantee can also help you make your offer more compelling. For example, if you’re offering a free trial of your product, you could add a guarantee that customers will love it and want to continue using it after the trial period is over.

10. P.S. Message

P.S. messages are a great way to add a little something extra to your mailings. These can be used to reiterate your call to action, share a bonus offer or simply say thank you.

P.S. messages are short and sweet and should be located at the bottom of the letter, below your signature.

Here are a few example P.S. messages you could use:

• P.S. It’s not too late to register for our Lecce museo exhibit!
• P.S. Thank you for your support.
• P.S. Don’t miss out on this special offer.
• P.S. We can’t wait to see you there.

11. Address Label

Address labels are an essential element for any direct mail piece. They help ensure that your mail is delivered to the right person and that it arrives at the correct address.

You can create custom address labels that match the design of your direct mail piece. This is a great way to add a professional touch to your mailings and make them stand out.

12. Photo

A photo of you or your team is a great way to personalize your mailing, just like including a company chart to showcase your team structure or highlight key roles.  This is especially true if you’re a service-based business. You can use a photo to introduce yourself, thank your customers, or just add a personal touch to your mailing.

If you’re sending a thank you card, a photo of your team is a great way to show your appreciation. You can also use a photo to show off your products or services in action by using an AI image generator.

13. Special Finish

Special finishes, like foiling or embossing, can take your direct mail from simple to stunning. These special finishes not only add a tactile element to your mail, but they can also add a bit of shine and help your mail stand out in the mailbox.

If you’re going to add a special finish to your mail, make sure it’s on-brand and helps to highlight the most important elements of your design.

14. Urgency Messaging

Urgency is a powerful tool in marketing. Adding a sense of urgency to your mailings can help increase open and response rates. You can create urgency by adding a deadline for a sale or event, or by telling your recipients that they have a limited time to respond.

You can also create urgency by using time-sensitive language in your mailing copy. For example, instead of saying “Call us today for a free consultation,” you could say “Call us before Friday to get a free consultation.”

15. Map

A map is a great way to help your customers find your location. You can also use a map to show the area around your business, or to highlight a specific location that’s relevant to your message.

For example, if you’re a real estate agent, you could use a map to show the location of a property you’re trying to sell. If you’re a restaurant owner, you could use a map to show the area around your restaurant, and highlight any attractions or landmarks that are nearby.

Conclusion

The next time you send out a mailing, consider incorporating some of these elements. They may help you to stand out from the crowd, increase your open and click-through rates, and drive more conversions.