Direct mail provides opportunity for brands to cut through the noise

With most people spending the vast majority of their days at home, being able to get a piece of mail or a doordrop directly into the hand is a big advantage for any brand, particularly at a time when marketing is dominated by TV and online.

Offering something physical that communicates an appropriate message can be a powerful way to build a brand or ensure loyalty once this is all over. And for charities whose donation levels have been hit hard by the virus, direct mail offers valuable levels of engagement and ROI.

“[Direct mail] will certainly have more attention now from people than it’s ever had in the past,” said Simon Biltcliffe, Chief Executive of marketing agency Webmart, in an interview with PrintWeek. “People are at home and if something comes through their letterbox, they will look at it. Print will be a really strong medium for people to build their brand and awareness.”

The Opportunity for Direct Mail

Brands should understand the power and effectiveness of print. While TV has the reach, it remains a highly expensive option for many companies and organisations, plus it lacks the targeting power of DM and partially addressed mail. Of course, right now many people are living their lives online, but the constant bombardment of online ads and content makes it difficult for any company to really cut-though and engage a consumer.

Done well, direct mail has the power to stop people in their tracks, grab their attention and compel them to take action. The physical nature of the medium also means that it’s likely to stay around in the home for longer – 17 days according to the Royal Mail study ‘The Private Life of Mail’.

What’s more, direct mail has a perceived value and importance that virtual media simply doesn’t, which is why the Government and the NHS have been using it to communicate key messages and health advice to the population throughout this crisis.

Ahead of the curve

In any crisis, marketing is usually the first budget to be slashed. But marketing experts agree that continuing to communicate with customers during a crisis is vital for brands, keeping them front-of-mind for consumers that will want normal life to return as quickly as possible once this situation is over.

“The best time to market to people is when others are not,” said Robin Sumner, Managing Director of marketing agency Romax. “After the initial panic subsides and the society accepts the ‘new normal’, then trade will return swiftly – those that have continued to promote during that time will be ahead of the curve.”

With our own mailing and fulfilment department, not only can we print your promotional materials we can also facilitate your direct mailing all under one roof. We are able to personalise your campaigns with secure mail merges and advise on the best ways to save on the cost of your postage. Get in contact with our experts on 01726 624900.

This article first appeared on the Two Sides blog. We are proud to be members of the Two Sides campaign and you can read more articles relating to paper and print on their blog.