Direct mail marketing remains a powerful and effective way to reach potential customers, especially when combined with digital strategies. But lists don’t build themselves out of thin air. You have to make them! How do you do that? Let’s look at five proven techniques to take your existing list, improve it, and boost your results.

1. Purchase a trade show attendee list

Trade shows are industry-specific events that attract decision-makers and potential clients. Acquiring an attendee list from crucial trade shows in your market vertical can provide you with a highly targeted audience. Trade show attendees also tend to be decision-makers, so this is a high-value add.

2. Purchase a Media List

Specialty magazines, including trade magazines, have well-defined target audiences; some may be willing to sell or rent their subscriber lists. These lists often come with valuable demographic breakdowns, making them effective tools for targeted marketing.

3. Tap Your Content Marketing

If you have a content marketing strategy, capitalize on it to build your direct mail list. For instance, if you offer an e-newsletter, ask recipients for their street addresses during sign-up. Similarly, when website visitors download white papers or case studies, prompt them to fill out an online registration form with an option to provide their contact information. By collecting this data, you can expand your direct mail list with engaged prospects who have already shown interest in your content.

4. Use Every Door Direct Mail (EDDM)

Every Door Direct Mail (EDDM) from the United States Postal Service is an affordable way to target households within a specific demographic radius. While EDDM lists do not include individual names, they are highly cost-effective. Not only are these campaigns inexpensive to mail, but once particular recipients respond, you now own those contacts and have their names.

5. Purchase a Cloned List

If you already have a productive direct mail list, consider leveraging it to create a cloned list. Start by creating a profile of your best customers based on demographics, interests, and buying behavior. Then purchase a list that closely mirrors this profile to expand your reach in your local area or help you move into a new one.

A successful direct mail campaign requires a great list. By utilizing the techniques discussed above, you can improve the accuracy of your targeting and reach new, high-value prospects just like them.

Are you planning an event? To maximize attendance, you need a comprehensive multichannel strategy incorporating various marketing tools. Let’s look at seven “must-have” elements to make your next event successful.

1. Direct Mail

Direct mail remains a powerful marketing tool for event promotion. Use the unique power of print to showcase the event’s speakers, activities, and registration details. Personalize the content to cater to different segments of your target audience, making them feel valued and engaged. Direct mail is particularly effective for reaching potential attendees who have not responded to your email campaigns.

2. Email

Create a series of compelling and visually appealing emails to build anticipation and excitement leading up to the event. Send personalized invitations, reminders, and exclusive offers to registered attendees. Email automation can ensure participants receive timely updates and essential information, streamlining their event experience.

3. Promotional items

Branded promotional items are essential for leaving a lasting impression on event attendees. Offer valuable and relevant giveaways such as pens, notepads, water bottles, tote bags, or tech gadgets with your company logo. These items are tangible reminders of your event long after it’s over and can help reinforce brand recognition.

4. Signs, banners, and floor displays

Create visually appealing and professionally designed signs, banners, and floor displays to guide attendees through the event space. Clear and prominent signage will enhance the overall experience and ensure that participants can easily find different areas, booths, or sessions.

5. Table tents

Table tents are excellent tools for conveying important event information during sit-down meals or networking sessions. Place table tents on dining tables or other gathering areas to highlight the event schedule, sponsors, special offers, or interactive activities.

6. Branded T-shirts

Branded t-shirts are a fantastic way to unify your team and event staff while promoting your company’s identity. Outfit event organizers, volunteers, and staff with eye-catching t-shirts that display your logo and event theme. This conveys a sense of professionalism and quality.

7. Social media

Leverage the power of social media to create buzz and excitement before, during, and after the event. Develop a comprehensive social media strategy that includes posting engaging content, behind-the-scenes glimpses, speaker highlights, and real-time updates during the event. Encourage attendees to share their experiences using event-specific hashtags to maximize visibility and reach.

A well-rounded and integrated promotional approach is essential for success when planning an event. By integrating various marketing channels, you can engage attendees, foster brand recognition, and encourage word-of-mouth promotion, helping your event to be its best.