Here are seven not-so-lucky ways to waste your time, money and marketing efforts, especially if you’re a small business with a limited budget. Avoid these…

1. Cast a big net. Bigger is not better when it comes to mailing lists. If you don’t know your target market, mailing to everyone in your state won’t build recognition and a solid customer base.
2. Much to say about nothing. Listing every product and service you provide does nothing but tune out recipients. Know your target, what their challenges are and tell them precisely how you provide solutions.  
3. No offer. A perfect world: your contact information is compelling enough to boost replies and sales. Reality check: people need a reason to buy your product/service. Save 10%, get a free estimate…a little incentive goes a long way. 
4. Blah, blah, blah…is what recipients hear from generic messages. Anyone has “quality service.” What’s unique about your business? How do you solve their challenges and offer benefits?
5. The wrong envelope. From no teaser to too busy, there are many reasons why the wrong envelope causes a “failing mailing”. The envelope is your first impression—know your audience and use it wisely.
6. The one-hit blunder. Sending one mass mailing is not only costly; it’s not effective. Mailing repeatedly to a targeted audience is much more impactful than mailing once to more recipients. That’s why they call them direct marketing campaigns—an organized course of action that garners results.
7. Untracked results. This is like throwing money into a wishing well; it’s gone yet you hope for something in return. The campaign doesn’t end in the mail; you need to track results to see what worked and what didn’t. Collect that information and reuse that knowledge for future campaign success.

For complimentary samples to enhance your next direct marketing campaign, call 800-558-0514 or contact us here.