Is Personalized Print Over-Hyped?

We hear a lot about personalized printing—addressing recipients by name and tailoring the content based on what you know about them. This approach takes additional time and expense, including refining and analyzing marketing databases, creating customer profiles, and developing messaging for personalized communications. Does it make a difference?

According to the recipients themselves, the answer is a resounding yes!  Research from Epsilon, a provider of third-party data, has found the following:

•      90% of consumers see personalized communications as “somewhat” or “very” appealing.

•      80% of consumers say they are likelier to do business with a company that offers personalized experiences.

•      75% of consumers say it is “very cool” when they receive personalized offers.

According to Epsilon, consumers are very willing to provide personal information when they know it will be used to benefit them, providing personalized offers, product recommendations, and deals. More than two-thirds (68%) agree that “it is worth giving my personal information to a company” in exchange for these benefits.

Do consumers feel confident that their personal information is secure? More than half (57%) say yes.

Consumers not only desire personalized experiences, but they do so because they expect those experiences to provide them with tangible benefits and are willing to trade some of their privacy to get them.

So, is personalization worth it? Consumers themselves are telling us yes! So, if you're still on the fence about this investment, let the resounding consumer verdict guide your decision. Personalization is a strategic investment that yields tangible benefits and customer trust, and that is worth the investment...in spades.

5 Tips for Better Direct Mail Pieces

Want to create awesome direct mail? You must always carefully consider the list, the message, and the call to action, but other factors make a highly effective mail piece, too. These include things like the trim size, shape, and texture of the piece. Let's look at five considerations for creating standout mail pieces.

1. Trim size. For the lowest possible postage cost, go with a standard 4" x 6" postcard. However, a nonstandard-sized card will stand out, and while it will cost more in postage, it is guaranteed to get noticed. It might even be the first piece they pick up. What's that worth?

2. Weight of the stock. Consumers tend to associate the weight of the stock used in the mailing with the brand's quality and, by extension, the marketed product. Heavier stocks command respect and attention.

3. Texture and "feel" of the paper. In a sea of smooth envelopes, mailers with textured finishes get noticed. Many options exist, from high gloss and spot varnish to specialty processes.

4. Personalized messaging. Even using someone's name on the front of a card will engage the recipient more than a static card. This extra level of engagement might only last for a split second, but sometimes, that is all you need.

5. Colored stock. Most mailers are printed on traditional white paper. When you print on a colored stock, it grabs attention. Use knock-out type, graphics, and images on dynamic backgrounds to get your mailer to jump out of the box. If your mailbox contains a sea of white envelopes and one bright red one with a white knock-out type, which would you pick up first?

There are many ways to get your direct mailer to stand out from all of the others. Why not try something you have not tried before? You might love the results!