We’re Making Better Happen With Compelling Creative And Copy

Let’s have a contest. The theme is “What do you hate more than direct mail?” Talk among yourselves. Okay, to be fair, maybe that’s too glib. Low hanging fruit and all that. But it’s no surprise to those of us in the direct mail business that direct mail probably has a higher bar to clear […]
Seven Rules to Get the Most from Your Direct Mail Envelope

I know what you’re thinking. “Hmm. It’s not from anyone I know, at least I think it isn’t. It looks kind of important. I should probably open it. If I don’t, I’ll wonder all day what it is.” Amazing how much power that brown kraft paper envelope — empty of information except your address and […]
Direct Mail: More Value and Verifiable Results

Direct mail is … back? Actually, due to the effectiveness of direct mail, it never went away. Its reputation as a high-value marketing channel whose results are testable and verifiable over multiple iterations (in contrast to ever-more questionable online marketing) has strengthened its appeal over the past 20 years. Oh, and the only personal information […]
Direct Mail Testing: Why Good is Never Good Enough — And How to Keep Getting Better

Do you ever get the feeling we live in a “what have you done for me lately” world? Maybe it’s not a feeling for you; it’s your reality. If your work is measured in any meaningful way — and more is these days since data makes the world go ‘round — you could find yourself […]
Direct Mail is Appointment Marketing – Is It Part of Your Marketing Mix?

Let’s play a game (not Tic Tac Toe). How many ways can you think of to market your product or service? Instead of “ways,” you may prefer technical terms such as channels. Or tactics. Or marketing mix. Or even media plan. Let’s name a few, including the obligatory digital option: Digital — I’m lumping various digital […]
In Praise of the Direct Mail Letter

“Letter schmetter,” said the marketer who wanted to cut the cost of her direct mail package. “Let’s mail an oversized postcard.” Maybe your first thought is, “Sure, we could do that.” But then another thought chases that one away and you say to yourself, “Self, wait just a minute. The letter is the most important […]
The Seven Magic Words of Direct Mail

Magic words in direct mail? That seems a little “out there” for such a hardworking marketing tool. Especially with the strategic, data-driven approach IWCO Direct uses for performance marketing. But, yes, there are magic words you can use in direct mail; they’re “magic” because they can cause a dramatic increase in response to your mailing. […]
The Johnson Box—What, Why, Where, and How

Before we dive into the value and inner workings of the Johnson Box, a little family history. The Johnson Box was invented by my great great great grandfather Eustice Aristotle Johnson, a pioneer in direct mail. This breakthrough in marketing occurred shortly after he created boxed cereal and sliced bread. I’m a little fuzzy on […]