Marketing going into the fourth quarter of the year is probably one of the most enjoyable parts of my work. It is a time in which you can get really creative. There are such a variety of holidays and mirth and merriment that having fun is an element in just about all we do. So let’s have some – and be profit-minded, too!
Here I want to give you some insight on combining marketing and technology to make something really special this year.
Marketing with USPS
Yes, you read that correctly – the USPS – United States Postal Service. Just consider this – 25 years ago “You’ve got mail!” became a catch phrase that was an exciting new thing. Now, our email accounts are flooded and we roll our eyes when thinking about it being empty.
What is empty now are the actual physical mailboxes out in front of our customer’s homes and businesses. And therein lies an opportunity for you to get new eyeballs on your business and offerings. Combining email and traditional mail is twice as effective when used together in a marketing campaign. Take advantage of it!
Here are a few suggestions:
Send actual greeting cards – with CUSTOMIZED STAMPS. You can create stamps from your own photos – but you must use one of the vendors approved by the USPS. Vendors listed on the USPS site include PhotoStamps, PictureItPostage and Zazzle. This could be a treat for family and friends with personal cards and fun for your business associates as well.
Send direct mail advertising. You can create your own by working with USPS-approved vendors such as amazingmail, Cardstore, Click2Mail and AMPlified mail. Or, you can create an advertising piece with a marketing professional and then send it out using the USPS Every Door Direct Mail service. Be sure you have a distinct message and offer that will grab the recipient.
Use Custom Stamps and mailings to engage your target market. Create a campaign for a targeted audience that will grab their attention. Make it fun. Perhaps you are having a special event or sale and you want to create a drip campaign to entice participation. Create a series of cards and letters that will continue to remind and nurture their interest. Create stamps that lead them along with special notes on the mailers – cards or envelopes.
I guess while I said this is fun during the last quarter of the year, you can really utilize this strategy at any time during the year. People get excited about interesting and fun mail that they can open and put on the fridge or share with others.
Use marketing creativity and technology to bring that to life – and your bottom line.
