Some may think that direct mail is a relic of the past compared to online marketing, but there is much research to suggest that it is just as or even more effective than some digital efforts. When combined, however, direct mail and online marketing can be a powerful force in delivering successful marketing campaigns. In this article, we cover how direct mail complements online marketing efforts and how to go about it. 

• Benefits of Direct Mail in a Digital Age

• What is the Current Digital Marketing Landscape? 

• How Does Direct Mail Enhance Digital Marketing Efforts?

• Omni-Channel Marketing 

• A Holistic Approach 

• A Direct Mailing House That Understands Digital 

Benefits of Direct Mail in a Digital Age

Before looking at how the use of direct mail can complement online marketing efforts, it’s important to understand the benefits of direct mail, within the digital age. 

Tangible

Digital ads can easily be scrolled past, ignored or deleted with a click or tap of a button. Direct mail, however, is a tangible object that requires a lot more effort to discard. Recipients need to pick it up and hold it, which has been proven to increase engagement and memory recall of a particular company, than the digital alternative. Research shows that 95% of direct mail is engaged with. 

High Visibility

Emails often end up in junk and spam folders, meaning they get overlooked. With direct mail, they are guaranteed to reach the recipient's postbox and therefore offer a much higher visibility rate. 

Reduced Competition

The digital world is over-saturated, with the average person receiving 121 emails per day. There is therefore so much competition that it can be hard, and expensive, for companies to get the viability they want. However, direct mail has provided the opportunity for companies and organisations to be seen, due to many businesses making the switch to digital means, opening up the playing field for direct mail and offering high visibility compared to digital ads.

Trust & Credibility

Studies show that receiving direct mail drives trust and adds authenticity to communications. Research by MarketReach found that 70% of consumers find direct mail makes them feel valued and many also felt that direct mail is more trustworthy and credible than digital ads. 

Longer Lifetime

45% of direct mail has been shown to hang around in a home for over 4 weeks, an impressive figure that outperforms that of a digital ad that could be shown on a screen for a matter of seconds. A well-designed mailer can therefore continue to engage and remind recipients of a company’s message, as well as the rest of the household, longer after the received date. 

What is the Current Digital Marketing Landscape? 

Although direct marketing has its strengths, digital marketing should also not be undermined. It offers exceptional reach and precision when it comes to targeting and allows businesses to engage with new and returning customers in highly personalised ways. Key strengths include: 

Real-Time Analytics

Digital platforms allow for real-time, accurate data to help measure campaign performance, which can then be easily adjusted and optimised throughout. 

Specific Targeting

Advanced algorithms in the digital world allow for an amazing amount of data, which marketers use to target specific demographics, behaviours and interests. 

Interactive

Digital ads can include much more accessible and cost-effective interactive elements like videos, polls and links that drive direct engagement and immediate action from the audience that direct mail. 

How Does Direct Mail Enhance Digital Marketing Efforts? 

When the tactile appeal of direct mail works alongside the highly targeted and interactive elements of digital marketing, a strong, impactful and cohesive multi-channel marketing strategy comes together. Here is how direct mail complements online marketing efforts.

Integrated Campaigns for a Cohesive Customer Journey

Combining direct mail with digital channels creates an integrated campaign that is seamless across all touchpoints of the customer journey. For example, introducing a new product via a direct mailer, and then targeting the same recipients with a follow-up message via email newsletter and social media ad with more information is a great way to connect their offline and online worlds and drive engagement. 

Bridge the Gap Between Offline & Online

Direct mail can help to bridge the gap between offline and online realms, again creating a seamless customer journey. Using tactics such as QR codes, personalised URLs and unique promotional codes all drive a recipient to a website or online destination to continue the brand's journey digitally. 

Boost Digital Engagement With Direct Mail 

A major challenge of digital marketing is the amount of competition and volume of content out there. Using direct mail as a physical reminder of a brand message that is being communicated online is a great way to prompt recipients to engage with your company online, whether that be to visit your website, follow you on social media or check an email. 

Re-Engage Inactive Customers

Direct mail can be a great way to work alongside online marketing to cut through the noise and re-engage with inactive customers or those who have not responded to digital communications. A personalised mailer can rekindle brand interest and drive them back to your online platforms. 

Cross-Selling Opportunities

Direct mail can be a great opportunity to cross-sell products or services that can then be amplified with online marketing methods. For example, a well-timed email or social media ad that aligns with the content of the direct mail pieces can drive additional sales as it hits recipients at all points of their customer journey. 

A Holistic Approach 

Direct mail complements online marketing efforts when there is a clear synergy between the channels, fuelled by a holistic approach. A unified messaging and branding in key, so there is a consistent experience for the recipient at all points of their customer journey. Coordinated timing is also key in both channels working together successfully. 

A Direct Mailing House That Understands Digital 

At DMS, we understand how direct mail complements online marketing efforts and are experienced in supporting leading organisations in their multi-channel marketing strategy. Don’t let direct mail be an afterthought, at DMS we make the process easy and take care of everything from printing and production to postage and fulfilment. Using state-of-the-art equipment and technology, you won’t be disappointed. 

Get in touch to find out more, plus receive a free quote by clicking here.