Direct Mail is like any other advertising or marketing project which should begin with the establishment of a goal. An unclear goal and uncertain strategies are often the culprits of disappointing results.

The decisions you make regarding the criteria for selecting your prospect or customer list can ultimately determine the success or failure of your direct mail campaign. Usually, lists can be rented from list brokers for a specific period of time. Ask your list broker (DataMarketing Network) to supply you with a list that addresses your needs - which may be to reach a wide audience or a targeted one. Remember: the right list is very valuable; the wrong list may be ineffective.

Your customer database should be kept clean and updated. The names and addresses should be run through the National Change of Address (NCOA) file. This list-hygiene method eliminates most of the undeliverable mail from the list. Remember: undelivered mail can be a huge waste of money and time for everyone.

Some of the ways to save money when you are mailing thousands of pieces of mail each year is to use automation-compatible mail with barcoding and drop shipping to the nearest destination post office. For automation mail, a barcode is inserted in the proper location on the mail piece. The USPS can sort this type of mail much faster and the cost savings are passed along to you. Drop shipping can speed up the delivery and generate postal savings. Contact DataMarketing Network for more information on how to save on your direct mail campaign!

More Resources
	US Post Office guide on direct mail http://www.usps.com/directmail Glossary of frequently used direct mail terms http://www.usps.com/directmail/glossary Direct Marketing Association http://www.the-dma.org Direct Magazine - online magazine about direct marketing DMNEWS - online newspaper for direct marketers http://www.dmnews.com