TOPIC: Direct Mail Postcards...

Hi Joe,
Thanks for the input. Please post some of your postcards here, or email me a copy. I would appreciate seeing what others are doing, and hearing of what results you had. I used Vista many years ago. They still had my logo on file, which is on the address (rear) of the card. I was signed up on their mailing list, but stopped it after way too many emails, way too often. I re-signed up the other day. I have been collecting addresses the last few weeks in preparation for this mailing. I wish there was an easier way, but the "list service companies" that I inquired do not have coverage in my specific areas. Too rural. Closest area they have is 45 miles away. So, I am gonna hit a few different segments with this mailing, and if I get any response, I will further target that segment... for now...
Thanks again,
Jeff

I have been using Vistaprint for about 5 years for business cards and letterhead. 

I send out direct mail marketing for Warranty Inspections.  I buy addresses  for all property sales above $350K from a local magazine company.  I mail a full page letter with 2 business cards to homes sold by a bulder to an individual 11 months ago.  The total cost of letter, postage, printing, envelope, return address, and address is about $1 per.  I send out between 3000-6000 a year depending on how many houses were sold 11 months ago. 

I get about a 3%-5% return.  For every 100 letters mailed, I get 3-5 people call and covert most to inspections.  I average 1 inspection a week from the campaign.  It costs me less than 1 inspection a month and returns about 4. 

I bought a laser printer and do all the printing on letterhead.  I fold and stuff.  I apply the return address and postage to the envelope.  My wife runs the mail merge between the purchased addresses and my form letter. 

Some weeks I send out 10 letters.  Some weeks I send out 60 letters.  Two years ago I was averageing 200 letters a month.  Last couple of months is 150-200 a month.

Never tried sending post cards to a blanket area advertising services. 

Wow...

Thanks for the detailed info Bruce. I really appreciate it.

Jeff

I was told that post cards work but have not done it. Do you send it out to the real estate agents or homes for sale, for when they move. My web page in Charlotte is doing good but www.thegreenvillehomeinspector.com is a little slow to come around. the www.thecoulubiahomeinspector.com is no top of the map area but the web page is back a ways. I want to do something to pick things up.

I was told that post cards work but have not done it. Do you send it out to the real estate agents or homes for sale, for when they move. My web page in Charlotte is doing good but www.thegreenvillehomeinspector.com is a little slow to come around. the www.thecoulubiahomeinspector.com is no top of the map area but the web page is back a ways. I want to do something to pick things up.

Hey Jarrod...
Postcards are getting addressed and going out this week. I am mailing them to a mixed batch of people. About 40% to agents to keep my name in front of them (also to pass along for the discount), 40% to Occupied homes for sale, 20% unoccupied homes for sale. I will post any results I hopefully will see.

Your second link is no good.

Your first link/website... good basic start, but a thought or two. Place your name and phone number big, bold, and obvious on the home page, towards the top. Don't make someone search for the info to call you. Make it easy to find.

Also, I would recommend that you signout of your website, and look at every page, as a prospective client would. You will find small issues on some pages. Basically, it's needs to be cleaned up. I know some of the things are kinda hidden when you are logged-in, but you will see where to fix them.

Good luck,
Jeff

Here is a good printing company great prices there work is great . I will never use vista print again..
http://www.smartlevels.com/