How to Advertise a Mail Order Business

Mail order is thriving these days and technology advances have propelled this sales method during the last decade. Having a great product gets you started, but you can't sustain a mail order business if no one knows you exist. The lack of a retail store front can pose some challenges, but with perseverance and a little creativity anyone can successfully advertise and promote a mail order business.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Classified ad
• Website
• Press release
• Promotional material
• Catalog or brochure

1. Offer to send free information about your product in an ad placed in the classified section of your local newspaper. Space is less expensive in the classifieds, and if you request a stamped self addressed envelope you can keep costs down even further. Be sure to use words like "free" and "how to" in the headline to attract attention.

2. Develop a website for round the clock advertising. You don't have to accept orders on your site for it to be effective. Use it as a public relations tool by telling people about your business and the products you offer. It is also a great way to attract new customers, and people are likely to contact you with questions using email.

3. Send a press release to trade publications that compliment your product. This free publicity works well if you can catch the editor's attention. Include a fact sheet describing your business, photographs of you and your product and endorsements from your clients. A free sample of your mail order product is a good idea as well.

4. Enclose promotional material and bounce back coupons with all your shipments. If your customer likes your product, they will likely order again or pass the coupon on to a friend.

5. Display catalogs or brochures at businesses that complement your product offering. Catalogs may seem expensive, but the price per piece drops significantly if you order a large quantity. Keep in mind when distributing advertising materials that mail order customers stretch far beyond your local community.

Tips & Warnings

• Be sure to include your web address on all promotional materials including your business cards.

• Start a customer list using every order you get as well as inquiries about your product. Then use this list of targeted customers when advertising through direct mail.

• Don't advertise on radio or television unless you can afford to repeat it for a period of time. One shot ads in these mediums just don't work.