How to Send Effective Hand Addressed Direct Mail Campaigns

A growing number of marketers are using hand addressed envelopes and handwritten notes when they send out holiday greeting cards, thank you cards, product announcements, prospecting letters, and fundraising requests for donations. Not only is real handwriting eye-catching, but it adds a human touch that is absent from most direct mail campaigns. If you want to improve your direct mail return on investment by as much as 300%, here are a few tips to keep in mind while you plan your handwritten mail campaign:

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• pens
• envelopes
• letters, cards, etc.
• first class stamps
• Someone to do the writing, such as a handwritten direct mail company

1. Hand Address the Outside Envelope
   You can hand write any part of your mailing. However, if you’re looking for the biggest bang for your buck, be sure to hand address the outside envelope. Since this is the first thing your customers will see, a hand addressed envelope will greatly increase the chance that your customers will open and read your message. Plus, when you hand write someone’s name, you are telling them that they are important to you. This extra personal touch can be very effective.
2. Don’t Bother to Handwrite Your Return Address
   People like to see their own name and address handwritten. They’re not so concerned about yours. Save yourself some time and effort and focus on handwriting the mailing address. You can either omit the return address altogether, or use a pre-printed envelope with your organization’s information.
3. Include a Handwritten Call-to-Action
   So they’ve opened your envelope - now what? Although you’ve crossed one of the biggest direct mail hurdles, the ultimate goal of your mailing is to receive a response. A handwritten call-to-action is eye-catching and adds an extra personal touch that makes it more enticing for your recipient to respond. Keep this message short and sweet – at around ten to twenty words. Clear, concise messages are always more effective.

Tips & Warnings

• Outsource to a Company that Specializes in Handwritten Mail Campaigns - You probably have better things to do with your time than to hand address envelopes. There are companies out there that specialize in handwritten mailings. You simply send them your mailing list and any special mailing materials you wish to use. They’ll address your envelopes, insert letters or cards, hand write personalized messages, and apply a first class stamp.