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In the digital marketing age, direct mail’s power remains undisputed. Despite the influx of emails and digital ads, direct mail marketing has proven to be an effective, timeless method for driving brand awareness and generating fresh leads. As a result, many businesses today are looking to leverage this tried-and-true marketing channel to reach their target audience.
To help you navigate this landscape, we have compiled a comprehensive guide on the best direct mail companies for small businesses. Before we delve into the specifics, let’s first understand what direct mail services are and why you need them.
What are Direct Mail Services?
Direct mail services specialize in designing, printing, and delivering physical promotional materials directly to your target audience’s mailboxes. These materials range from traditional postcards and brochures to personalized gifts or product samples. By creating a tangible touchpoint, direct mail captures the recipient’s attention and drives a specific action, such as purchasing, signing up for a service, or attending an event.
What to Look for in Direct Mail Services?
Choosing the ideal direct mail service for your business depends on several factors. Here are a few key things to consider:
- Mailer Types:
The service should offer a variety of mailer types, such as postcards, letters, brochures, catalogs, and custom products.
- Design Services:
Look for companies that provide design templates or even in-house design services to create eye-catching mailers.
- Mailing Lists:
Some services offer targeted mailing lists based on demographic data, ensuring your mail reaches the right audience.
- Turnaround Time:
Consider the company’s turnaround time, especially if your campaign is time-sensitive.
- EDDM Services:
Every Door Direct Mail (EDDM) service can help target specific neighborhoods or regions.
- Online Design Tools:
Some companies offer online design tools, allowing you to easily create and customize your mailers.
>>Recommended Reading: Everything You Need to Know About Using Zelle for Small Businesses<<
How Much Should I Pay for Direct Mail Services?
The cost of direct mail services can vary widely depending on factors such as the volume of mail, type of mailer, design services, and additional features like targeted mailing lists or EDDM services. Generally, you can pay anywhere from a few cents to a few dollars per piece. Many companies offer bulk discounts or package deals, so it’s worth exploring different pricing options to find the best value for your budget.
Why Do I Need Direct Mail Services?
Direct mail services offer a cost-effective and impactful way to reach your target audience. Unlike digital ads that can easily be overlooked or ignored, direct mail provides a tactile experience that can evoke more robust emotional responses and create a lasting memory of your brand. Moreover, direct mail services can integrate with digital marketing tools, allowing you to create a balanced and multi-channel marketing strategy.
With this in mind, let’s explore some of the best direct mail companies for small businesses in 2023.
#1 Postalytics: Best for Marketing Automation
Postalytics excels in sophisticated automation and end-to-end fulfillment. Its platform is crafted for impactful messaging and memorable experiences. Offering an extensive catalog of premium gifts, it’s a top choice for building lasting connections with audiences, making each mailer a valuable touchpoint.
What Are They Best For?
Renowned for robust analytics, Postalytics offers a comprehensive view of campaigns, enabling informed decisions based on real-time insights.
Services:
Offers personalized gifting, detailed analytics, and an extensive premium gift catalog.
Pricing:
Tailored quotes on contacting the Postalytics team directly.
Features:
Advanced automation, seamless integrations, and stringent data security.
Turnaround Time:
Swift processing, varying by campaign specifics.
EDDM Services:
No explicit EDDM services, but targeted mailing lists were provided.
Online Design Tools:
Customization options without specific online design tools.
Methodology:
Data-driven strategies for optimized campaigns.
#2 VistaPrint: Most Postcard Designs
Known for business cards, VistaPrint offers over 1000 postcard designs, ideal for diverse direct mail campaigns.
What Are They Best For?
VistaPrint excels with a vast library of postcard templates, catering to varied preferences.
Services:
Direct mail for postcards demographic-based mailing lists.
Pricing:
Competitive rates, specifics upon direct inquiry.
Features:
Extensive postcard library in-house design support.
Turnaround Time:
Faster processing than many competitors.
EDDM Services:
No EDDM services but offers targeted mailing lists.
Online Design Tools:
User-friendly online platform for postcard customization.
Methodology:
Merges print and direct mail expertise for impactful postcards.
#3 Gunderson Direct: Best for Hands-Off Marketing Campaigns
Gunderson Direct offers full-service direct marketing, managing campaigns from concept to execution.
What Are They Best For?
Ideal for hands-off campaigns, Gunderson Direct handles every aspect to ensure optimal results.
Services:
Design, printing, mailing, analytics.
Pricing:
Tailored quotes through direct contact.
Features:
Strategic expertise, design, printing, and advanced analytics.
Turnaround Time:
Swift processing, variable based on campaign specifics.
EDDM Services:
There is no EDDM, but it offers targeted lists.
Online Design Tools:
No online tools but provides in-house design support.
Methodology:
Comprehensive approach leveraging industry experience.
#4 Postcard Mania: Best for Multi-Channel Marketing
Known for integrating direct mail with digital marketing, Postcard Mania offers comprehensive marketing solutions.
What Are They Best For?
It is ideal for businesses seeking multi-channel strategies, combining direct mail and digital advertising.
Services:
Postcard printing, EDDM, multi-channel solutions.
Pricing:
Varied based on services required.
Features:
Multi-channel integration, quick turnaround times.
Turnaround Time:
Swift processing for timely campaigns.
EDDM Services:
Offers EDDM and targeted mailing lists.
Online Design Tools:
Offers online customization tools.
Methodology:
Integrates digital with direct mail for maximum impact.
#5 SeQuel Response: Best for Data-Driven Growth
SeQuel Response focuses on data-driven strategies to optimize campaign performance and drive growth.
What Are They Best For?
It is ideal for businesses valuing data-driven tactics to enhance direct mail effectiveness.
Services:
Data-driven testing, audience modeling, integrated marketing.
Pricing:
Tailored quotes upon direct inquiry.
Features:
Advanced analytics strategic expertise.
Turnaround Time:
Swift processing for efficient campaigns.
EDDM Services:
There is no EDDM, but it offers audience modeling.
Online Design Tools:
No online tools, but offers in-house design support.
Methodology:
Data-centric approach for campaign optimization.
#6 PsPrint: Most Options for Mailer Types
Offering a wide range of mailer types, PsPrint caters to diverse business needs.
What Are They Best For?
It is known for its extensive range of mailer types, offering versatile options for businesses.
Services:
Various mailer types, printing, and direct mail services.
Pricing:
Customized quotes through direct contact.
Features:
Diverse mailer options, quick turnaround.
Turnaround Time:
Swift processing for timely campaigns.
EDDM Services:
There is no explicit EDDM, but it offers targeted lists.
Online Design Tools:
Provides online customization tools.
Methodology:
Customer-centric approach for tailored mailer solutions.
#7 Printing for Less: Best EDDM Services
What are They Best For?
Printing for Less (PFL) specializes in Every Door Direct Mail (EDDM) services, ideal for targeting specific neighborhoods or regions, ensuring precise household reach.
Services:
Free templates, direct mail tips, marketing automation integration, and employee-accessible web-to-print.
Pricing:
Variable based on mailer type, quantity, and production time.
Features:
Notable for EDDM service, catering to mass postcard campaigns.
Turnaround Time:
Approximately four days, ideal for time-sensitive offers.
EDDM Services:
Neighborhood or region-specific targeting.
Online Design Tools:
Offers templates and tips for campaign designs.
#8 Taradel: Best Personalized Direct Mailers
What are They Best For?
Taradel specializes in personalized direct mailers and affordable EDDM services.
Services:
Consumer or business recipient mailing list creation, postcard design, and launch.
Pricing:
Based on consumer or business lists, published per-piece costs for personalized campaigns.
Features:
Emphasizes direct mail personalization.
Turnaround Time:
Standard delivery within two business days.
EDDM Services:
Affordable EDDM options for city or ZIP code targeting.
Online Design Tools:
Intuitive platform without online design tools.
#9 Greetabl: Best for Personalized Gift Boxes and Custom Messaging
What are They Best For?
Greetabl focuses on unique, personalized gift boxes and custom messages for impactful branding.
Services:
Customized boxes or video mailers for brand building.
Pricing:
Ranges from $15 to $50 per gift box, including message and packaging.
Features:
Unique, customizable gift boxes with branded content.
Turnaround Time:
Ships in 2-3 business days; expedited options available.
EDDM Services:
It focuses on personalized gifts, not mass mailings.
Online Design Tools:
Offers easy online customization for gift boxes.
#10 Overnight Prints: Best for Businesses Needing High-Quality Materials Quickly
What are They Best For?
Overnight Prints caters to businesses needing high-quality materials quickly, offering diverse printed marketing materials.
Services:
Various direct mail types, including quick-order options.
Pricing:
Varies based on speed premium for rush orders.
Features:
Swift turnaround, over two dozen printed material options.
Turnaround Time:
Fast as next day.
EDDM Services:
Offers EDDM, accessible city, or ZIP code targeting.
Online Design Tools:
User-friendly design editor for customization.
The Bottom Line
The best direct mail companies offer solutions tailored to the specific needs of each business. Whether you’re a small business looking for affordable direct mail services or a larger organization seeking a multi-channel marketing solution, a direct mail company is right for you. You can find a direct mail company that aligns with your business goals and budget by considering industry-specific solutions, mail varieties, design options, turnaround times, additional marketing products, and pricing.
