In an era of overflowing email inboxes and ad blindness, direct mail marketing is making a comeback. Physical mail gets opened, read, and remembered at rates that digital marketing struggles to match. Here is how to use postcards and door hangers effectively.
Why Direct Mail Still Works
Direct mail has a response rate of 4.4 percent compared to email's 0.12 percent, according to the Data and Marketing Association. Physical mail creates a tactile, personal connection that digital cannot replicate. People spend more time with a physical piece than a digital ad, and they remember it longer.
Postcards - The Direct Mail Workhorse
Custom postcards are the most cost-effective direct mail format. No envelope to open means your message is seen immediately. Use the front for a bold visual hook and the back for your offer, details, and call to action. The 6x9 size commands attention in a mailbox full of letters.
Postcard Campaign Ideas
- New business announcement to nearby neighbourhoods
- Seasonal promotions with coupon codes
- Just listed and just sold notices for real estate
- Monthly specials for restaurants and salons
- Event invitations to your local community
Door Hangers - 100 Percent Reach Rate
Door hangers bypass the mailbox entirely and hang directly on the door handle. They cannot be missed. This makes them ideal for hyper-local campaigns targeting specific streets and neighbourhoods. Restaurants, home service providers, and real estate agents see the highest returns from door hanger campaigns.
Measuring Results
Include a unique coupon code, QR code, or dedicated phone number on each campaign so you can track exactly how many responses come from your direct mail. This data helps you refine future campaigns for better returns.
Order postcards and door hangers at Dundas Print, 3282 Dundas St W, Toronto. Browse marketing materials or call (437) 673-4611.