Direct mail has its own language. Below is a handy glossary of the most important terms you’ll come across when planning, buying or measuring direct mail campaigns. Use this as a quick reference — it’ll make briefing a mailing house (and assessing quotes) much easier. Address validation / PAFChecking and standardising addresses against Royal Mail’s…
Keeping members engaged is almost always more cost-effective than acquiring new ones. For membership organisations, well-timed, personalised direct mail can deepen loyalty, increase renewals and boost lifetime value. Here are practical strategies — with real examples you can use straight away. Start with mapped member journeysMap the lifecycle stages for your members: welcome → active…
Finding the right direct mail solution is about trade-offs: you want something that looks great, meets sustainability goals and doesn’t blow the campaign budget. Here are practical production choices and tips you can use to strike the right balance for any direct-mail job. 1. Pick the right print process Digital is ideal for short runs,…
Choosing the right format for a direct-mail campaign is about balancing impact with cost. In 2026, budget pressures and sustainability expectations mean marketers must be smarter about format selection: pick what drives the action you need, not what simply looks expensive. Here’s a practical guide to the most cost-effective options and when to use them.…
Clean data is the single biggest determinant of direct-mail performance. Better lists mean fewer returns, lower postage waste, higher response rates — and a clearer picture of campaign ROI. Below are practical, UK-focused data-cleansing steps you can put into practice today. 1. Start with address validation (PAF/formatting)Validate every record against a trusted postcode/address file so…
Great design does more than look good — it guides the recipient to open, read and act. Small choices on the outer envelope, through to the call-to-action, can dramatically lift open rates and QR/PURL scans. Below are practical, print-friendly design tips you can use in your next direct mail campaign. 1. Envelope teaser copyThe outer…
Direct mail is often seen as a sales channel, but some of its strongest results come from something far more powerful: educating people and encouraging positive behaviour change. From healthcare and public services to utilities, charities and financial services, a well-designed mailing can inform, reassure and prompt action in ways digital channels often struggle to…
Timing can make or break a direct mail campaign. Mail that arrives too early is forgotten; mail that arrives too late misses the moment. Get the timing right, and you’ll see better open rates, higher conversions and more efficient spend. Below are practical tips to help you plan seasonality, lifecycle triggers and event-based mailings that…
Choosing the right size and format for a direct-mail campaign isn’t just about looks — it affects cost, delivery, engagement and ultimately response. Below are practical guidelines that help you pick the best option for your objective, audience and budget. Match format to objective Postcards (A6 / A5) — Ideal for quick reminders, event invites,…
QR codes have become a simple but powerful bridge between print and digital. When used properly in direct mail, they make it easier for recipients to respond, help you track engagement and improve overall campaign performance. Below are practical tips to help you get the most from QR codes in your next mailing. 1. Give…
