Monthly Archive for May, 2009

Cut Back on Marketing, Cut Back on Sales!

Since everyone is talking about a recession, this newsletter addresses that issue.

I realize that is in some parts of the country unemployment is high and certainly gas and food costs are climbing. But I think it’s important to note that people are still spending money. People are still buying gas (that’s why it’s still so high), youngsters are still getting braces, and families will go on vacation – though maybe not in an RV.

Sometimes thinking and acting as though it’s a recession is a self-fulfilling prophecy. You think that times are tough, so you cut back on expenses. Sales and marketing is always the easiest item to cut. It’s easy to call up the radio sales rep and tell him to cancel your schedule. It’s even easier to not do that mailing.  It’s a fact, if you cut back on marketing, you will be cutting back on sales. Like I said, it’s a self-fulfilling prophecy.

This issue has some basics on direct mail. The Business-to-Business article has some basic facts, e.g. if your prospects don’t remember you, they will not call you when they are ready to make a purchase decision.  The Community Article discusses how you can present you brand and services to your community. Did you know that researches have shown that the more a person sees your brand, the more that the person thinks favorably about your brand? It’s sort of like, the more Hollywood tells you the Titanic is a great movie, the more people believe that Titanic is a great movie. As you may surmise, I don’t think Titanic is good at all.

So continue to market through the summer. Let your prospects know that you’re still in business. Postcards work. Create new sales.

Be Memorable. Kurt

Postcard Design – Break the Recycle Impulse

The first goal in designing a postcard is to break the prospect’s subconscious impulse to recycle your card.  Each day your prospect goes through the mail at sorts it into two piles: save and recycle. Personally, I  read the Postal mark on envelopes to see if it’s Standard Class – recycle. For postcards, there’s nothing to open, so I make a snap judgment from one look at the front, non-addressed side: Save or Recycle.

 If the card is from a business I know, I typically always save it or look closer. There may be an offer I can use. For the businesses I don’t know, something needs to catch my eye to break the recycling impulse. In the article, “4 Steps To Designing A Postcard,” we talk about designing a postcard with “Stopping Power.” Of course the card also needs to have a Relevant Message, Product Information, and a Compelling Offer. Please read the article.

 PostcardBuilder is located in the Twin Cities and in the last month we’ve seen the collapse of the Interstate 35W Bridge and severe flooding just South of us. Our thoughts go out to victims and those affected. None in our office have been seriously affected though some commutes have become hellish.

Be Memorable. Kurt

Customer Comment

We were tickled with the quality of your work and how easy it was to produce. We will be using your service regularly. Aaron B.

Customer Comment

I just wanted to comment on how awesome you are to work with. Very conscientious, efficient and you always get the job done. Stephanie is blessed to have you on her team.  Steve H.

Customer Comment

I had a fantastic experience with Postcard Builder! I especially liked the quick and helpful feedback I got to all my questions. Nancy