In the world of marketing, concepts and tools are constantly evolving – and as marketers, it’s our job to keep up with the latest technology. When discussing direct marketing, specifically direct mail marketing, one of the most powerful tools you could use is personalization. For years, it’s been proven that personalization can increase the value of your mail piece, strengthen customer relationships and drive results. So, how do you use this technology to effectively achieve personalization? The answer is simple – variable data printing.

WHAT IS VARIABLE DATA PRINTING?

Variable data printing (VDP) is a form of digital printing that allows marketers to create data-driven messages for specific individuals. With VDP, marketers can deliver extremely targeted and customized direct mail pieces, with elements that can be changed from piece to piece. Powerful software is used to pull images, copy and other components from a database and then insert them into a direct mail design based on pre-set variables. So, if you wanted to send to a specific location or gender, speak more directly to a new homeowner, or even target a customer’s buying history – VDP can help you do just that. This takes personalization to the next level, making each piece or envelope look as if it’s designed and printed exclusively for a specific recipient.

NOW THAT WE’VE INTRODUCED VDP, LET’S DIVE INTO THE TOP 6 BENEFITS OF USING THE TECHNOLOGY:

1. VDP DRIVES A SUCCESSFUL DIRECT MAIL CAMPAIGN.Personalizing your direct mail can make all the difference between a successful campaign and one that does not meet expectations. By using VDP, you can simply and effectively enhance your printed pieces by personalizing them to match the data from each recipient.
2. VDP INCREASES ROI.Creating customized copy is the best way to grab a consumer’s attention. In fact, it is proven that using over three points of personalization increases responses drastically. Knowing your audience is key. Simply put, the more appealing and personal your piece is, the greater your return on investment will be.
3. VDP GIVES YOU THE ABILITY TO INCLUDE QR CODES, PERSONALIZED LANDING PAGES (PURLS) AND MAPS.By seamlessly connecting the printed direct mail piece with a webpage, the recipient can get to what you’re offering quickly and directly. That’s where QR codes come in. QR codes are labels you can add to your direct mail pieces so that recipients can scan the code with their smartphone to get more information or act on your offer. VDP also allows you to add personalized landing pages (PURL), which direct each recipient to a unique and personalized landing page. Lastly, including a map of a recipient’s town or neighborhood can make an offer feel more local and relevant.
4. VDP ALLOWS VARIATION FOR STORE ADDRESSES OR PHONE NUMBERS.Sometimes an offer can be redeemed at multiple stores or locations. With VDP, you are able to print the address for the location that is most convenient for each recipient. And, should you want or need to, you can change phone numbers based upon the recipient’s demographic or location.
5. VDP ENHANCES PIECES WITH CUSTOMIZABLE FONTS.If you want your mail piece to catch the consumer’s eye, VDP can help. Beyond personalizing with names and location, VDP can also print addresses and copy in a range of fonts. Depending upon whom you are targeting, you can strategically change your fonts to match the rest of the design. Let’s say you’re trying to send a more personal offer – using a font that looks like real handwriting can allow you to give your piece a truly human feel.
6. VDP LETS YOU ADD COLOR TO CATCH ATTENTION.When a mail piece is just black and white, it can be boring. Adding color not only catches more attention, but it also allows you to utilize your brand colors and enhance the offer you are sending. VDP gives you the option to include color with your personalized messages, making your mail pieces even more eye-catching, memorable and impactful.

It’s clear that variable data printing is a powerful tool in direct mail marketing. And the sooner you use it, the sooner you can create personalized pieces that speak to each of your potential customers individually. Don’t wait! It’s time to take your personalization to the highest level.

Have questions? Wilen strives to give you the best chance of success, increase speed to market and improve your ROI – from concept to completion. We’re here, so let’s chat!

SOURCES:

• https://www.oneims.com/blog/5-benefits-of-using-variable-data-printing-vdp/
• https://www.conquestgraphics.com/blog/conquest-graphics/2019/07/29/bringing-power-to-print-through-personalized-direct-mail-marketing
• https://www.designdistributors.com/blog/variable-data-printing
• https://www.msp-pgh.com/what-is-variable-data-printing/

https://www.wilengroup.com/blog/want-a-pop-in-response-use-personalized-digital-printing

Ready to get personal? In direct mail marketing, the more personalization the better. In fact, personalization (when used correctly) is a must-have. But, when we say personal, it goes way beyond a name and address on the mailpiece. While adding “Dear Fname,” is definitely essential and effective, it takes much more personalization and creativity than that to grab the consumer’s attention.

In today’s generation, consumer’s attention spans have declined rapidly as expectations continue to rise. As a direct mail marketer, there is a small window you have to grab the viewer’s attention before they become uninterested.

Today’s consumers expect personalization, and brands who use data-driven campaigns to deliver this are seeing results.

If you’re thinking that designing a mailpiece with more personalization is easier said than done, we promise it’s not! You can simply take your offer to the next level with variability, images, maps, personalized landing pages and so much more. When your consumer sees that you’re speaking specifically to them and targeting their interests, it is guaranteed to peak curiosity in whatever is being marketed.

Let’s dive into 6 reasons why getting personal makes for better marketing.

1. TARGETING GRABS ATTENTION

Studies have shown that receiving personalized mail makes the recipient feel special, ultimately leading them to pay more attention. With information collected in your database, you can create custom offers based on purchase history, recent searches and even store visits. Personalizing the message to target each individual will likely end with positive results.

2. PERSONAL CONTENT STANDS OUT

Do your best to incorporate unique and memorable content into an offer. It’s as simple as adding personalization to an offer/product that helps it stand out. For example, sending an exclusive offer with a map of locations near your customers’ household might be noticed more than just sending an offer with no personalization.

3. BUILDS RELATIONSHIPS

Take the opportunity and use your resources to connect and build relationships with your customers. With data, you can find out information ranging from your consumers’ birthday to knowledge that they just moved into a new home. Using this data to build your persona adds the emotional component to your marketing. Humanizing your offer will show your consumers that you care, ultimately generating more sales and conversations.

Related: Supercharge Your ROI with Data-Driven Marketing

4. GIVES PERSONALITY TO YOUR BUSINESS

Like we said above, showing the human side of your business goes a long way. Authenticity and transparent communication is key for any marketer. When you personalize your business and give it an identity, it gives consumers a more personal experience. Include a working reply-to-address, show the face and names of employees that are reachable and give a real number for customers to call for a specific department. But, most importantly, always remain honest. All of these options let consumers know you’re real and not just some robot.

5. MAKES RECOMMENDATIONS INTRIGUING

Get to know your consumers! Learn about their buying habits and what they’re interested in. When you target interests, product recommendations become more appealing. Make suggestions that you know will appeal to them. It doesn’t get more personal than that.

6. BOOSTS SALES

While personalized direct mail is mainly about connecting with your audience, it’s also an effective way to grow your sales and business. Just simply add a personal touch to show you care, and watch your ROI increase!

The biggest take away? Personalization in direct mail marketing is all about putting your consumers’ needs first. You want them to feel like you took the time to personally reach out as someone valuable they can trust. So, don’t be afraid to let them know you’re aware of their interests, needs and that you’re there to help! Even if you start small and build up your direct mail personalization slowly, you could see a big change in ROI.

What are you waiting for? Get away from “Fname” and start getting personal, because personalization is the future of marketing! And trust us, you don’t want to miss out on that.