As most people have figured out, one of the golden rules of marketing is personalization.  The concept is simple; show that you care and know your audience.   Sounds simple, right?  Extensive research shows that personalized messages and marketing pieces show increased response rates leading to higher returns on investment (ROI).  Variable Data Printing (VDP) allows you to personalize each individual  marketing piece so that your reader receives something that is personal and relevant to their needs and wants.  On-demand VDP technology allows the personalization of just about anything on your marketing piece. This can be graphics, text or images.  The technology ...

As times change and technology advances, the needs and requirements of clients change.  To keep up with technology and the ever-increasingly sophisticated customer, businesses must constantly revise and update their marketing strategies.  Every marketing campaign has one common goal: obtain a response from the target audience.  Not too long ago, the preferred method for marketing campaigns was a mass marketing approach where a specific offer would be sent to as many prospects as possible.  While that may have increased visibility, conversion rates are very low.  Recently, sophisticated technology has made a case for the superiority of a one-to-one marketing approach. ...

Variable data printing (VDP) and digital printing technology allows business owners to target customers more specifically with the aid of specialty data and mailing lists.  With VDP, business owners can define a target market based on income, lifestyle choices, interests, marital status, gender, and an almost infinite number of categories.  Business owners are able to actually imagine the "perfect client," the customer most likely in need of their goods and services, and then systematically and specifically target individuals who fit that description in their direct mail marketing campaigns. These highly targeted direct mail marketing campaigns are even more effective when they ...

During a recession, the business owners that survive - and even thrive - are those who take advantage of the unique opportunities of the times.  In a business climate in which many marketers are cutting expenses by slashing marketing budgets, some are using the latest advances in variable data and digital printing to make the most of every marketing dollar spent. In the past, the owner of a brand new neighborhood restaurant may attract customers and increase awareness in the community with a generic direct mail marketing campaign. The business owner might design an attractive and informative postcard inviting customers. He ...

As modern marketing practices become increasingly high-tech and advanced with every innovation in communications technology, you might be surprised to learn that overwhelming research indicates that a standard of the industry, direct mail marketing, continues to be a strong and high-yielding option, especially in today's slowing economy.  Print in the Mix, a  clearinghouse on print media effectiveness, follows marketing data in all areas of print marketing, including direct mail, magazines and catalogs, newspapers, and custom publishing.  According to Print in the Mix, in 2008, direct mail marketing campaigns produced a ROMI (return on marketing investment) of over $15 for every ...

Studies Show VDP & PURL Successfully Drive Up Response Rates & ROI Recently, we have been writing about the benefits of personalization in a marketing campaign.  Today we want to drill home the point further.  One of the main reasons some people may be hesitant to adopt VDP (Variable Data Printing) or PURL (Personalized URLs) solutions is a lack of numbers indicating probable success.  We want to erase any hesitancy you may have. James Mikes, Director of Technology for PODi, said last year that companies generally double their response rates when they switched from a static marketing campaign to a personalized one.  These rates ...

                Year after year, you keep getting that fun, little post card from your dentist reminding you that your checkup is coming up.  While we may think of direct mail campaigns as something of the past, they are still very much effective.  When you get that little postcard in the mail, you normally put it on your fridge and make a note to call and schedule your checkup.  So why is it that a postcard from your dentist is actually worth your time but not some postcard about replacing your windows?                  First and foremost, your dentist is sending out a ...

A long-held truth amongst marketing professionals is that an accurate, clean, well-populated database of client info is key to connecting with your customers.  This is especially true when it comes to utilizing variable data printing and personalized URL marketing.  If you are looking at VDP and PURL you already know that every customer is different and you want to find a way to tailor your sales pitch as much as you can (we have explored in previous posts just how beneficial this area of marketing is).  Database management will greatly increase the effectiveness of your project. There are many creative ways ...

Starting November 23, 2008 all mailing addresses must be updated every 95 days to meet the new USPS regulations.  All mail pieces are included in this regulation, not just automation rate and pre-sorted rate mail. Link to New Regulation: http://www.usps.com/mailpro/2008/mayjune/page5.htm ARE YOU PREPARED FOR THE NEW USPS POSTAL REGULATION?  

Segmentation in business; is the method of dividing business into correlated groups that enhances the business view. For structural growth in business, segmentation is an imperative and effective means to achieve the end result. With emerging smaller franchises the need to find 'that subtle' difference to bring forth the marketing edge is very important. Opportunities in marketing increase when segmented groups of clients and customers with varying needs and wants are recognized. Markets can be segmented or targeted using a variety of factor. The bases for segmenting consumer markets include: Demographical bases (age, family, gender, occupation, ethnicity) Geographical bases (cities, states, regions, countries) Behavior bases ...

The United States Postal Service announces some changes in the way they currently handle undeliverable mails. Under this new requirement, the mailing industry is required to refresh their data every 95 days. Here is the official press release. http://www.usps.com/mailpro/2008/mayjune/page5.htm ARE YOU READY FOR MOVE UPDATE? The Postal Service is stepping up its efforts to reduce undeliverable-as-addressed (UAA) mail. On Nov. 23, new Move Update standards take effect. To be ready, mailers must begin using addresses that were updated no earlier than Aug. 20. The Move Update standards provide options for customers to reduce the number of mailpieces that require forwarding, return or being treated ...

September 2008- OneIMS Data Group, a division of OneIMS - Integrated Marketing Solutions, announces the launch of its dynamic and newly designed website. This recently launched site contains a wealth of information regarding lead generation strategies and other available solutions for direct marketers. Whether you need fresh leads for national consumers, a list of local businesses, or an obscure specialty segment, the team of experienced data professionals at OneIMS Data Group is ready to assist. A few of the solutions OneIMS Data Group offers are: comprehensive consumer mailing lists, business leads, specialty data, data hygiene, targeted marketing services, and much more. Take ...