Ugly and Unorganized Worked!
The artist and organizer in me is always looking for ways to make things attractive and neat. But if there is one thing that I learned over my years as a Creative Director specializing in direct mail, pretty and organized is not always what gets the highest response. Years ago when I worked at Time‘s [...]
New USPS Requirements for Folded Self-Mailers
Beginning this month there are new rules from the USPS for Folded Self-Mailers (FSMs), which mail without envelopes. The changes are: 1. SIZE Acceptable sizes for FSMs are 4-1/4” x 6” up to 6-1/8” x 10-1/2”. Previously, the largest dimension was 11-1/2”. 2. SETUP All FSMs must open at the top and fold at the bottom. [...]
Barcodes are a great design element for direct mail
Here’s a piece I designed for Newsweek. Very basic, but take note of the barcodes that I circled in red. They are an important design element of the piece. It makes the form worth something more. It’s saying this is a special access form, and your so lucky to have received it. BTW, the barcodes [...]
Update on USPS Postal Barcodes
The Post Office was retiring the Postnet barcode in May 2011, replacing it with Intelligent Mail barcode. They are now relaxing some of the requirements. Postnet barcode will still be allowed for Business Reply Mail, Automation Discounts and Confirm Service. To learn more go to: http://goo.gl/96KFs
5 Reasons to Use Coupons
Coupons are effective. Consider these points from http://smallbusinessbonfire.com/blog: 1. Coupons are time-based and encourage fast action. 2. Coupons offer an immediate benefit. 3. Coupons can push on-the-fence purchasers toward making a purchase. 4. Coupons can give previous purchasers a reason to purchase again. 5. The success of your coupons can [...]
50 folds in 120 seconds
See Kit Hinrichs do 50 folds in 120 seconds to the tune of the William Tell Overture. Click here.
Are Bigger Postcards Better?
Are mailing oversize postcards worth the additional expense? Oversize postcards stand out more in the mailbox. But are they really more effective than smaller postcards? Read more about this here.
An Invaluable Book on Form Design
Forms are an integral part of business communication but “…if a form is too complicated, confusing or obscure, it can become a barrier to clear communication, wasting time and money and potentially harming the publics perception of a business or brand.” Here is a book that proves to be an invaluable resource for creating clear, [...]
An Easy Trick to check U.S. Letter Mail Aspect Ratio
Here is an easy trick to check U.S. letter mail aspect ratio. Just divide the width of your envelope or postcard by the height. If your results are great than 1.3 and less than 2.5 you are good. Why is letter mail aspect ratio important? It’s the key to getting the lowest postage rate, by [...]
Curiosity opens the envelope
I recently received this envelope, which looks like a package due to the label and kraft color, from a credit card company in the mail. Upon touching it I felt some padding inside. It certainly piqued my curiosity. Is there something special inside for me? I opened the envelope just to find a prominent credit [...]
Positive Change at the Post Office
U.S. Postal Service expands direct-mail simplified addressing. What does that mean to small businesses? As quoted from the press release —It “enables business mailers, in most instances, to conveniently address mailpieces to ‘Postal Customer’ when complete coverage on any designated delivery route is intended.” This can translate into savings if a business is trying to [...]
Coin Tricks for Direct Mail
Remember getting a letter in the mail with a coin in it? Here’s an article that supports doing that again. http://goo.gl/rfMNY
