http://www.click2mail.com/index.php en lgarvey@click2mail.com Copyright 2010 2010-07-20T01:43:00+00:00 http://click2mail.com/news-articles/article/save-even-more-with-new-discounts/ http://click2mail.com/news-articles/article/save-even-more-with-new-discounts/ More savings with new production discountsClick2Mail is happy to announce a new set of discounts to make sending direct mail even more cost effective.  These new savings apply to all of our print and mail products, all sizes, black & white or color.  Best of all, you’ll qualify for a discount when sending as few as 100 pieces  it’s our way of treating our small business customers like big ones (of course, the more you send, the more you save!). •    Mail 100-499 pieces and save 10% on production costs•    Mail 500-999 pieces and save 20% Click2Mail, Mailing Lists, Mailing Online, Inside Click2Mail 2010-07-20T01:43:00+00:00 http://click2mail.com/news-articles/article/boost-response-with-reply-mail/ http://click2mail.com/news-articles/article/boost-response-with-reply-mail/ Looking to Boost Response?  Reply Mail’s Your AnswerIt may seem counterintuitive in today’s over-committed, attention-deprived world, but Reply Mail still works.  Yep, asking your mail recipients to do something so “old-fashioned” as filling out the reply card and popping it back in the mail box still works.  Some direct mailers have found that adding a reply element doubled, tripled, or even quadrupled response. As you plan your direct mail campaign, think about how Reply Mail might fit within your strategy to boost response rates.  Certainly if you’re asking for customers’ responses to a survey, or gathering… Click2Mail, Mailing Lists, Mailing Online, Direct Mail Marketing 2010-07-20T01:38:00+00:00 http://click2mail.com/news-articles/article/a-sizzling-summer-of-change/ http://click2mail.com/news-articles/article/a-sizzling-summer-of-change/ You Asked For It! Click2Mail.com Made Even Easier They say that when it's hot enough outside, you can actually see the heat waves shimmering on the horizon. We've seen plenty of those lately here on the East Coast, and at Click2Mail we see change on the horizon, too. In fact, we're happy to announce today the first in a series of changes to our website, all designed to make the Click2Mail process - from discovery to delivery - quicker and easier. The changes explained 1. A new Click2Mail.com home page - designed to make finding the product or service… Click2Mail, News 2010-07-08T20:30:00+00:00 http://click2mail.com/news-articles/article/why-mail-in-july/ http://click2mail.com/news-articles/article/why-mail-in-july/ Why Mail in July? Fireworks, Friends, and Mid-Year Reviews Summer is in full swing now, as are the backyard barbeques and neighborhood block parties. It's also, too soon perhaps, the beginning of the second half of the year. From helping your customers and prospects celebrate America's independence to helping them stay on track with their 2010 goals, there are plenty of reasons to mail this month. Beginning of the third quarter. More companies mail regularly than mail for specific holidays or seasonal promotions. July marks the beginning of the third quarter - a good time to put out that regular… Click2Mail, Tips & Tricks 2010-07-07T21:02:00+00:00 http://click2mail.com/news-articles/article/best-practices-choosing-the-right-response-channel/ http://click2mail.com/news-articles/article/best-practices-choosing-the-right-response-channel/ The Direct Marketing Association's Best Practices Report: How Do Your Prospects Want to Respond? You send your message by mail, but how do you ask for a response? Do you ask people to call you, to come in to the store, you return a reply card, to visit your website? In today's "me" world, the key to response success is to let your customers and prospects respond however they want to. So how is that? In its 2008 Direct Mail Best Practices survey, the Direct Marketing Association found that most (93.7%) of the companies that promote their products or services… Click2Mail, Tips & Tricks 2010-07-07T20:59:00+00:00 http://click2mail.com/news-articles/article/click2mail-webinars-july-schedule/ http://click2mail.com/news-articles/article/click2mail-webinars-july-schedule/ <!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:"Courier New"; panose-1:2 7 3 9 2 2 5 2 4 4;… Click2Mail, Easy Letter Sender, Mailing Lists, Mailing Online, Inside Click2Mail 2010-07-07T20:50:00+00:00 http://click2mail.com/news-articles/article/12-steps-to-direct-mai-success-step-10/ http://click2mail.com/news-articles/article/12-steps-to-direct-mai-success-step-10/ 12 Steps to Direct Mail Success - Step 10: Integrate Direct Mail with Other Marketing Tools The article in the Wall Street Journal said it all: "Looking to cut costs amid the recession, Alicia Settle initially thought it would be a good idea to eliminate her company's annual direct mailing. . .But after swapping snail mail for email last year, Ms. Settle saw a 25% drop in early orders compared with the same period the previous year. ‘We realized we had made a huge mistake,' she said." That doesn't mean e-mail, web marketing, and social media have no place in… Click2Mail, Direct Mail Marketing 2010-07-07T19:40:00+00:00 http://click2mail.com/news-articles/article/when-to-mail/ http://click2mail.com/news-articles/article/when-to-mail/ Direct Mail Best Practices: When to Mail?“Life is about timing.”      Carl LewisEvery year, the Direct Marketing Association (DMA) surveys several hundred large, medium and small companies that send direct mail.  The DMA presents the results of that survey, and its analysis, in the report “Direct Mail Best Practices, Benchmarks, and Strategies.”The report gives an insight into what other mailers are doing – into what best direct mail practices might be.  When it comes to timing – when to mail – the survey found: • 26.5% of companies that send… Click2Mail, Easy Letter Sender, Mailing Lists, Mailing Online, Direct Mail Marketing 2010-07-02T22:27:00+00:00 http://click2mail.com/news-articles/article/introducing-printshop-we-print-you-mail/ http://click2mail.com/news-articles/article/introducing-printshop-we-print-you-mail/ Introducing Click2Mail’s Newest Service Enhancement: Printshop – We Print, You MailHave you ever wished that you could get the same kind of high-quality printed materials that Click2Mail prints and mails for you, but mail them yourself?  Now you can, with Printshop – the latest in our line of “You asked for it!” service enhancements.With Printshop you can order the same kinds of printed mailpiece products that Click2Mail offers through Mailing Online – postcards, letters, invitations, announcements, greeting cards – and mail them yourself.  You’ll also find a variety of other printed products – business cards, magnets,… Click2Mail, New Products 2010-06-04T01:26:00+00:00 http://click2mail.com/news-articles/article/12-steps-to-direct-mail-success-step-9/ http://click2mail.com/news-articles/article/12-steps-to-direct-mail-success-step-9/ 12 Steps to Direct Mail Success – Step 9: Call Your Readers to ActionYou crafted your offer in Step 2, now it’s time to get your recipients to act on it.  In the spirit of making action easy, here are five simple tips for calling readers to action in your mailer.1. Make it easy to say yes and hard to say no.  Your offer should be as close to the Godfather’s can’t-be-refused offer as possible, and your call to action should be too.  It has been said that a good call to action is one that… Click2Mail, Direct Mail Marketing 2010-06-03T00:06:01+00:00 http://click2mail.com/news-articles/article/what-do-you-know-direct-mail-quiz/ http://click2mail.com/news-articles/article/what-do-you-know-direct-mail-quiz/ Take the Click2Mail What Do You Know? Direct Mail Quiz to find out how relevant or rusty your direct mail savvy is.  Whether you’re a direct mail vet or a relative newbie, you’ll probably learn a thing or two – we’ve included detailed answers to each question.When you’re done with the quiz, we’ll send you your copy of the hot-off-the-presses 12 Steps to a Successful Direct Mail Campaign white paper, packed full of practical tips for making direct mail work for you. Share the quiz with your colleagues – can they beat your score? Click on… Click2Mail, Easy Letter Sender, Mailing Online, Direct Mail Marketing 2010-06-02T00:18:01+00:00 http://click2mail.com/news-articles/article/relax-youve-got-time-new-8-pm-deadline/ http://click2mail.com/news-articles/article/relax-youve-got-time-new-8-pm-deadline/ Relax, You’ve Got Time with Click2Mail’s New 8 PM Deadline Here at Click2Mail, we listen to our customers.  And you’ve been telling us that you’d like more time each day to get your mailing order in.  You asked, and we answered.  Now, take the whole day to perfect your direct mail campaign – submit your order by 8 p.m. Eastern Time (5 p.m. Pacific Time) and we’ll print and mail it the very next day. Relax, you’ve got timeWe think you’ll agree that this is a pretty phenomenal change.  Where you used to rush to make the final tweaks… Click2Mail, Design Services, Developers, Easy Letter Sender, Mailing Lists, Mailing Online, News 2010-05-07T01:02:00+00:00 http://click2mail.com/news-articles/article/pack-more-mailing-punch-2-new-postcard-options/ http://click2mail.com/news-articles/article/pack-more-mailing-punch-2-new-postcard-options/ Pack More Direct Marketing Punch with Click2Mail’s 2 New Postcard OptionsWhen you don’t need  to use a lot of words, but you want to be heard, postcards are perfect for concise messages that really stand out.  Now, Click2Mail makes postcard mailing even more attention-grabbing with two new options.  You asked for them, and we listened.The new jumbo postcardIn direct mail, size matters.  And generally speaking, bigger is better.  Click2Mail’s new jumbo postcard, here by popular demand, really pops out of the mailbox.  With plenty of room on both sides of the card for your… Click2Mail, Design Services, Mailing Lists, Mailing Online, Inside Click2Mail 2010-05-07T01:00:00+00:00 http://click2mail.com/news-articles/article/12-steps-to-direct-mail-sucess-step-8-make-it-personal/ http://click2mail.com/news-articles/article/12-steps-to-direct-mail-sucess-step-8-make-it-personal/ You’ve probably begun to notice a recurring theme on the path to direct mail success: Cultivate an emotional connection.  Speak to your prospects.  Marketing giant Seth Godin has said that “People don’t believe what you tell them. They rarely believe what you show them. They often believe what their friends tell them. They always believe what they tell themselves.”How do you cultivate an emotional connection, speak to your prospects, and get them to tell themselves your message?  Personalization.Ford’s success storyIn their December 2009 issue, Deliver magazine profiled a number of companies… Click2Mail, Design Services, Easy Letter Sender, Mailing Lists, Mailing Online, Direct Mail Marketing 2010-05-07T00:05:00+00:00 http://click2mail.com/news-articles/article/how-have-you-succeeded-with-click2mail-tell-us-your-story/ http://click2mail.com/news-articles/article/how-have-you-succeeded-with-click2mail-tell-us-your-story/ News in 2009 was too filled with stories of doom and gloom.  Businesses that were dragged under by the Great Recession.  Long-time employees that were laid off.  Great innovators that couldn’t get capital to fund their ideas. . . The list goes on.  Here at Click2Mail, we’re ready to start the New Year with some good news.  What better way to do that than to ask you to share your stories of success with direct mail?  We’ll choose a company from among the entrants and profile it in our newsletter and on our website next month.  Entering is… Click2Mail, Mailing Lists, Mailing Online, Inside Click2Mail 2010-05-04T21:14:00+00:00 http://click2mail.com/news-articles/article/why-mail-in-june/ http://click2mail.com/news-articles/article/why-mail-in-june/ Why Mail in June? Grads, Dads, Sunshine, and FireworksSchool’s out for the summer!  June officially launches the summer season, beginning with graduation, celebrations for Dad, block parties, barbeques, and fireworks as we head into July.  Clearly, there are plenty of reasons to celebrate – and to mail – this month.Graduation – In most parts of the country, school’s out for summer in June.  That means graduations, from Kindergarten, 5th grade, high school, and college.  Help your customers and prospects celebrate the grads in their lives.  Send a mailer promoting your “school’s out!” special event.Flag… Click2Mail, Tips & Tricks 2010-05-02T00:26:00+00:00 http://click2mail.com/news-articles/article/why-mail-in-may/ http://click2mail.com/news-articles/article/why-mail-in-may/ Why Mail in May? Take Advantage of Less-Mailed Holidays to Really Stand OutBring on the season of backyard barbeques and block parties.  There are a number of less-mailed holidays in May and June that you can take advantage of to really stand out in your prospects’ mailboxes.  Plus, June is graduation time, a great occasion to host a special sale (and promote it by mail, of course) or simply send a “Congratulations Grads” note.Memorial Day – May 31, 2010.  A federal holiday commemorating the men and women who died in U.S. military service.  Send a heartfelt message about the meaning… Click2Mail, Easy Letter Sender, Mailing Lists, Mailing Online, Tips & Tricks 2010-04-13T22:00:00+00:00 http://click2mail.com/news-articles/article/become-a-click2mail-affiliate/ http://click2mail.com/news-articles/article/become-a-click2mail-affiliate/ Become a Click2Mail Affiliate! Click2Mail is proud to announce that in May we’ll be rolling out our inaugural affiliate program.  Here’s how it will work:You place a link or banner ad on your website or blog, or in your e-newsletter.  Each link is embedded with your unique tracking code that allows us to identify traffic that comes to Click2Mail.com from your ad.  Each time a visitor to your site or blog, or reader of your e-newsletter clicks on one of your Click2Mail links or banners, we track that visitor as having been referred by you.  We’ll pay you… Click2Mail, Developers, Mailing Lists, Mailing Online, Inside Click2Mail 2010-04-01T20:35:00+00:00 http://click2mail.com/news-articles/article/12-steps-to-direct-mail-success-step-7/ http://click2mail.com/news-articles/article/12-steps-to-direct-mail-success-step-7/ 12 Steps to Direct Mail Success – Step 7: Write a Stand-out Headline and P.S.The headline and the P.S. are the two most read portions of a direct mail piece.  According to master marketer David Ogilvy, five times as many people read the headline as read the body copy.  Often, readers will look to the headline first, skip to the postscript (P.S.), and then decide if they will invest in the rest of the copy.  So, by all means, take the time to make your headline and postscript great.10 tips for headlines and postscripts that work Click2Mail, Mailing Lists, Mailing Online, Direct Mail Marketing 2010-04-01T20:14:00+00:00 http://click2mail.com/news-articles/article/click2mail-targeted-lists/ http://click2mail.com/news-articles/article/click2mail-targeted-lists/ Click2Mail Targeted Lists We can’t really say it enough: personalized mail is smart marketing.  The more you say “you” in your mail (to a limit, of course), the more successful you will be.  But you can only say you in your mail pieces (effectively, at least), if you know who you’re talking to.  You do that with a highly targeted list.Think of the value of highly targeted, personalized direct mail this way: Say you run an accounting firm and you want to sign 5 new clients for your monthly payroll service (you estimate those new clients will generate… Click2Mail, Mailing Lists, Mailing Online, Inside Click2Mail 2010-04-01T20:13:00+00:00 http://click2mail.com/news-articles/article/direct-mail-made-even-easier/ http://click2mail.com/news-articles/article/direct-mail-made-even-easier/ Mail Made Even Easier: 2 New Products Coming in MayHere at Click2Mail we’re really excited about two new products that we’re introducing.  They won’t be ready until May, but we wanted to share the news now so you can get excited, too.Easy Postcard SenderWe’re expanding our “Easy Sender” products category (which now includes the Easy Letter Sender) to include the Easy Postcard Sender.  It will work in much the same way as the Easy Letter Sender does:• No registration is required, so creating your postcard is incredibly fast• Super-simple… Click2Mail, Easy Letter Sender, Mailing Online, Inside Click2Mail 2010-03-08T19:33:00+00:00 http://click2mail.com/news-articles/article/revolutions-in-b2b-direct-mail-priority-mail-plus/ http://click2mail.com/news-articles/article/revolutions-in-b2b-direct-mail-priority-mail-plus/ Revolutions in B2B Direct Mail: Priority Mail PlusLast month a cardboard UPS Express Envelope, similar to Priority Mail, was found sitting outside our door. It was addressed to Click2Mail’s founder and CEO, Lee Garvey. The folks in the mailroom, and then the folks up in Lee’s office all had the same reaction, “This must be important.” We found out from Lee later that the envelope contained a 3-page letter from his mortgage company offering a new, lower interest rate if he refinanced.  It was so effective at getting our attention, and quickening our pace as we delivered… Click2Mail, Mailing Lists, Mailing Online, Inside Click2Mail 2010-03-08T19:30:00+00:00 http://click2mail.com/news-articles/article/testing-your-mail-campaign/ http://click2mail.com/news-articles/article/testing-your-mail-campaign/ Direct Mail Best Practices: Testing Your Mail Campaign“Direct mail advertisers can measure the results of their mailings to the dollar.  This makes it possible for them to test everything they do.  In direct mail, testing is the name of the game.”    – David Ogilvy, Ogilvy on AdvertisingMaster direct marketer David Ogilvy was famously a numbers man – he devoured market research, statistics, and analysis.  And he tested.  To this day, smart direct marketers test the results of their campaigns, and use what they learn from those tests to improve their marketing – and boost their… Click2Mail, Easy Letter Sender, Mailing Lists, Mailing Online, Direct Mail Marketing 2010-03-08T15:59:00+00:00 http://click2mail.com/news-articles/article/why-mail-in-march/ http://click2mail.com/news-articles/article/why-mail-in-march/ Why Mail in March? Spring into Action!What’s the first thing you think of when you think of March?  The beginning of Spring? The wearin’ of the green? Basketball?It’s not warm yet, but a sense of excitement and renewal is palpable in the air (or maybe that’s just cabin fever here in the East).  Take advantage of this month to generate some excitement among your customers and prospects and to renew your direct mail marketing strategies.The purpose of direct mail marketing is to entice the mail recipient to act.  Maybe it’s calling to make an… Click2Mail, Easy Letter Sender, Mailing Lists, Mailing Online, Tips & Tricks 2010-03-08T05:30:00+00:00 http://click2mail.com/news-articles/article/12-steps-to-direct-mail-success-step-6/ http://click2mail.com/news-articles/article/12-steps-to-direct-mail-success-step-6/ 12 Steps to Direct Mail Success – Step 6: Lay Out and Design Your MailerThe copy and graphics on your mailer are what allow you – through that piece of paper – to create an emotional connection with your prospect.  Create that emotional connection, and you’re exponentially more likely to make the sale.  In Step 5 (Write good copy) you did that with text, now how to do it with design?  These 7 tips will get you on your way.7 tips for effective layout and design1. Ask, “Would I put this on… Click2Mail, Easy Letter Sender, Mailing Lists, Mailing Online, Direct Mail Marketing 2010-03-08T05:09:00+00:00 http://click2mail.com/news-articles/article/direct-mail-checklist/ http://click2mail.com/news-articles/article/direct-mail-checklist/ Direct Mail ChecklistYou’re busy running a business.  Make creating results-generating direct mail campaigns quick and easy with this Direct Mail Checklist, and ultra-condensed version of our 12 Steps to Direct Mail Success white paper.  Print it out, tape it to your wall, and reference it to optimize your direct mail decisions.Have a question?  Need more detail?  Request the full white paper to paola@click2mail.com.  Inside, you’ll get in-depth insights into all the steps you’ll need to take to maximize the success of your direct mail marketing.Step 1: Making a plan•    I’ve listed the goals I want to achieve with this direct… Click2Mail, Design Services, Mailing Lists, Mailing Online, Direct Mail Marketing 2010-03-04T22:47:00+00:00 http://click2mail.com/news-articles/article/why-mail-in-april/ http://click2mail.com/news-articles/article/why-mail-in-april/ Why Mail in April? Great Mailer Ideas for the First Full Month of SpringApril is the first full month of spring.  And, like the new birds testing out their wings and new flowers budding, it’s time to reawaken your direct mail campaign.  There are a number of great reasons for you to mail your customers and prospects this month.  Read on for ideas of when, and what, you might mail.Beginning of the second quarterThe DMA Best Practices report reveals that more companies mail regularly than mail for specific holidays or seasonal promotions (read about that… Click2Mail, Mailing Lists, Mailing Online, Tips & Tricks 2010-03-01T21:41:00+00:00 http://click2mail.com/news-articles/article/the-new-click2mail-real-property-list/ http://click2mail.com/news-articles/article/the-new-click2mail-real-property-list/ We’re excited to announce that we recently added a new list to our Click2Mail Mailing Center.  It’s a list of real property owners across the U.S. and offers more than 59 million records. All about theClick2Mail Real Property List• A comprehensive residential real estate list sourced from county recorder and assessor records• Lists true, verified homeowners, not inferred homeowners from modeled data• Includes selects such as number of bedrooms, estimated equity, and presence of a pool and fireplaceMarket to property owners based on the characteristics of the property rather than the characteristics… Click2Mail, Mailing Lists, Mailing Online, Mailing Lists 2010-02-04T20:37:00+00:00 http://click2mail.com/news-articles/article/maize-quests-direct-mail-success/ http://click2mail.com/news-articles/article/maize-quests-direct-mail-success/ Maize Quest/Maple Lawn Farms has been using Click2Mail to send postcards and self-mail flyers for several years.  In addition to opening their farm to guests to pick the fruit during the harvesting seasons, Maize Quest/Maple Lawn Farms also offers maze adventures and school tours.“Maze Master” Hugh McPherson said that he found particular success reaching out to local teachers.  “Each grade level received a different mailer to make sure we were speaking directly to that teacher's needs. This year we booked more school tours than ever!”The secret to Maize Quest/Maple Lawn Farms’ success?  A targeted list and… Click2Mail, Easy Letter Sender, Mailing Lists, Mailing Online, Tips & Tricks 2010-02-04T20:12:00+00:00 http://click2mail.com/news-articles/article/12-steps-to-direct-mail-success/ http://click2mail.com/news-articles/article/12-steps-to-direct-mail-success/ 12 Steps to Direct Mail Success – Step 5: Write Good CopyWe’ve all heard the adage that “content is king.”  It’s true.  Whatever type of mailer you choose, writing good copy is your first step to creating an emotional connection with your customer or prospect – an emotional connection that is essential if your prospects are going to buy what you’re selling.The “copy,” or text, of your mailer is how you explain to your customers or prospects 1) what you are offering; 2) the benefits of what you’re offering; and 3) how to get what you’re… Click2Mail, Mailing Lists, Mailing Online, Direct Mail Marketing 2010-02-04T19:51:00+00:00 http://click2mail.com/news-articles/article/the-more-you-know-the-better-you-mail-click2mail-announces-2010-training-we/ http://click2mail.com/news-articles/article/the-more-you-know-the-better-you-mail-click2mail-announces-2010-training-we/ Our success is based upon your success! That’s why Click2Mail is offering a variety of webinars on several topics ranging from an “Introduction to Click2Mail” to “How to Select a Mailing List”, to the latest and greatest news from Click2Mail.  These short online presentations are hosted live over the Internet and registered customers can request a copy at any time by sending an email to support@click2mail.com.Our webinars are right for everyone who is:•    New to Click2Mail and wants to get started with us•    Interested in learning more about new and existing products and services Click2Mail, Mailing Lists, Mailing Online, Inside Click2Mail 2010-01-13T22:31:00+00:00 http://click2mail.com/news-articles/article/why-mail-this-month-take-advantage-of-new-beginnings/ http://click2mail.com/news-articles/article/why-mail-this-month-take-advantage-of-new-beginnings/ For most of us, January is a time to start anew.  We make our list of resolutions – all the things we wish we had done differently last year and resolve to “get it right” this year.  For businesses, too, January is a time of new beginnings – a new budget, a new strategic plan, a new outlook.  So whether you sell to individuals or businesses, January is a great time to capitalize on this “new beginning.”  Some ideas you might consider implementing in your direct mail pieces this month include:•    How customers’ New Year’s resolutions could… Click2Mail, Easy Letter Sender, Mailing Lists, Mailing Online, Tips & Tricks 2010-01-13T03:14:00+00:00 http://click2mail.com/news-articles/article/a-year-of-changes-how-click2mail-makes-mailing-better/ http://click2mail.com/news-articles/article/a-year-of-changes-how-click2mail-makes-mailing-better/ As the first decade of the century comes to a close, we think it’s appropriate not only to look forward to what the New Year holds in store, but also to do a bit of reflection on the year that’s just ended.  So let’s take a look at some of the changes Click2Mail made in 2009 to help make  mail even easier:Website upgrades that make using Click2Mail even easier.  You’ve afforded us great success; instead of resting on our laurels, we’re re-investing to create the most powerful, user-friendly platform we can devise.  We’re making the improvements in two… Click2Mail, Mailing Lists, Mailing Online, Inside Click2Mail 2010-01-13T02:41:00+00:00 http://click2mail.com/news-articles/article/click2mail-and-the-changing-us-postal-service/ http://click2mail.com/news-articles/article/click2mail-and-the-changing-us-postal-service/ The U.S. Postal Service has been making news recently, and not only because Mother Theresa and Katharine Hepburn will grace its stamps in 2010.  We also see headlines like “Can the Postal Service be Saved?” causing many to wonder how changes at the post office will affect their businesses.When it comes to direct mail, Click2Mail is committed to its partnership with the U.S. Postal Service and to keeping you informed about the changes going on there – and how those changes will affect the way that you communicate with your customers and prospects.  So let’s take a look… Click2Mail, Mailing Online, News 2010-01-13T02:29:00+00:00 http://click2mail.com/news-articles/article/5-direct-mail-resolutions-for-the-new-year/ http://click2mail.com/news-articles/article/5-direct-mail-resolutions-for-the-new-year/ Making New Year’s resolutions seems to be as old a tradition as the champagne toast at midnight.  Yet coming off the heels of the most difficult economic recession in several generations, it seems a particularly appropriate time to make some resolutions for better business in 2010.  Start with these 5 direct mail resolutions that will help you maximize the value of your direct mail campaigns and build stronger relationships with your customers and prospects.Resolution #1: Make a plan and stick to it.  Statistics show that to be successful with direct mail, you have to mail consistently (three times… Click2Mail, Mailing Online, Direct Mail Marketing 2010-01-13T02:17:00+00:00 http://click2mail.com/news-articles/article/12-steps-to-a-successful-direct-mail-campaign-step-4-choose-your-mailer/ http://click2mail.com/news-articles/article/12-steps-to-a-successful-direct-mail-campaign-step-4-choose-your-mailer/ Once you’ve made your plan (step 1), crafted your offer (step 2), and built a good list (step 3), you’re ready for step 4 on your path to a successful direct mail campaign; now it’s time to choose your mailer.  There are a number of decisions you’ll have to make: what type of mailer you’ll use, what size, what paper, and what postage class.What type of mailer?  With Click2Mail, you can choose from six types of mailers (in a range of sizes and paper types): postcards, letters and flyers, booklets, Priority Mail Plus, Certified Mail,… Click2Mail, Mailing Lists, Mailing Online, Direct Mail Marketing 2010-01-13T02:08:00+00:00 http://click2mail.com/news-articles/article/manage-your-standard-mail-delivery-with-click2mails-delivery-estimator/ http://click2mail.com/news-articles/article/manage-your-standard-mail-delivery-with-click2mails-delivery-estimator/ If you’re planning to send a letter or postcard via the U.S. Postal Service, and don’t plan to use Priority or Express Mail service, you have two mail choices: First-Class or Standard (includes non-profit). The principal differences between the two are price and predictability. •    A First-Class letter will cost you $0.38 to mail through Click2Mail, but you can rest assured that it will be delivered in between 1 and 4 days.•   A Standard letter will cost you much less – $0.27 through Click2Mail – but delivery times average 9 to 12 days and have been known to exceed… Click2Mail, Mailing Lists, Mailing Online, Inside Click2Mail 2009-12-09T00:06:00+00:00 http://click2mail.com/news-articles/article/6-steps-to-green-your-mail/ http://click2mail.com/news-articles/article/6-steps-to-green-your-mail/ Once the exclusive domain of tree-huggers, Seattleites, and Al Gore, being “environmentally friendly” has entered the national consciousness.  Some people take big steps to ease their impact on the environment (like buying a hybrid vehicle); others take small ones (like recycling the soda can instead of throwing it in the trash).  At Click2Mail.com, we’re fully on board with the “green” movement to be kinder to our environment.  And you can be, too.Steps Click2Mail has taken to make direct mail greener1.    We help you “green your list.”  When you mail with Click2Mail.com Mailing Online, we standardize… Click2Mail, Easy Letter Sender, Mailing Lists, Mailing Online, Inside Click2Mail 2009-12-08T23:40:00+00:00 http://click2mail.com/news-articles/article/12-steps-to-a-successful-direct-mail-campaign-step-3-build-and-maintain-a-g/ http://click2mail.com/news-articles/article/12-steps-to-a-successful-direct-mail-campaign-step-3-build-and-maintain-a-g/ Step 3 on the 12-step path to a successful direct mail campaign is to build (and maintain) a good list.  Of all the pieces of a direct mail campaign, your list is the single most important.  Having a well-built, well-managed list can dramatically reduce costs and boost the effectiveness of your direct mail. Building an in-house listMarketers refer to a list that you build “organically” (in other words, not by buying or renting it) as an in-house list.  Names on an in-house list should come from prospects who have expressed interest, current and past customers, referrals,… Click2Mail, Mailing Lists, Mailing Online, Direct Mail Marketing 2009-12-08T23:26:00+00:00 http://click2mail.com/news-articles/article/4-tips-for-using-direct-mail-to-generate-purchases1/ http://click2mail.com/news-articles/article/4-tips-for-using-direct-mail-to-generate-purchases1/ Yet more proof that direct mail is not dead – that, in fact, it should be an important part of your sales and marketing strategy: A study this fall sponsored by the e-mail marketing company ExactTarget found that “direct mail has directly influenced more consumers to purchase than any other channel [any other means of communication].” Source: ExactTargetThe results vary a bit among different age groups; 75% of 25 to 34-year-olds have made a purchase resulting from direct mail and 62% of… Click2Mail, Mailing Online, Direct Mail Marketing 2009-12-08T21:56:00+00:00 http://click2mail.com/news-articles/article/maximize-your-roi-click2mails-list-services/ http://click2mail.com/news-articles/article/maximize-your-roi-click2mails-list-services/ For several decades now, it’s been a widely held marketing dictum that 40% of the success of a direct mail campaign owes to the offer, 40% to the mailing list, and 20% to copy and design. Today, some experts suggest that the breakdown is more like 60-30-10. Either way, the bottom line is the same: the quality of your list is hugely important. With At Click2Mail.com, you can easily, quickly, and cost effectively buy a high-quality consumer or business list online to maximize the return on your direct mail investment.  The benefits of the Click2Mail.com mailing lists include:   •… Click2Mail, Mailing Lists, Mailing Lists 2009-12-07T18:05:00+00:00 http://click2mail.com/news-articles/article/5-tips-to-get-more-bang-for-your-mail-buck/ http://click2mail.com/news-articles/article/5-tips-to-get-more-bang-for-your-mail-buck/ “Companies that cut advertising, marketing research and other forms of marketing do worse following a downturn. This could be an opportunity for smart marketers to get rid of their competition,” wrote Richard H. Levey in Direct in March. Indeed, research demonstrates that companies who continue to market in hard economic times do better during the tough times – as their competitors fade from customer’s radar.  But they also do better after the economy has begun to recover – they’re ready to soar while their competitors have to rebuild the marketing campaigns they suspended.Why is that?  Because… Click2Mail, Mailing Lists, Mailing Online, Direct Mail Marketing 2009-12-07T18:03:00+00:00 http://click2mail.com/news-articles/article/12-steps-to-a-successful-direct-mail-campaign-step-2-craft-the-offer/ http://click2mail.com/news-articles/article/12-steps-to-a-successful-direct-mail-campaign-step-2-craft-the-offer/ Michael: Within an hour, he had a signed release for a certified check of $1000. Kay Adams: How did he do that? Michael: My father made him an offer he couldn’t refuse.When creating your direct mail marketing campaign, you clearly can’t make a Godfather-style offer that can’t be refused, but you should pay careful attention to your offer – it will have a significant effect on your response rate and, by extension, the return you see on your investment. In fact, it’s said that 40% of a mailer’s success is attributable to the list, another 40% to the… Click2Mail, Mailing Online, Direct Mail Marketing 2009-12-07T17:36:00+00:00 http://click2mail.com/news-articles/article/5-reasons-you-need-to-send-mail/ http://click2mail.com/news-articles/article/5-reasons-you-need-to-send-mail/ A hundred years ago, when mail was delivered in the U.S. by train and on horseback, no one could have imagined that we would ever talk about the "death" of "snail mail." And while that idea - that e-mail has killed direct mail - is frequently batted about, it's simply not true. Yes, e-mail has risen dramatically as a form of communication, to some extent stealing share from traditional "snail mail." But all of the recent reports agree that direct mail is still alive and well. And there are 5 reasons why that is true - why direct mail is… Click2Mail, Mailing Online, Direct Mail Marketing 2009-12-07T17:16:00+00:00 http://click2mail.com/news-articles/article/click2mail-analysis-the-dm-associations-annual-response-rate-report-how-do-/ http://click2mail.com/news-articles/article/click2mail-analysis-the-dm-associations-annual-response-rate-report-how-do-/ When the Direct Marketing Association released its "2009 Response Rate Report" earlier this year, a number of conclusions stood out: Response rates were higher than in previous years, perhaps because mailers now better manage their lists and employ more sophisticated targeting methods. Direct mail still makes up 35% of the average marketing budget, compared to e-mails’ 12.6% (so, no, direct mail is not dead). Internal “house” lists generated much higher response rates than purchased “prospect” lists (3.69% compared to 1.65% on direct order mailers and 3.86% compared to 2.04% on… Click2Mail, Direct Mail Marketing 2009-12-07T02:00:00+00:00 http://click2mail.com/news-articles/article/click2mailcom-gets-a-makeover-our-new-website-will-offer-the-same-great-ser/ http://click2mail.com/news-articles/article/click2mailcom-gets-a-makeover-our-new-website-will-offer-the-same-great-ser/ POSTED BY LEE GARVEY: When you visit the Click2Mail.com website in a few days, you might not recognize it – we're giving ourselves a major facelift. The changes are not only cosmetic, though – we’re upgrading our systems to make response times faster and adding some great new services to make creating and managing your mailings even easier.Why the changes?You’ve afforded us great success; instead of resting on our laurels, we’re re-investing to create the most powerful, user-friendly platform we can devise.  It’s one that will allow us to provide you with a variety of new products… Click2Mail, Easy Letter Sender, Remind Santa, Inside Click2Mail 2009-11-12T02:15:00+00:00 http://click2mail.com/news-articles/article/12-steps-to-a-successful-direct-mail-campaign-step-1-make-a-plan/ http://click2mail.com/news-articles/article/12-steps-to-a-successful-direct-mail-campaign-step-1-make-a-plan/ They say that "success favors the prepared."  It's wise advice, and it's the reason that Click2Mail has decided to share with you our 12 Steps to a Successful Direct Mail Campaign.  In this and the 11 monthly newsletters that follow, we'll outline the steps that lead to a successful (results-generating, business-boosting, award-winning, however-you-measure-success) direct mail campaign. Watch your inbox for the newsletter each month save all 12 articles to build a complete manual - of everything you need to know to set up and run a successful direct mail campaign.Step 1: Make a Plan "Planning," said A. A.… Click2Mail, Mailing Online, Direct Mail Marketing 2009-10-28T01:11:00+00:00 http://click2mail.com/news-articles/article/click2mailcom-now-offers-same-day-mailing-at-discounted-rates-with-priority/ http://click2mail.com/news-articles/article/click2mailcom-now-offers-same-day-mailing-at-discounted-rates-with-priority/ POSTED BY LEE GARVEY: After months of development and rigorous testing by the USPS, Click2Mail was recently certified to produce Electronic Option barcoded Priority Mail labels.  This means we can offer Priority Mail - 2-3 day delivery and free delivery confirmation - at discountedpostage rates.  It's a real bargain compared to retail prices, and our distinctive customized USPS Flat Rate Priority Mail envelope guarantees that your message will be noticed in the mailbox and read first. With Click2Mail.com Priority Mail Plus, you can easily send Priority Mail, at a discounted rate, right from your computer.  And now, when you… Click2Mail, Mailing Online, New Products 2009-10-28T01:04:00+00:00 http://click2mail.com/news-articles/article/its-time-to-start-planning-your-holiday-mail-5-keys-to-a-great-holiday-dire/ http://click2mail.com/news-articles/article/its-time-to-start-planning-your-holiday-mail-5-keys-to-a-great-holiday-dire/  POSTED BY PAOLA PISCIONERI: More retail sales are made in November and December than any other month.  It only makes sense, then, for you to contact your customers and prospects before (and during) the holiday season, so that they shop with you (and not someone else).  Even if you're not in retail, the holidays are a perfect time to contact your clients and prospects, if only to say "Happy Holidays."  To get you started this year, we've set out 5 easy keys to help you plan an efficient, effective holiday direct mail campaign.  Key1: Brainstorm creative ideas all year long… Click2Mail, Direct Mail Marketing 2009-10-28T00:49:00+00:00 http://click2mail.com/news-articles/article/stamp-price-rises-to-44-centsclick2mail-now-saves-13/ http://click2mail.com/news-articles/article/stamp-price-rises-to-44-centsclick2mail-now-saves-13/ BY MATT HANNA First-Class stamps cost 2 cents more starting on May 11th. For the third year in a row the United States Postal Service (USPS) has increased prices for mailing services, but Click2Mail is still saving you money on every letter and card you mail on Click2Mail.com. With Click2Mail’s automatic postage discount, you continue to save almost 6 cents on every letter and 5 cents on every postcard. First-Class postage on a one ounce Click2Mail letter now costs .382 cents (verus 44 cents retail) and small postcards now cost 23 cents (versus 28 cents retail). The overall cost… Click2Mail, Mailing Online 2009-08-18T23:51:00+00:00 http://click2mail.com/news-articles/article/easylettersendercom_beta_launches_with_letters_for_a_cure/ http://click2mail.com/news-articles/article/easylettersendercom_beta_launches_with_letters_for_a_cure/ With the help of your suggestions and feedback we are continuing to refine our new EasyLetterSender site: www.easylettersender.com. We are also continuing our Letters for a Cure campaign through the month of March—for every Easy Letter sent through March 31st, 2009 we’re making a donation to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation®. While our flagship product, Mailing Online at Click2Mail.com, is a multidimensional tool for creating, personalizing, and delivering a wide variety of mailpieces—EasyLetterSender.com is designed to be a super-simple tool for creating just letters, with an optional picture or image, that are delivered in a unique window envelope.… Click2Mail, Easy Letter Sender, New Products 2008-12-05T05:01:00+00:00 http://click2mail.com/news-articles/article/click2mail_postcards_getting_a_makeover_and_a_quick_shine/ http://click2mail.com/news-articles/article/click2mail_postcards_getting_a_makeover_and_a_quick_shine/ BY MATT HANNA Here at Click2Mail, we have found a new way to give “Thanks” to our customers, more options! On Monday, November 17, 2008, Click2Mail will be giving you more space on postcards to get creative and a new option that will make your postcards really stand out. Here’s how: > We’re adding an option for glossy UV coating on postcards. > Our new postcard layouts offer more usable space on all two-sided postcards. Many of our loyal customers have asked for these features so we are pleased to be able to announce them now. Let’s take… Click2Mail, New Products 2008-11-08T01:36:00+00:00 http://click2mail.com/news-articles/article/new_from_click2mail_eco_friendly_reply_mail_options/ http://click2mail.com/news-articles/article/new_from_click2mail_eco_friendly_reply_mail_options/ BY OWEN ZANZAL Why mail out a letter with an enclosed reply envelope when Click2Mail gives you options that are less wasteful? Introducing Click2Mail double postcards and reusable reply ecoEnvelopes™. If you only need a short response, save paper and postage by using our double postcard. If you receive checks or money orders, try our reusable ecoEnvelopes. You save trees while saving money. Business Reply Double Postcards Encourage recipients to respond to your offers immediately with detachable Business Reply cards—they simply drop the postage-paid card in the mail and you get the order. Your outbound postage cost is Click2Mail’s… Click2Mail, Mailing Online, New Products 2008-11-01T01:43:00+00:00 http://click2mail.com/news-articles/article/new_from_click2mail_electronic_return_receipt_saves_120_by_replacing_certif/ http://click2mail.com/news-articles/article/new_from_click2mail_electronic_return_receipt_saves_120_by_replacing_certif/ Certified Mail™ was introduced by the Post Office Department in 1955 and has since become the universally recognized standard for documented proof of delivery. Today, Click2Mail has made sending Certified Mail™ through the U.S. Mail fully electronic, from uploading your letter to downloading the signed receipt, you’ll never have to touch paper, envelopes or green cards ever again. Plus, the new Electronic Return Receipt option saves you $1.20 compared to the traditional green card return receipt. Certified Mail™ is an essential business tool that legally documents the fact that you sent someone a letter or notice on a certain… Click2Mail, Mailing Online, New Products 2008-07-12T03:19:00+00:00 http://click2mail.com/news-articles/article/new_postage_prices_are_now_in_effect_you_still_save_with_click2mail/ http://click2mail.com/news-articles/article/new_postage_prices_are_now_in_effect_you_still_save_with_click2mail/ POSTED BY LEE GARVEY On May 12th, the new postage prices announced in February by the U.S. Postal Service became effective, and Click2Mail is still saving you money on every letter and card you mail on Click2Mail.com. Overall the cost of sending your Click2mail mail piece has increased roughly 3 percent, but you still save about a nickel on every letter or postcard. Specifically, First-Class postage on a one ounce Click2Mail letter now costs $0.369 (vs. $0.42 retail) and small postcards now cost $0.223 (vs. $0.27 retail). If you’d like specifics on higher weights or other mailpiece configurations you… Click2Mail, Mailing Online, News 2008-04-08T13:24:00+00:00 http://click2mail.com/news-articles/article/what_class_of_mail_should_i_choose/ http://click2mail.com/news-articles/article/what_class_of_mail_should_i_choose/ When you are scheduling your mailing you are presented with a choice of several classes of mail. Here is a brief look at the pros and cons of each. First-Class Mail Choose First-Class Mail for time-sensitive mail that you need to have delivered between 2 and 4 days after it is presented to the Post Office. (USPS delivery times are not guaranteed but First-Class Mail typically is delivered in 1 to 4 days of acceptance at a Post Office.) First-Class Mail is required for bills,… Click2Mail, Tips & Tricks 2008-04-08T13:10:00+00:00 http://click2mail.com/news-articles/article/click2mails_amazing_electric_yellow_postcard/ http://click2mail.com/news-articles/article/click2mails_amazing_electric_yellow_postcard/ BY MATT HANNA This picture doesn’t do it justice—our new electric-yellow cards were born to grab attention. Postcards are one of THE most economical and effective forms of print communication. Through Click2Mail, for example, you can send 100 black and white on electric-yellow postcards to 100 different addresses for less than 37 cents per card—postage and printing included. Why a postcard? Because a postcard is the simplest direct mail transaction—the ideal medium for focused, simple communications such as making a specific offer, pushing a prospect to your web site, announcing news, saying thank you, reminding the… Click2Mail, Mailing Online, New Products 2008-04-08T13:00:00+00:00