Direct Mail Marketing Checklist

This article ©2005, QuantumDigital. All rights reserved.

Follow a few guidelines, and you can turn your direct mail program into a simple, repeatable system. This checklist will help.

• Is my list current and well-targeted (or, have I chosen a company to handle this for me)?
• Is my message written as though I were talking to my prospect on the phone?
• Am I breaking the sales barrier by writing with a warm, human voice?
• Is my message short and to the point, but still complete in its purpose?
• Have I identified with my prospects by addressing their primary needs and concerns?
• Did I mention at least one thing that makes my product or service different from others?
• Is my information accurate and my spelling correct?
• Do I have a good pattern of introduction, offer / benefits, details, and call-to-action?
• Does my message contain strong, factual information rather than empty boasts?
• Do my graphics and message support one another ... do they work together as a team?
• Have I given my prospects several ways to contact me (email, 1-800 number, etc.)?
• Is my postcard or flyer professional in appearance?
• Have I used full-color wherever possible? (Studies prove that color increases response.)
• Do my formatting and fonts make for easy reading?
• Does my call-to-action tell my prospect how to move forward, what to do, or whom to call?
• Do I have a follow-up plan in place (additional mailings, phone calls, response materials)?