WhAT to consider DESIGNING MAIL?
There is many things to consider when creating something to mail. Step one… make sure it can actually mail. Things to consider are size, placement, envelopes, budget, etc. The design could be beautiful, but still needs to fit in the mailing rules. Non-mailable items could cost more, take slower to deliver, and even get rejected throughout the process.
Let’s not let that happen.
SIZE
There is many sizes a post card can be. From tall and narrow to big and wide, postcards can get creative. Many sites will have sizes provided, otherwise mailing services will have sizing regulation posted. Figuring out the size first helps avoid any mailing issues when it comes time to send.
PLACEMENT
Some important placements that need to be on the postcard is a stamp placement. Usually, a box is outlined in the top right hand side following a mailing address underneath. A return address can be added along the left side or placed at the very bottom of the right side.
Designing can get fun more on the left side of the card. This is room for writing a note or adding a cool design.
ENVELOPES
Postage stamps can also be found on the envelope in the same top right hand side. Address are displayed in the middle with a return address at the top left. It is important to consider the size of your envelope to make sure it is wide enough to easily fit the contents and comfortably.
What ABOUT MY budget?
If your budget is tight, here is 5 tips to mailing reasonably.
Don’t mail less. Mail smarter.
KEEP YOUR LIST UP TO DATE
The most reliable way to reach your target audience is to use postal mail, but people still move. According to the United States Postal Service, 14% of Americans change addresses annually. Use change of address tools like the NCOA (National Change of Address) database and “enhanced” NCOA (which adds the use of third-party data) to make sure your mail reaches its destination.GET ADDRESSES RIGHT
Ensure that your addresses are deliverable. This means they have been checked, updated, or “certified.” The National Deliverability Index (NDI) rates the percentage of deliverable addresses in a list. Know your number!REMOVE DUPLICATES
For every duplicate you mail, you are wasting money. Bob M. Jones might be the same as Robert Michael Jones and B. M. Jones, so make sure to find out. Lists need to be “scrubbed” to ensure that each individual or household only receives one piece of mail.SELECT YOUR AUDIENCE CAREFULLY
Mail only to recipients most likely to buy. One family-owned automotive company, for example, was regularly getting less than 1% response rates to its mailings, so it invested in creating a demographic profile of its best customers. Once it knew what its best customers looked like, it targeted new customers that looked just like them. The results? Response rates tripled, and the mailing brought in 33% more revenue per customer.BE RELEVANT
Kent Tucker
Only mail information of relevance to your audience. Instead of mailing promotions on lawn care to everyone within a specific ZIP Code, for example, only target people who own standalone homes with yards. Don’t waste money mailing to people in condos with no need for your product.
Mailchimp is also a great source for sending mail on a budget. Free accounts are available with limited restrictions ready to create emails to mass connect.
the Plastic Templates from USPS
UPSP PLASTIC TEMPLATES
A multi-purpose template for determining the automation compatibility of letter-size mail pieces. This clear plastic overlay simplifies address placement. It identifies the barcode clear zone and includes positioning marks for facing identification mark (FIM) patterns. The template contains a POST-NET barcode decoder, and other automation readability features, including character height and spacing gauges. They are available through larger post offices.
You will use this to determine if your mailpiece meets the dimensions for letter-size mail. A handy “slot” on the template measures maximum thickness. The template also indicates the aspect ratio (length divided by height) requirements for automated processing.
There is many things to consider when creating something to mail. Things to consider are size, placement, envelopes, budget, etc. Testing the mailing compatibility can happen in person or through online check regulations. Now design your mail and send it out!
Remember. Don’t mail less. Mail smarter.