TABLE OF CONTENTSBulk Mailing Services: An All-in-one Guide to Boost ResponseDirect mail is one of the best marketing strategies for companies that want to personally reach out to their existing and potential customers. It helps small and large-scale businesses connect with their target audience and drive sales. ![]() But, there are several key factors to consider, like your campaign size, budget, and timeframe. For example, if you want to promote an upcoming discount offer, your mail has to reach all your audience at least a few days prior. Here, you can send out bulk mail to a large number of people at once, preferably with the help of a mailing house like PostGrid. This way, you can mail your marketing items in large quantities and reduce postage costs. In this blog, we will discuss how mass mailing can help businesses promote themselves effectively. What is Bulk Mail?Bulk mail refers to sending physical marketing items to prospects in high volumes at reduced postage rates. It is the most cost-effective way to communicate with your audience directly and win over their trust. In fact, bulk mail campaigns have better chances of increasing response levels than email campaigns. Your prospects may or may not give your emails any importance, but are sure to pay attention to your printed mail. Such mass mailouts may consist of newsletters, marketing letters, postcards, coupons, flyers, etc. You can employ bulk mail sending services such as PostGrid to print and mail items in an automated way. Most bulk mailing services UK also offer other benefits like data cleansing, designing, printing, segmentation, deduplication, etc. Keep reading to explore more benefits of bulk marketing campaigns. Benefits of Bulk Mailing ServicesBelow are some of the most significant reasons why you should consider using cheap bulk mailing services: Save MoneyOne of the prime benefits of bulk mailout services is that you can avail of bulk postage rates and avoid draining your marketing budget. You can get the lowest postage rates possible, depending on your mailing volume. Spark More EngagementsSending bulk mail requires a lot of planning and effort, making it hard for companies to do it in-house. But, they can search for ‘bulk mailing services near me’ and cut down manual effort considerably. These services can help you target a relevant audience and increase response rates. They can assist you in every step of the campaign and ensure that your campaign succeeds. Combine Offline and Online Marketing PlatformsUsing bulk mail delivery services helps you integrate all your marketing channels to reach a larger audience. Hence, you can align your email, social media, and other digital marketing efforts with direct mail effortlessly. PostGrid’s Mass Mailing ServicesEmploying a bulk mail service provider is advisable for companies looking to conduct highly-targeted and successful direct mail campaigns that can:
PostGrid’s direct mail API can help you streamline your bulk mailing activities to achieve the above marketing goals. Below, we have mentioned the features of our print and mail fulfilment services: Mail PresortingMethods like presorting your mail pieces help you get additional discounts from Royal Mail. You need to sort items according to their postcodes and group them—making it easier for the postal workers to complete delivery. Though it sounds simple, it is a very hectic task and can take weeks out of your time. Thus, most marketers cannot presort their items and avail of discounted Royal Mail bulk postage rates. However, PostGrid’s bulk printing and mailing services can help you presort all your printed materials and become eligible for paying reduced postal charges. Domestic and International Mail SolutionsIt doesn’t matter how many items you need to send in bulk or which country you need to target; PostGrid can help you get there. Yes, PostGrid’s bulk letter mailing services can help you mail across the UK and abroad. Depending on your target demographics, you can either process your existing mailing lists with us or build new ones. Variable Data PrintingImagine adding variable details in a batch of 100,000 mail items. It is an expensive, boring, and tedious process to complete for any company. Thus, PostGrid helps you personalise your items according to your requirements using variable data printing. Now, each of your mail pieces can influence your results by enabling you to speak to your recipients directly. Door-to-Door or Targeted Mailing CampaignsDoor-to-door is a type of bulk posting Royal Mail campaign that lets you target all the households and businesses in specific areas. For example, you can choose to mail to all businesses located in Welsh Street, Liverpool. On the contrary, targeted campaigns help you reach out to relevant prospects irrespective of their location. PostGrid helps you fulfil all your Royal Mail requirements to conduct both door-to-door and targeted campaigns. All-In-One Services at Discounted RatesPostGrid offers all-inclusive rates for design, printing, mailing, and tracking services. You can reduce your cost per piece by mailing in bulk with PostGrid. Designing Bulk MailYou no longer need to worry about hiring a designer, getting your artwork ready, or negotiating rates with a printer. Using PostGrid’s automated direct postal services, you can get it all done in one go. PostGrid offers pre-built HTML templates for designing your postcards and letters. Also, it helps you customise your artworks according to your marketing purposes and needs. Some of the other significant features of PostGrid’s print and mail API are:
Read more: PostGrid and Marketo Integration. Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat is the minimum volume to become eligible to send bulk mail? Royal Mail has set the minimum volume requirements for business account holders to 250 large letters or 1,000 items. However, you can mail fewer items too with PostGrid. What is the bulk mail rate? A bulk mail rate refers to the costing of per item while mailing in large quantities. The cheap bulk postage UKrates vary according to mailing class, volume, and additional services. How long does it take for mass mail delivery? It takes Royal Mail between one to two business days to deliver 1st Class Mail and two to three business days to send 2nd Class Mail. However, the delivery timeframe may differ depending on your mailing volume and other aspects of your campaign. Why choose PostGrid’s bulk mailing services? PostGrid offers bulk mailing for all types of industries and can help you conduct affordable and speedy campaigns. Also, the supplementary services offered by PostGrid, like address verification and per-piece tracking, make it one of the best bulk mail service providers. You may be interested in knowing- What Is Postal Code Targeting? ConclusionBulk mailing enables businesses to personally communicate about their products and services to prospects. It also helps them increase brand awareness and improve reputation among their target audience. Using bulk postcard mailing services, companies can launch result-bearing campaigns whilst cutting costs and effort. PostGrid’s bulk direct mail services ensure that you fulfil your campaign objectives and attract a positive ROI. Request a demo now to see how PostGrid helps companies in different industries conduct bulk mail marketing campaigns! The post Bulk Mailing Services appeared first on PostGrid UK. Via https://www.postgrid.co.uk/bulk-mailing-services/
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TABLE OF CONTENTSHow To Send a Letter In The UK: An Easy Step-By-Step GuideHave you ever wanted to implement an old-fashioned direct mail campaign but couldn’t because you didn’t know how to send a letter? If yes, you would be among many who don’t send a letter because they don’t know how to. Today, most marketers and business owners have no idea how to mail a letter UK. However, direct mail offers a significantly higher response rate than most mainstream marketing ideas. ![]() Furthermore, you can use direct mail for bulk mailing invoices, bills, patient reports, and much more. It is crucial to understand how you can send a letter via post for business communication. Here, we will teach you how to send a postal letter in the UK. You will get a step-by-step guide to sending a letter in the UK, the services you can use and their salient features. The article also explains how to address your mailers and tips on writing or printing your business letters. Step-By-Step Guide To Sending a Letter In The UKStep 1: Check If You Can PostThe first thing you need to do before you can send letters in the UK is to check whether you can send them. Some items are prohibited from being sent via Royal Mail. You need to ensure that your mailer does not contain any prohibited items. What usually happens is that most senders are unaware of which items are prohibited from sending via post. Even something as simple as a lottery ticket is not permitted to be sent by post. Similarly, there are many such items that you might think are okay to send via post. Here is the complete list of restricted and prohibited items you CAN’T send by post. Step 2: Select An Envelope For Your LetterAs you know, the postage cost of your letter depends on the mail piece’s size and shape. Several vital documents and foldable letters require an envelope. Envelopes also come in different sizes, and you can pick one that’s best suited for your mail piece. You can get the envelopes for the letters from your local Post Office. Step 3: Address Your LetterWhen you write a postal address on a letter, consider putting the information from smallest to largest. Just remember to add the postcode at the end of the address. Hence, the addressee’s name comes first in the address, then the house number/name and street name. You can then write the town/city. If necessary, you would also have to provide the locality of the address. Similarly, you would also have to provide the country name if you send an international mail. Finally, ensure that your delivery address is aligned to the left. We will give you a detailed explanation of addressing a UK letter as you proceed further. Step 4: Weigh Your LetterWe know that the size and weight of your letter determine its postage rate. Hence, it is good to weigh your letters before going to the nearest Royal Mail branch. It helps you get an accurate idea of the required postage for your mail piece. As a result, you can spend just the right amount of postage you need. Such a practice is hugely beneficial, especially for businesses sending bulk mail. It saves you a significant amount of postage. And all you need is a weighing scale for measuring the weight of the postal item from home or company. Keep in mind that the weight of the package need not be accurate to a microscopic level. The postal service provider such as Royal Mail defines a specific range for the postal mailers. So, as long as you ensure the letter weighs falls within the specified range. Step 5: Choose The Best Postage Option For Your LetterIndividuals and businesses can choose a postage option based on how soon they want their letter to arrive at its destination. Sometimes, the sender may also be required to track the package or a sign from the recipient if they are sending legal documents or essential items. Again, you need to consider the dimensional measurements of your mailer to decide what kind of postage it needs. Normal Letters A standard letter can have a maximum width of 16.5 cm, a max length of 24cm, and a max depth of 0.5cm. You can use a 1st Class or 2nd Class stamp from Royal Mail for your normal-sized letter. Remember that the former costs only 66p, whereas the latter costs 85p. Large Letters When it comes to larger letters, the maximum width increases to 25cm, and the max length to 35.3cm. Similarly, large letters also have a higher maximum depth limit than regular letters. Additionally, the weight is also a big concern for large letters. For letters that weigh up to 100g costs you about 96p to post by 2nd Class. However, sending the same postal letter can cost £1.29 if you use the 1st Class postage service. Your postage charges vary as you increase the weight of large letters. The following table should help you get a good idea of the postage for large letters.
Postage Option And Delivery Time Businesses and individuals prefer using 1st Class posts when making fast deliveries. Usually, the 1st Class post is delivered within one working day, but there is no guarantee. On the other hand, sending a letter via 2nd Class takes roughly 3 working days, but it is much cheaper than 1st Class post. Special Delivery Guaranteed Services Special Delivery Guaranteed by 1pm® and Special Delivery Guaranteed by 9am® is postage options from the Royal Mail. As the name suggests, the Special Delivery Guaranteed services guarantees the delivery of your postal letters by 1 pm and 9 am on the next working day. Step 6: Place The Necessary Postage Stamp/Postage Sticker On Your LetterOnce you know the necessary postage for sending your letter, all that’s left to do is place the necessary postage stamp/postage sticker. Ensure it is clear and visible when placing the postage stamp or sticker. Also, make sure you don’t place the stamp so that it bends over the edge. Additionally, ensure that the postage stamp is not placed on the same face of the letter with the address. It is also worth noting that many postage stamps contain barcodes that help track the postage. To protect the integrity of these barcodes, you must ensure that the postage stamp is flat and easily scannable. Step 7: Post Your LetterOnce you have got the proper stamp and the address for sending a letter in the UK, all you have to do is post it. You can go to your nearest post box or go directly to your local Royal Mail branch for posting your letter. Furthermore, Royal Mail offers reliable customer service that can help you with any queries about the postal service. So, you can always contact Royal Mail regarding any questions, such as finding the correct postage or delivery time for a specific letter. Did you know that there are several rules and regulations that you need to follow when implementing direct mail marketing for your business? Read our blog “How To Comply With Laws Regarding Direct Mail Marketing?” to make sure you are compliant with the laws and regulations of direct mail marketing. How To Address A UK LetterGetting your delivery address is one of the most crucial parts of sending a letter in the UK. If you are unsure about the address in any way or if you do not have the full postal address, it may lead to delayed deliveries or returned mail. Such issues may not be a big deal if you send personal letters. Still, it is never desirable for business communications. Hence, most businesses employ a print and mail API like PostGrid to personalise, print, and deliver business letters. However, not all companies have an advanced system like PostGrid to manage their direct mail operations. Here’s how you can address your UK letters to ensure fast and efficient delivery. First, you should check whether the following details are in your mailing address.
Things To Note When You Write A UK AddressRoyal Mail does not require you to write or print all the information listed above on the postal delivery address. For example, most UK postal addresses do not include the “locality,” as it is only relevant to some postal addresses. Similarly, there are also instances where you may have to provide additional detail on the postal address. Here are a few things to note when writing the UK postal address on a letter. Remote Addresses The geographical location of some postal addresses may be at the remotest places in the UK. In such cases, you can use the geographical location of the address’s nearest village or town. You can write or print “Nr” followed immediately by the closest named area. However, it is also worth noting that this is usually unnecessary in a UK postal address. Country Name The country name is usually unnecessary for letters, especially for domestic postal addresses. If you do not have the town and postcode for the postal address, you can add the country name to the address. Writing Or Printing Postcode As you might have noticed, the UK postcode uses an alphanumeric, unlike the ZIP codes used in the US, which only contains numbers. When writing the postal code for UK addresses, ensure that you write or print it in all capitals. It will ensure that Royal Mail’s mail sorting system can easily read your postcode and sort it without delays. Tips For Writing/Printing A UK LetterHere are some tips you can use to ensure no unnecessary delays or return mail when sending a letter in the UK.
Different Types Of Mail Services From Royal MailAs we have mentioned earlier, the sender can choose from various direct mail options for sending their letters. There are primarily three different types of direct mail services that businesses can use, and they are
However, Royal Mail breaks down the three different types of mail even further. For example, the UK standard service includes both 1st and 2nd Class options. The significant difference between 1st Class and 2nd Class mail is their delivery time and postage rates. UK Standard MailUK Standard service consists of mainly two postal mail services from the Royal Mail
1st Class Mail ServiceThe 1st Class mail letter allows you to send letters from rates as low as 88p and small parcels starting from £3.85. One of the most significant advantages of 1st Class mail service from Royal Mail is that the letter is usually delivered on the next business day. Furthermore, Royal Mail delivers 1st Class mail deliveries even on Saturdays. It also comes with a compensation cover of £20. The maximum weight of a Royal Mail 1st Class mail is 20kg. So, in case you want to send something heavy and want to do it fast, you can always count on 1st Class mail service. 2nd Class Mail ServiceRoyal Mail’s 2nd Class mail service enables you to send a letter from 66p. Sending small parcels using 2nd Class mail is cheaper than 1st Class mail and costs you only £3.20. Royal Mail also tries to deliver your packages on Saturdays. 1st Class mail usually delivers your letter within one working day and costs more in postage. 2nd Class mail costs less, but the delivery time is two to three working days. Both 1st Class and 2nd Class mail are the same regarding the compensation and maximum weight. 2nd Class mail also includes compensation covering up to £20 and a maximum weight of 20kg. 1st Class And 2nd Class Mail: Delivery Confirmation & Tracking You get an online delivery confirmation if or when you post a letter at a Royal Mail Post Office branch. The online proof is available for small and medium parcels. However, that does not mean it is a tracked service. All you can do is check online and confirm whether your parcel has been delivered or if a delivery attempt was made. You can also access when the delivery or attempt was made on the Post Office page. UK Signed ServiceWhen it comes to UK Signed mail service, there are two distinct options, and they are
Royal Mail Signed ForThe Royal Mail Signed For service is a part of Royal Mail’s UK Signed mail service. You can get the Royal Mail Signed For service at £2.60. The postage rate for this UK Signed service compared to Parcelforce Worldwide express48. Hence, Royal Mail Signed For service enables you to ensure that your vital package safely arrives at its destination. You get the recipient’s signature as proof of the delivery of your item. Furthermore, the service is available for both Royal Mail 1st Class and 2nd Class mail. Apart from the signature proof, you also get online delivery confirmation for your delivery. Royal Mail Signed For service even includes compensation of up to £50. Parcelforce Worldwide express48The Parcelforce Worldwide express48 provides businesses and individuals with a fully tracked delivery of two working days. You can get the express48 service for sending a letter in the UK starting from a price of £12.12. As you can see, the express48 service is significantly more expensive than sending a Royal Mail Signed For mail. However, express48 service lets you track the entire journey of the mailer, and it requires a signature from the recipient. You can even opt for a Saturday delivery if you are willing to pay an extra £9. Additionally, you get a £100 compensation and the option to buy additional coverage as high as £2,500. You can use the service to send packages within a 30kg weight limit. UK Guaranteed ServiceRoyal Mail provides several postal mail services that guarantee your mailer’s delivery within a specified time. Listed below are the popular UK Guaranteed services
Royal Mail Special Delivery Guaranteed by 9 am and 1 pm
Parcelforce Worldwide Express24
Parcelforce Worldwide Express9, express10 and expressAM
You can also learn more about optimising your business’s direct mail delivery on our previous blog –“How to Speed Up Direct Mail Delivery“ ConclusionSending a letter in the UK is not difficult. Royal Mail provides you with various services to meet all your personal and business needs. However, business communications via letters or direct mail can be significantly improved with automation capabilities. Businesses that often use bulk mail services can significantly benefit from a direct mail automation tool like PostGrid. Industry verticals, including healthcare, insurance, financial services, and more, can use PostGrid for sending important documents. You can send documents such as patient statements, payment reminders, event invites, invoices, etc., to the target audience. PostGrid enables you to automatically personalise, print, and deliver your letters so that you don’t have to learn how to mail a letter UK. Ready to Get Started?Start transforming and automating your offline communications with PostGrid The post How to Send a Letter UK appeared first on PostGrid UK. Via https://www.postgrid.co.uk/how-to-send-a-letter-uk/ TABLE OF CONTENTSHIPAA Compliant Direct MailHIPAA is short for Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act. The act is meant to protect the medical or health information of patients. It provides data confidentiality and security provisions for safeguarding sensitive information and allowing people to have better control over how their data is used. ![]() HIPAA applies to all organizations, including healthcare institutions and pharmaceutical companies that deal with health information on a regular basis. These companies are called HIPAA-covered entities and are supposed to carry out all their offline and online communications under its provisions. Any violation of the HIPAA provisions could attract legal action and heavy penalties. One of the main purposes of HIPAA is to regulate marketing activities that require dealing with PHI (Protected Health Information). While sending direct mail, including PHI, direct mail marketers must make sure to stay HIPAA compliant. What is HIPAA?HIPAA was brought into force in the year 1996 by Congress for two main reasons. The first reason was to regulate the use of PHI and protect it from fraud and misuse, while the other reason was to help people get healthcare insurance benefits while they shuffle between jobs. HIPAA direct mail is crucial to establish patient communications through correspondence, keeping the patient’s information on priority. You cannot expose confidential information when sending a HIPAA direct mail including fingerprints, date of birth, Identification information, license and security numbers. With HIPAA compliance, businesses have the right to safeguard their personal information. Mail items are targeted to a specific demographic audience with content related to their health. These items include Explanation of Benefits (EOB), Patient billing statements, Patient letters and notices and, more. Title 2 consists of the Privacy Rule that was established in 2003 and states the use and handling of PHI. It limits the disclosure of personal information to third parties for marketing purposes. As the name goes, the rule was formed to give absolute control of one’s own health information to people and prioritize their privacy. This rule was accompanied by several provisions and protocols that healthcare providers and other covered entities should strictly follow. One of the other rules of HIPAA is the security rule that states everything regarding data stored and transmitted electronically. It also prohibits organizations from sharing sensitive information with third parties so that the privacy rule can be honoured. Similarly, the enforcement rule makes sure that all involved parties comply with HIPAA. All violation investigations are conducted under this rule. What Is Protected Health Information or PHI?We have already come across the term PHI, so let us know more about it. PHI could be any slightest information that reveals a person’s medical data or even their identity. Even a person’s name is considered as PHI that should be protected and kept private. Find below a list of details considered as PHI:
HIPAA-Covered EntitiesAny business or individual handling PHI can be referred to as a “covered entity.” This term was coined for easy classification of entities and to determine whether they should be HIPAA compliant.
The Royal Mail, FedEx, and other mail service providers are excluded from HIPAA because they don’t have access to view, create, receive, store, or transmit PHI. They merely take letters and parcels from one place and drop them off in another without knowing the exact contents of the mail. HIPAA Compliant Mailing: The Use CasesHIPAA compliant mailing service providers like PostGrid help you send high-quality items without displaying a patient’s health condition, finances, treatment-related data, and more that is kept private. In addition to this, HIPAA compliant mailing is one of the great ways for hospitals, healthcare marketers, etc. And, they can send the following documentation:
Sending HIPAA Compliant Direct MailBasically, HIPAA restricts all hospitals, nurseries, clinics, healthcare professionals, and other healthcare providers to share data with other companies for marketing purposes, although it doesn’t stop them from marketing their own services to their patients using PHI. For example, a hospital can send direct mail, including information regarding their upcoming diabetes checkup drive to their old patients, irrespective of whether they are diabetes patients. Hence, they can use their own data for advertising but cannot share the same with outsiders. So, what can covered entities and associated businesses do to remain HIPAA compliant? Firstly, they can send out all their communications using envelopes. Avoid sending postcards or self-mailers that allow the postal workers to view your mail. It is best to stuff your mail in sealed envelopes with no windows so that all PHI is completely kept hidden. Secondly, select a HIPAA compliant direct mail solution provider like PostGrid. Its print and mail API can store your data securely while also assisting you in all your direct mail activities. Find below a few examples of healthcare documents that PostGrid can help you print and mail safely and legally:
There are many benefits of sending mail through PostGrid. You can be relieved of the stress related to dealing with PHI. With PostGrid, you can make sure that all your data is handled well and all the HIPAA provisions are followed strictly, leaving no room for legal hassles. Moreover, PostGrid offers cost-effective and all-in-one rates and speedy turnaround solutions for delivering your medical documents swiftly. Other than that, it also helps you with your direct mail planning, designing, printing, and tracking activities. Some more tips for sending HIPAA compliant direct mail are:
Wrapping UpHIPAA is meant to safeguard the interests of the general public as data breaches are happening more regularly now. It states that all medical information must be used only for relevant purposes. Hence, healthcare institutions and providers are prohibited from sharing data with outside parties for any purpose, let alone selling it. Following the rules laid down by HIPAA enables entities to avoid legal issues and fines. It also helps them target an audience relevantly and focus only on prospective customers. Streamline your direct mail activities while conducting campaigns legally. No more manual effort or mental stress. Get Started with PostGrid’s direct mail API and automate everything. Ready to Get Started?Start transforming and automating your offline communications with PostGrid The post HIPAA Compliant Direct Mail appeared first on PostGrid UK. Via https://www.postgrid.co.uk/hipaa-compliant-direct-mail/ TABLE OF CONTENTSHow to Send a Cheque Through the Mail SafelyCheques are still the most prominent method of making payments. Many individuals and businesses have stuck with this offline payment mode, which has made it necessary to address the question: “How to mail a cheque safely?” There have been many concerns regarding sending cheques in the mail owing to increasing cheque frauds. However, if you take the necessary precautions and send your cheques through trusted sources, you need not worry about cheque safety. ![]() If you are not sure how to post a cheque, you can use PostGrid’s online cheque printing solutions that enable you to write, print, and mail cheques effortlessly and securely. It can help you avail several security features and mail only to the right addresses. What Precautions Should Be Taken to Mail a Cheque Safely?Can you send cheques in the mail? Yes, if you are ready to take care of a few things, mailing a cheque can become very convenient and safe. Find below some precautions to send cheques in the mail the right way. 1. Avoid Sending CashIf you are thinking about how to send money through the mail safely, drop the plan of adding some cash in the envelope. Sending cash in the mail is risky as it can be stolen easily. If your envelope is lost or misplaced, anyone can use that cash. Moreover, never mention the word “cash” on the paid field of your cheques. Such cheques are as good as sending cash in the mail. Hence, avoid sending cash and drafting cheques payable to cash. 2. Don’t Mention Extra DetailsAvoid writing personal information on cheques such as credit card and license numbers. In case of cheque thefts, such information can be exposed easily and used wrongly. Hence, always refrain from mentioning any extra details. However, make sure to fill in the necessary details, such as the amount and payee name. 3. Restrict ChequesRestricting cheques refers to crossing cheques for deposit only so that only the intended payees can get the funds transferred to their accounts. Learn how to mail a cheque for deposit only. You can restrict cheques by writing “A/C Payee Only” diagonally on the top-left corner of the cheque. 4. Enclose Cheques in Colourful EnvelopesIs it safe to mail a cheque by hiding it? Well, it is the safest way to send money in the mail. If nobody knows that there is a cheque inside the envelope, it is likely that your mail will be delivered safely. Therefore, always use dark coloured envelopes for mailing cheques rather than thin white ones. 5. Hide Cheques Using Greeting CardsAnother good way to hide cheques is by using greeting cards. Hide the cheque inside the greeting card and enclose it in an envelope. Even if your envelope ends up in the wrong hands, the person might think that it is just a greeting card. Can I fold a cheque? Folded cheques may make the cheques unreadable, so avoid folding. You can rather use bigger greeting cards or simply wrap the cheque around using thick paper. 6. Drop Off Cheques YourselfIf you are printing and mailing cheques yourself, it is better to drop them off at the post office yourself. You can even drop them in the nearest post box. This step can avoid thefts to a great extent. Otherwise, you can use PostGrid’s cheque printing and mailing solutions to automate everything and mail safely. To know more about how to send a cheque in the mail, below are some more precautions to be followed.
Time Required for Sending Cheques in the MailSince cheques are time-sensitive documents, make sure to ask your postal service provider about the delivery time frame. Timely deliveries can help obstruct frauds and thefts. Typically, Royal Mail delivers standard letters sent via the second class in around 2 to 3 business days. Royal Mail offices are operational from Monday to Saturday, so your cheques are likely to arrive on Saturdays as well. If you need to send a cheque to someone urgently, you can opt for the first class mail option wherein your mail will be delivered the next business day on a priority basis, including Saturdays. International deliveries are completed in around three business days up to 2 weeks, depending on the mail option selected by you. Why Do You Need to Take Precautions While Mailing a Cheque?You might be pondering on questions like: can you mail a cheque safely, and why is it important to take precautions? Let us find out why. 1. Theft of Sensitive Information Your sensitive bank account information may be stolen and used for fraudulent activities. Some fraudsters can even misuse your bank account number and transfer funds from your account to theirs. 2. Forging Cheque forging has become a common issue. Therefore, it is vital to use cheque paper for printing your own cheques. Cheque paper makes forging difficult and also has many other security features like watermarks. 3. Counterfeiting Counterfeit cheques are fake copies made with fraudulent intentions. The bank account information of people are stolen and used to create fake cheques to steal money from their chequing accounts. Using Postgrid’s Cheque Printing and Mailing SolutionsPostGrid’s automation API can help you print and mail cheques safely and efficiently. It can assist you in every step of the process and guarantee the safe delivery of your cheques. Integrate With Your Accounting SoftwareBy integrating PostGrid’s API with your accounting software, you can import the required details and draft your cheques speedily. The integration can also help you keep accurate records and facilitate reconciliation. Print Using Cheque PaperPostGrid has partnered with trusted printers to get your cheques printed in high-quality on cheque paper stock carrying features like micro prints and watermarks. Your cheques are made ready-to-mail in just two days. Verify Addresses and Mail QuicklyFaster deliveries can help avoid fraud. With PostGrid, you can verify and validate all the mailing addresses before sending cheques. Verified addresses enable the postal workers to deliver on time. Track ChequesPostGrid’s print and mail API allows you to track your cheques in real-time easily through the dashboard. Get Periodic ReportsYou can avail of periodic reports about your mail statuses. It helps in better record-keeping. You can store these records forever. Wrapping UpGone are the days when you had to worry about how to mail a cheque to someone. You can use several methods and take the necessary precautions to combat misuse and fraud. If you are still not confident about mailing cheques, you can learn how to send a cheque via email or simply use PostGrid’s cheque printing and mailing solutions that make cheque printing a very speedy and convenient process. Ready to Get Started?Start transforming and automating your offline communications with PostGrid The post How to Send a Cheque Through the Mail Safely appeared first on PostGrid UK. Via https://www.postgrid.co.uk/safest-way-to-send-cheque-through-mail/ TABLE OF CONTENTSPrint Cheques OnlineOnline cheque printing is getting popular these days due to its various advantages. There is no longer the need to wait for your bank to print and mail cheques to you and charge an extra fee for the same. You can get this work done online by yourself at comparatively cheaper rates and faster speed. ![]() Companies can now print their cheques online as per their convenience and requirements. Moreover, they can add specific customizations to brand their cheques, like logos. PostGrid’s online cheque printing solutions can help you draft, autofill, customize, print, and mail your cheques easily and effortlessly. There is no inventory stocking or manual cheque writing involved.
How to Print Cheques Online?There are three ways to print cheques online: either completely do it in-house, outsource cheque printing, or automate the entire cheque printing and mailing process. 1. Do It YourselfThe in-house method of printing cheques online is simply doing everything yourself, without any third party’s assistance. It can also be referred to as the do-it-yourself method as your employees are themselves doing everything from writing your cheques to getting them mailed. Before indulging in this method, you should know about the steps involved and the required things.
2. Outsource Online Cheque PrintingWhen you outsource the printing part, you get rid of purchasing or leasing a printer and stocking inventory like cheque paper and ink. This method is a good alternative to the traditional style we discussed earlier. You can free up your employees’ schedule and help them concentrate on more productive areas. Outsourcing online cheque printing might still require you to create cheques yourself and also take care of the mailing part. Hence, you can get away with the printing tasks, but there is still a lot left to do by yourself. 3. Print + MailIf you want to outsource printing and mailing, your best choice is to use print and mail automation solutions like PostGrid. PostGrid’s automation API and software can help you in everything from drafting your cheques to getting them mailed. There is no manual intervention required at any stage of the entire print and mail process. Hence, companies can print and send out their cheques anytime and from anywhere. Why Should You Consider Online Cheque Printing?Other than making your cheque payments easier and saving time, there are many different reasons why you should look into online cheque printing too. Some of them are listed below: 1. Cost-Saving OptionThere are many reasons due to which you can save money by printing cheques online. The first reason is that you save a lot on inventory stocking. Furthermore, you don’t have to hire anyone for the job. Another reason is that you can get huge postal discounts on bulk printing. Using PostGrid’s online cheque printing solutions, you can pay only for the cheques printed, and there are no minimum volume requirements. 2. Detailed ReportingOnline cheque printing enables you to keep track of all your cheque payments. You can get detailed reports on the status of your cheques. PostGrid’s API can integrate with your accounting software and help you streamline your payments. 3. Error-Free Cheque WritingManual work is always prone to errors. But, online cheque printing can help eliminate every error and help you write cheques accurately. After integrating, the API automatically fetches all the required data and uses it to fill in your cheques. Moreover, with PostGrid, you can also verify all the mailing addresses and be assured that your cheques are being mailed to the right addresses. 4. Get Rid of StockingPostGrid’s online cheque printing API can help you automate everything. Therefore, the complete procedure is outsourced, and you don’t have to do anything manually. By outsourcing everything, companies can free themselves from the hassles of inventory purchase and restocking from time-to-time. 5. Easy-to-UseTypically, online cheque printing is done to make cheque payments smoother and easier. Hence, PostGrid’s print and mail automation API is curated in a manner that makes it easy to install and use. The interface is user-friendly and requires no technical expertise. 6. BrandingYou can advertise your brand along with completing payments. By adding personalized messages and your brand logo on your cheques, you can turn plain and boring cheques into professional and eye-catching marketing collateral. Features of PostGrid's Online Cheque Printing Services1. API IntegrationPostGrid’s API integration with your accounting software can help in the speedy import of data for writing cheques. Your accounting department can also avoid reconciliation and double entries, as the integration helps in the automated recording of payments. Hence, your employees can save a lot of time that was earlier spent on manually writing cheques and making entries in your accounting system. 2. SecurityAll the cheques printed and mailed using PostGrid’s online cheque printing solutions offer bank-level confidentiality and security. Moreover, there are various security features added to your cheques for added safety, such as the MICR toner, watermarks, chemical reactivity, micro prints, and more. In addition to this, PostGrid also takes care to deliver your cheques only to the right people safely. 3. In-Built TemplatesWant to print cheques that look exactly the same as the ones printed by your bank? Luckily, PostGrid has a lot of in-built templates to choose from. You can select your bank’s cheque layout and add some customizations of your choice. Adding your brand logo and personalized texts to your cheques can help re-engage your clients and build brand image. 4. Set-Up Multiple AccountsSwitch and pay to different vendors or clients using different bank accounts. The online cheque printing solutions, which PostGrid offers, allow you to set-up multiple bank accounts to integrate your entire cheque payment system. Transfer payment requests and navigate between different accounts speedily, hence paying with double speed and efficiency. 5. TrackingDepending on the mail speed you are looking for, PostGrid can choose the best mail option for you. It also enables you to track your cheques and keep a record of their whereabouts. You can easily navigate through your dashboard and track the progress of every mailed cheque. 6. User PermissionsControl your cheque payments by setting authorizations and permission levels within the system. This way, you can have a consolidated view of all the payment requests and either approve or reject them. Who Needs to Print Cheques Online?Every business needs to make payments to a number of people for various reasons. Having an effective payment system can help simplify the payment task and induce accuracy. Hence, business people are the ones that need online cheque printing the most. They can focus on their administrative operations more efficiently by printing cheques online, requiring zero effort from their side. Next on the list is the accounts department of any organization. They are responsible for making a lot of payments on a timely basis – vendor payments, tax returns, employee payrolls, customer refunds, and more. All these payments have to be made repetitively across the year. Hence shifting to the online way of printing cheques is smart. Not only businesses but individuals are also required to make a lot of payments like grocery bills, electricity charges, children’s tuition fees, rent, auto-insurance, and much more. Online cheque printing can benefit them as well – they can go about their daily jobs and get rid of remembering and honouring payments from time-to-time. Hence, individuals and companies belonging to all industries can benefit from online cheque printing to save time, money, and effort. PostGrid’s online cheque printing solutions allow you to print and mail cheques on-time and streamline your payments. Ready to Get Started?Start transforming and automating your offline communications with PostGrid The post Print Cheques Online appeared first on PostGrid UK. Via https://www.postgrid.co.uk/print-cheques-online/ TABLE OF CONTENTSUses of QR Codes In Direct Mail Marketing CampaignsQR Code in direct mail marketing is perhaps the most convenient way to market a product or service. However, not everyone is well-aware of the applicational use of QR Codes. ![]() This article will help you understand how to use QR Codes in marketing and learn some of the vital QR Code marketing benefits. Going through the leading QR Code uses listed below will help you understand the salient features of QR codes. More importantly, you will understand how to put those features to good use. 7 Leading-Edge Uses of QR Code Marketing In Direct MailQR Code marketing has brought some incredible changes to our day-to-day lives. The reason that is crucial for the success of QR Codes is their ability to adapt to almost every practical application. Below are seven ways QR codes change how businesses use direct mail marketing forever. #1 Create Multi/Omni-Channel Marketing CampaignsThe most significant advantage of using QR Codes in direct mail campaigns is that it can effectively connect online and offline marketing channels. Furthermore, QR Codes can bridge the gap between online and offline campaigns more conveniently than any other method. Implementing multi or Omni channel campaigns becomes increasingly easy using a QR Code and a direct mail software solution like PostGrid. A simple example is when you use a QR Code in direct mail to lead the recipient to a sale page on your website. Here, you can use direct mail to pitch your best offer to the target audience. It’d generate enough interest in the recipient. Then by providing the QR Code, you can make it convenient for the user to access your website. You can even connect your digital marketing tools to PostGrid to run streamlined omnichannel marketing. #2 Create AR/VR Supported Direct Mail CampaignsAR and VR technologies open up a world of opportunities for marketers who want new and interactive ways to connect with their customers. You can use the QR Code in the direct mail to direct the audience to your AR-supported web page or app as Ikea did. Ikea used the QR Code in their direct mail to direct the audience to their mobile app. They used Augmented Reality to show how their product looks in a real-life environment such as their home or office space. Companies can even include a makeshift paper VR-Box in the mailer and include a QR Code link for relevant VR-supported content. Such an approach is bound to generate a response from the target audience. However, you must ensure that you use quality content and attractive offers to ensure maximum conversions. #3 Digital CouponsOne of the more common applications of QR codes in Direct Mail is sending digital coupons. Despite being an age-old strategy, coupons or vouchers always excite the audience. After all, who doesn’t like to get a discount coupon? Try using QR coupons with a limited period validity or one-time redeemable vouchers for getting the best result for your campaigns. Remember, people tend to respond faster to offers with a time limit or expiration. You can even have the coupon code pre-applied to the orders when the user scans the QR code. Such small details offer great convenience to the user and elevate their affinity towards your brand. Another thing you can do is to link the QR Code to an immediate or ongoing sale on your website. #4 Engage Customers WIth Digital MediaThere is no question that digital media such as videos are much more engaging than text content such as blogs. However, getting noticed in the digital space is hard. However, it is pretty easy to get your target audience to take notice of your direct mail. QR Codes in direct mail can direct your customers to the desired digital media such as a video. As long as you have an engaging video, the customer is likely to retain the message conveyed through it. According to Forbes, users can retain 95% of the information conveyed through a video. Hence, if you aim to create a long-lasting impression on the audience, video content accessible via a QR Code is your best bet. #5 Give Customers Access To Your Store’s LocationsQR Codes can come in handy for businesses with a physical store because they can use QR Codes to bring in new customers. The QR Code can be linked directly to your store’s Google location, and the recipient can scan the QR code to get directions to reach your store. However, you need to provide some incentive like a discount coupon redeemable at the store to get them to make the trip to your store. Merely providing the location through the QR Code is not enough to ensure an actionable response from customers. #6 Boost Your Social Media EngagementsSocial Media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram are no longer about connecting people with their friends and family. It is now a powerful marketing channel. The stronger your presence in social media, the stronger your credibility as a brand. There are a couple of ways to boost social media engagements using QR Codes in direct mail. For example, you can encourage your customers to follow your brand on social media platforms by offering them a deal on your products in return. Additionally, ensure that your social media presence is well maintained so that the customer won’t feel like unfollowing your brand in the future. #7 Connect To Your Business DirectlyQR Codes are a great way to let your customers connect with your business directly. Use QR Codes in direct mail to let your customers connect with you via email, chats, phone calls, etc. Being proactive and reaching out to the customers even before they need you helps create a positive impression. Furthermore, you can smartly use direct mail to create a loyal customer base by providing quality customer service. For example, consider sending thank you cards to your customers after purchasing a product/service. Use the card to tell your customers that they can reach out to you anytime and reassure them that you are always ready to serve them. Quality customer service goes a long way, and nothing says you mean business more than an official letter. #8 Download Your AppMobile apps have become necessary for businesses, especially those working in eCommerce or on-demand service sectors. You can use direct mail to reach out to your existing customers and use targeted lists to promote your mobile app. Furthermore, as QR Codes are customizable, you can convey your brand voice and familiarize your customers with your brand. The QR Code can lead the user directly to the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. Here also, you can get the best result for the campaign by providing the customers with an incentive. You can use a discount coupon or a freebie to encourage the customers to scan the QR Code and download your mobile app. Topmost Benefits Of QR Codes In MarketingThere are many benefits of QR Codes in marketing, and it is hard to list all of them here. However, a few of these benefits are particularly worth mentioning. Therefore, below we have created a list of all the major benefits of using QR Codes in direct mail marketing. Easy Sharing And Networking CapabilityFor the customers, sharing a product or their experience with a brand has never been easier before. The easy and convenient nature of QR codes ensures that you can promote sharing and networking of your business like never before. It is the Most Convenient “Call-To-Action”You can link QR codes to practically anything you want. Audio commentary, social media posts, instructional videos, and the list keep going on and on. All the recipient has to do is scan the code, and they can easily take the desired action making it the most convenient way to implement a CTA. Ideal For Social Media And Search Engine OptimisationQR codes are an excellent way for optimizing your Social Media performance and Search Engine results. With careful planning and efficient implementation, you can increase traffic to products the customer is likely to search for. Flexibility To Get CreativeAlthough most QR Codes we have seen are black and white, they don’t always have to be like that. QR Codes are highly customizable and you can personalize or style them the best way you deem fit. Easily MeasurableQR codes offer one of the best ways to measure the effectiveness of a direct mail campaign. Unlike traditional methods like phone calls, QR code allows you to access deep insights and even allow you to use your website’s analytics tool. ConclusionThe numerous QR Code marketing benefits and their uses in direct mail marketing clearly show why are QR Codes appeal to marketers. We know the main advantage of using QR codes in marketing is that it makes life convenient for everyone involved. Both businesses and consumers equally benefit from using QR Codes in direct mail. However, to tap into the full potential of QR Codes in direct mail marketing, you need the help of a software solution like PostGrid. PostGrid offers an automated direct mail solution that can help you optimize your QR Code marketing strategy. Apart from helping you print personalized QR Codes, PostGrid enables you to connect with other marketing software. As a result, you can run advanced marketing campaigns, including omnichannel marketing. It also opens up opportunities to create new and innovative marketing ideas that you can explore. The post How to Use QR Codes In Direct Mail Marketing Campaigns appeared first on PostGrid UK. Via https://www.postgrid.co.uk/qr-code-marketing-in-direct-mail-advertising/ TABLE OF CONTENTSEdtech Marketing Strategies in 2023Educational institutions saw some revolutionary changes in the last couple of years. We have gone from a classroom education system to an entirely digitised education model. Although the transition was not the smoothest ever, it has become the new norm. ![]() Ed tech products are rapidly growing to meet the expectations of educational institutions and their students. However, most educational institutions are unaware of the progress in EdTech and its advantages. EdTech companies need to develop an effective EdTech marketing strategy to raise awareness and generate leads for their business. To do this, EdTech companies need to keep themselves updated on the latest EdTech market trends. This article will take you through some leading Ed-Tech marketing trends and strategies you can follow to get the best result for your business. Top 7 EdTech Market Trends To Watch Out For In 2023With the growing demand for EdTech solutions, the EdTech marketing strategies are also rapidly changing. The conventional marketing strategy other industry verticals use may not work well for EdTech companies. Listed below are seven of the most promising methods of marketing for education companies. Effectively implementing the following EdTech marketing strategies will help you target your campaigns better and boost your conversion rate. #1 Prioritise Search Engine Optimisation (SEO)Search Engine Optimisation or SEO is now a standard marketing strategy for every online marketing campaign. However, the significance of SEO for Ed Tech marketing is not something you want to underestimate. Most educational institutes or schools are still not familiar with EdTech solutions. The internet is the number one place the decision-makers from educational institutions turn to for EdTech-related queries and content. Some of the common questions educational institutions search for answers on search engine includes:
As you can see, SEO optimisation can lead you directly to conversions. Furthermore, educational institutions that search for EdTech solutions have a genuine intent to buy, unlike the customers of commercial products. Hence, EdTech companies must prioritise SEO and focus on improving the SERP rankings on all major search engines, including Google. #2 Email Marketing Is Highly Effective In Education IndustryGenerally speaking, email marketing is not the most effective marketing strategy you can find today. However, email marketing is significantly more effective in education than in other industry verticals. Understand The Interests And Pain Points Of The ProspectsTo ensure the success of your EdTech email marketing campaign, you need to understand the interests and pain points of the prospects. Furthermore, it would be best if you try to understand the different decision-makers in educational institutions to ensure the email resonates with them. Automate Your Email MarketingEdTech companies can save time by automating their email marketing campaigns. It enables you to manage your email creation and segment your sending lists easily. Mailchimp, Hubspot, Marketo, etc., are some of the most popular email marketing tools you can use. Avoid Spamming And Minimise Bounce RatesWhen implementing an email marketing campaign, you need to avoid spamming users. The best way to accomplish this is to ensure that you follow all email marketing standards. Additionally, you must provide the quality of your sending list to minimise bounce rates. #3 Use Direct Mail Marketing For A High Response RateDirect mail marketing may sound like an outdated marketing strategy for an EdTech company. But, the truth is that direct mail has one of the highest response rates among both online and offline communication channels. Direct Mail Offers A High Open RateDirect mail offers a fresh alternative to the mainstream marketing approach that feels less intrusive to the customers. Furthermore, direct mail has a high open rate, unlike email marketing messages that can sometimes go unread by the recipients. Major Communication Channel For Educational InstitutionsEducational institutions still use direct mail as an effective communication channel. They send brochures, notices etc., to the students and parents via direct mail. Similarly, they treat inbound direct mail with the same significance, which means educational institutions will likely notice your EdTech direct mail. Automate Your Direct Mail CampaignsMany direct mail automation tools are available in the market today with advanced capabilities. You can use software solutions like PostGrid to personalise, print, and deliver direct mail to your target audience. Furthermore, it lets you connect direct mail campaigns with other marketing channels to implement multi or omnichannel marketing campaigns. #4 Personalise Messages And Explain How You Can Solve The Customer’s ProblemPersonalisation is the key to a successful EdTech marketing strategy. EdTech marketing campaigns are unlike marketing campaigns used for commercial products and services. The pain points in EdTech affect a more significant number of people, including students and teachers. Focus On The Pain Points Instead Of The SolutionIt would be best to avoid common marketing pitfalls such as focusing the marketing campaign on the solution instead of the pain points. The customer doesn’t need to know how your solution is technologically superior to the competition. Instead, explain how your technology can solve the problem educational institutions face. Use Simple And Easily Understandable LanguageMarketing for education companies should be easily understandable to the customer. Many decision-makers in educational institutions are not familiar with complex tech terms. Hence, use language that is understandable even for a child and ensure that the customer understands what you are offering them. #5 Employ Video Marketing For Flexible And Engaging ContentVideos are one of the easiest and most convenient ways to convey a message to a wide range of audiences. The masses easily understand them, and you can use attractive illustrations or graphics to convey your message better. Use Videos To Showcase The Salient FeaturesVideos are a great way to showcase the unique features of your EdTech product to educational institutions. You can even include a brief text description inside the videos to ensure that no detail or features about your product are missed. YouTube Or Private Video HostingOne of the things EdTech businesses should keep in mind when using video marketing is hosting. Using YouTube for video hosting can ensure that your videos are easily accessible and have less loading time. However, YouTube videos also have ads and can disrupt the user experience. Custom video platforms like Wistia offer excellent visibility and advanced user engagement features. However, such platforms are usually costly. #6 Leverage The Power Of Social MediaSocial media platforms are one of the most popular channels for Ed Tech Marketing. They give you an easy way to promote your EdTech product without paying for it. You can even target specific target demographics through social media ads. However, you will have to shell out money for social media ads. Target Social Media GroupsOne way to generate leads for your EdTech marketing strategy is to target social media groups. Make sure that the groups you target have members that fall into your target audience. Additionally, be careful not to go overboard with such marketing efforts as you may end up getting blocked. #7 Employ Pay Per Click Marketing (PPC) For Boosting LeadsEmploying Pay Per Click Marketing or PPC campaigns for your business is one of the easiest ways to boost business leads. However, you should also consider that PPC campaigns can be expensive, especially if you use high-demand keywords. Google AdwordsAlthough there are several PPC marketing providers in the market, Google Adwords is by far the most preferred one. Make sure that you set a daily budget and carefully think through your ad parameters to get optimal results. A few things you need to consider when creating your PPC campaign include the following:
ConclusionThe growth of technology in education in recent years is nothing short of impressive. EdTech has grown by leaps and bounds as it has accommodated the growing needs of digital learning. With more and more educational institutions modernising their operations, EdTech is bound to keep on growing. Hence, the significance of marketing for education companies is now more prevalent than ever. EdTech marketing strategy must incorporate the latest automation tools for getting the best possible results. Furthermore, EdTech companies need to diversify their marketing channels for ensuring maximum reach. Using unique EdTech marketing strategies like direct mail lets you capture customer attention and enhance your marketing reach. Furthermore, you can also use automation software like PostGrid to optimise your marketing campaigns. It enables you to print and deliver personalised letters, postcards, and more to your target audience with the click of a button. Similarly, it would be best if you used smart solutions to enhance the reach of your ED Tech marketing campaigns across a variety of channels and platforms. The post Edtech Marketing appeared first on PostGrid UK. Via https://www.postgrid.co.uk/edtech-marketing-strategies/ TABLE OF CONTENTSOffline Marketing KPIs: How To Create Successful Offline Marketing Campaigns?Did you know that offline marketing channels like direct mail offer a higher ROI than most advanced digital marketing campaigns? Yet, despite the numbers, many businesses still don’t try their hands at offline marketing. And, if you are one of those businesses, then the chances are the lack of offline marketing KPIs is a matter of concern. Many businesses are reluctant in adopting offline marketing channels because they are not sure they can analyse and optimise them. ![]() Purely offline marketing campaigns may have a lot of limitations. But, businesses can overcome many of those limitations with the right set of tools. Analysing detailed offline marketing KPIs and optimising offline marketing strategies is now much easier than it used to be. Here, we make a case for offline marketing for your business and how you can effectively analyse and optimise it for the best results. Furthermore, this guide will also help you understand the difference between online and offline marketing KPIs. What are Offline Marketing KPIs?KPI is short for Key Performance Indicator. You can classify any quantifiable measure of performance for a specific objective over time. In other words, by analysing these indicators or KPIs, you can easily measure your marketing campaign’s performance. Almost all marketers are already familiar with KPIs from digital marketing campaigns. As you can guess, offline marketing KPIs are not the same as those in online or digital marketing. It is relatively easy to assess the performance of your digital marketing efforts with advanced analytic tools. Offline marketing KPIs are the key performance indicator that helps you analyse the performance of offline marketing strategies like direct mail. The number and accuracy of KPIs for analysing offline marketing campaigns can vary depending on the marketing tools. What Is The Difference Between Online And Offline Marketing Tracking?Analysing the performance of your online marketing campaigns is so easy. As long as you know your way around Google Analytics or any other advanced analytic tools, you can easily measure online marketing performance. Almost every website uses Google Analytics for measuring its marketing performance because it lets you keep track of all KPIs. But, even Google Analytics is not equipped to track offline marketing KPIs by itself. The measures of offline and online marketing are very different, and so are their indicators. Purely offline marketing strategies like direct mail have limited options for measuring their effectiveness. However, advanced software solutions like PostGrid give you access to more accurate offline marketing KPIs. Furthermore, it bridges the gap between online and offline marketing strategies. In the past, you could only measure your offline marketing response rate. But with an advanced solution like PostGrid, you can combine offline and online marketing efforts. In other words, you can get valuable insights and behavioural data from your customers even with offline marketing. How To Track Your Campaigns Using Offline Marketing KPIs?Tracking offline marketing campaigns is significantly more complex than tracking online marketing campaigns. No magic tool like Google Analytics can observe the behaviour and analyse the offline marketing KPIs. However, there are some great ways you can track your business’s offline marketing campaigns. Here are some methods to track your marketing efforts with offline marketing KPIs. 1. Attribution SoftwareThe most convenient way to track your offline marketing activities is to use an attribution tool. There are several attribution software available in the market that you can employ for your business. When choosing attribution software for your business, make sure that
These offline marketing KPIs can be accurately analysed when connecting your offline marketing channels to your website. Some of the popular offline marketing channels that can work well with attribution software include the following:
If you are using multiple offline channels, it is best to consider attribution software that can analyse various offline marketing KPIs. You can use the same attribution software to analyse numerous offline channels you use for marketing. 2. Custom Landing PagesCustom landing pages have the potential to be excellent offline marketing KPIs. Tracking a custom landing page you created for your business is one of the easiest ways for you to track an offline marketing campaign. You can use your existing analytic tools for getting detailed insights into your marketing campaigns. Of course, you would first have to bring the target audience to the custom landing page from the offline marketing channel. Building a custom landing page for your offline marketing ensures that the traffic is solely from that channel. Hence, the insights you obtain from a custom landing page offer quality offline marketing KPIs for your business. Here are some quick and practical tips for your custom landing page:
3. Custom Or Toll-Free Phone NumbersCustom phone numbers or toll-free numbers are one of the oldest ways of measuring the effectiveness of an offline marketing campaign. The idea of using custom phone numbers as offline marketing KPIs is simple. You can provide a custom phone number in your offline marketing material, such as direct mail and flyers. By closely monitoring the calls to this custom number, you can get a clear picture of your offline marketing response rate. Read more about tracking direct mail campaigns on our blog, “How to Track Direct Mail: Tracking Methods and Analytics.” Using a CUSTOM number is vital because you may mix up organic and generated leads using a standard number. You can utilise attribution software to keep track of calls and measure offline marketing KPIs as we mentioned before. 4. Discount CodesDiscount codes are perhaps one of the most effective ways to get a response from the target audience. But, if you think discount codes are only helpful in boosting the response rate of your offline marketing campaign, you should think again. Discount codes are perfect for tracking offline marketing KPIs. You can create unique discount codes for each marketing campaign. That way, you can quickly identify which campaign the customer is responding to. However, there is a catch. Discount codes often get passed around a lot, and hence there is no telling which of your leads saw the original ad. So if you are looking for super-accurate offline marketing KPIs, discount codes might not be the best option. 5. Use Advanced Offline Marketing ToolsAnother excellent way for businesses to access high-quality offline marketing KPIs is to use advanced offline marketing tools like PostGrid. With an advanced direct mail automation tool like PostGrid, you get the advantages of online and offline marketing tools. Offline marketing tools like PostGrid enable you to:
Apart from fully automating your direct mail process, PostGrid enables you to access detailed direct mail insights and tracking details. You can use PostGrid’s dashboard to get the details of all your mailing, including bulk ones. Furthermore, tools like PostGrid can easily integrate with your CRM and analytics software to provide you with invaluable insights. Hence, keeping track of your offline marketing KPIs becomes significantly more manageable with the help of tools like PostGrid. Here is ConclusionTracking offline marketing KPIs is much more complicated than tracking the KPIs of online marketing campaigns. There is no quick fix that can help you track your offline marketing campaigns. However, you can get a holistic view of offline marketing efforts with the right set of tools and proper analysis. Businesses must adopt new and advanced offline marketing tools like PostGrid to optimise their marketing efforts. Tools like PostGrid provide valuable insight and tracking capability that help you measure the effectiveness of your direct mail campaigns. You can even connect PostGrid with your CRM and analytics software. As a result, you can make offline channels like direct mail a part of your multi-channel marketing campaigns. You can print QR codes and PURLs to guide your target audience from direct mail to your website, landing page, or mobile app. The possibilities are endless when you use an advanced tool like PostGrid, and analysing offline marketing KPIs is just a part. Similarly, you can use other advanced solutions like attribution software to analyse your offline marketing efforts better and optimise them. Ready to Get Started?Start transforming and automating your offline communications with PostGrid The post Offline Marketing KPIs appeared first on PostGrid UK. Via https://www.postgrid.co.uk/offline-marketing-kpis/ TABLE OF CONTENTSDirect Mail Frequency: Is It Better Than Reach to Optimise Your Direct Mail Campaigns?Do you have difficulties planning the ideal direct mail campaign for your brand? Perhaps, the planning stage is the most daunting one because there are numerous factors to consider. Marketers need to settle on the design, mailing list, copy, CTA, mail format, etc. ![]() Direct mail is one of the best marketing channels, with an average response rate of 9%, but it needs meticulous efforts. Most businesses plan the physical aspects of their mailing tasks but miss out on other factors like direct mail frequency and reach. How many times should you mail a prospect? Is there any specific time frame that you should follow? Such questions help you draft an excellent strategy that fits well with your marketing funnels. Today’s blog will help you grasp the concepts of direct mail frequency, timing, and reach. Also, we will walk you through the differences between reach vs. frequency to allow you to understand them in-depth. Let’s begin! What Does Direct Mail Frequency and Reach Mean?Frequency and reach are crucial aspects of a mailing campaign. They also decide whether your campaign will succeed or fail. It is common for marketers to get these concepts wrong initially but learn with time. Reach refers to the number of people you target under your campaign. It also implies the number of mailing addresses on your lists. For instance, if you plan to distribute your marketing items, like postcards, flyers, etc., to 5,000 people, your reach is 5,000. Usually, newly-established companies with a huge marketing budget to spare focus on marketing reach. Direct mail frequency has nothing to do with the number of people you mail. It covers the number of times you send items to the same prospects. Imagine your mission is to convert 100 top-ticket clients by the end of the year. Then, you will keep mailing them back-to-back to get their attention and push them to respond. Here’s when mailing frequency is essential—instead of giving up, you keep in touch with the same prospects, build rapport, and then convert! Imagine you decide to send them five mailings spread across the year in this example. Thus, your direct mail frequency will be five. Now, frequency also means another thing in direct mail—the number of times you send the exact same mail item to a prospect. Though some marketers practice this type of frequency mailing, it is better to mix it up a little and send unique items. We will discuss more on that in a bit! When Should You Use Direct Mail Frequency and Reach?We know how it can be hard for you to figure out when to prioritise reach and frequency. Remember, you can also use both simultaneously—as long as you know to create a balance. Direct mail frequency and reach have an inverse relationship. You cannot increase mail frequency and reach together as it can drain your marketing budget completely. Imagine mailing 50 times to 5,000 people each! Exhausting and expensive, right? To maintain a proportionate balance, you first need to understand when to use reach and frequency. Here are some circumstances where focusing on direct mail frequency is your best bet:
In either case, these potential customers are already on the lookout for products or services similar to yours. Thus, direct mail frequency allows you to connect with them time and again, making them remember you and complete the CTA at some point. On the other hand, reach is better for businesses having a generic audience, like restaurants. They can also prioritise mailing reach when:
Reach Vs. Frequency: Which One Should You Select?Only 2% of conversions happen after the first meeting! The other 98% of prospects buy from a business only after building good relationships and trust. It isn’t surprising that you may need multiple touchpoints before finally converting a lead. People take time to know you, understand your products and services, compare with your competitors, and select one brand. But, you can help them choose you by being consistent. Direct mail frequency gives people the time they need to decide. It also allows you to establish emotional bonds and boost brand recognition. On the contrary, reach does not give you this opportunity. It promotes a once-and-done marketing strategy that rarely works. You cannot mail an item to a potential customer and then forget about them. Being in constant touch is the key to pushing prospects ahead of their customer journey. In simple words, direct mail frequency is better than reach and can drive better results! Fortunately, PostGrid’s direct mail services allow companies to conduct any type of mailing campaign at any time! You can integrate our API into your CRM and start sending:
Thus, you don’t need to favour direct mail frequency for every campaign; you can also focus on reach, depending on your objectives. Our address verification services also ensure that you mail to the correct mailing addresses, helping you save loads of time and costs. Direct Mail Frequency Best PracticesHere, we have mentioned some tips you can use while planning campaigns focused on direct mail frequency. Time Your Campaigns WellAlways select an ideal timeframe for your marketing campaigns. Most businesses only mail a few months a year. For example, companies selling school stationery items might start sending promotional materials to parents in Mid-August as the first term begins in September. Also, most roofing companies advertise more proactively before monsoon. Similarly, you can also time your mailings properly to ensure maximum results. Suppose your direct mail frequency is four. Plan how you want to spread these four campaigns over your selected timeframe. If you are busy with other operations and don’t have time to launch a campaign, use PostGrid automated direct mail solutions. One of our clients offering senior living assistance for senior citizens is now sending 10,000 personalised mail pieces every month. They are also able to segment their audience based on different factors, like healthcare, personal care, etc., using our custom mailing lists. Employ Direct Mail Frequency CappingYou cannot keep sending mail to your prospects every second day. This practice can annoy them and create a tarnished company impression. Therefore, fix an upper limit—the maximum number of times you can mail a prospect. It allows you to plan your campaigns more thoughtfully and effectively. Segment Your Audience and Test EverythingTry dividing your prospects into targeted mailing lists. It allows you to conduct location-based marketing, preference-based marketing, etc. Also, test your mailings from time to time. The best way is to send two different types of mail pieces to a small group of prospects. Thus, you can figure out what works best for your business. If needed, you can also use such A/B testing plans to see which one is better- reach vs. frequency. Consider Other Marketing ChannelsYour direct mail campaign might be a part of a broader multi-channel marketing strategy. Hence, take care to consider other touchpoints as well while planning your direct mail frequency. ConclusionUnderstanding the differences between reach vs. frequency helps companies manage their budget better and execute well-designed campaigns. We hope this article helps you learn the significance of frequency in direct mailings. To better optimise your campaigns and accelerate response levels, use PostGrid’s direct mail API. It makes conducting offline mailing campaigns a breeze. Request a demo now to see how our services help you with direct mail frequency to launch campaigns with assured results! Ready to Get Started?Start transforming and automating your offline communications with PostGrid The post Reach vs. Frequency in Direct Mail Campaigns appeared first on PostGrid UK. Via https://www.postgrid.co.uk/reach-vs-frequency-in-direct-mail/ TABLE OF CONTENTSWhy Does Your Business Need Robust Direct Mail Fulfilment Services?Are you using mailing services to print personalised direct mail for your business but taking care of the fulfilment process yourself? If yes, you would have already noticed the time, money, and effort that goes into mail fulfilment. And if no, then consider yourself lucky because direct mail fulfilment is not nearly as easy as it sounds. Here we will make a case on direct mail fulfilment and how a business can prepare itself for an effective fulfilment process. ![]() Better yet, the article also explains the different stages involved in direct mail fulfilment. Companies that want to try a new fulfilment process can use this article to optimise their direct mail process. What is Direct Mail Fulfilment?Direct mail fulfilment is a process that involves preparing printed materials ready for distribution or mailing. As you know, printed materials come in different sizes and practically in every shape. Some of the most common types of mailers you can see in mail fulfilment are as follows:
As you can see, direct mail fulfilment is a part of direct mail marketing most of the time. It is the final stage of postal mail marketing campaigns. However, mail fulfilment also helps to optimise regular direct mail communication with customers and business partners. An in-house mail fulfilment process often takes up a lot of time and effort from companies. Imagine the mess it can create when a company that sends bulk mail uses an in-house and manual fulfilment process. Hence, it is no wonder that most business organisations prefer using advanced mail fulfilment services like PostGrid for mail fulfilment. Tools like PostGrid provide you with advanced automation capabilities that enable you to meet your fulfilment needs with the click of a button. What are Direct Mail Fulfillment Services?Direct mail fulfilment services include preparing printed material for mailing them as a packaged item by a third-party service provider. With a mail fulfilment service like PostGrid, you can ensure that your direct mail reaches its destination with the minimal scope of error. With advanced direct mail tools like PostGrid, mail fulfillment services are not the only direct mail service you receive. PostGrid is not just a direct mail fulfilment service but a well-rounded tool that takes care of all aspects of your direct mail. Tools like PostGrid can personalise, print, and deliver direct mail for your business. You can even access PostGrid’s template gallery for creating marketing materials like postcards and brochures for your business. Many businesses print their direct mail by themselves and take care of the direct mail fulfilment. Some firms outsource their direct mail printing and carry out the mail fulfilment part themselves. But a fully automated direct mail tool like PostGrid takes care of your printing and fulfilment requirements simultaneously. Preparation For Direct Mail FulfillmentUnless you are using a fully automated system for mail fulfilment, you need to prepare yourself for it. Without proper preparation, you can’t hope to execute direct mail fulfilment accurately. Furthermore, you may yet be unaware of several stages in the mailing process. Step 1: Gain Access To The Printed MaterialsThe first thing to do for preparing yourself for direct mail fulfilment is to access the printed materials. For bulk mailing, the printed materials are usually stored in onesie warehouses. You can keep an agreed stock of printed materials here for your future direct mail campaigns. Companies that use a third-party service provider for their printing needs can have the printed materials delivered to their location. The printed materials and inserts are saved securely in the warehouse or office until they are sent out. Step 2: Check Address InformationIn most cases, the address is printed on the mailer with the help of Variable Data Printing. However, not all mailing services come with Variable Data Printing capability. Hence, it would be good to check that before you choose a printing service provider. The mailers are then arranged according to their postcode order for easy distribution. Furthermore, sorting the mailers like this qualifies you for lower postage rates from the Royal Post. Your mailers must have accurate addresses for accurate and on-time delivery, including the postcode. Step 3: Check Material AvailabilityAnother major step in direct mail fulfilment is checking whether your business has enough material to send your mailers. The materials needed for sending can be:
At times you may be in a situation where you do not have enough materials for sending all your direct mail. Such a situation can lead to unnecessary delays and could be fatal for time-sensitive direct mail marketing and communications. Hence, you must evaluate the availability of materials as part of your direct mail-out process. If a deficit is detected, you need to procure the low-inventory material immediately during the process. Step 4: Plan And Manage Your Mailing ProcessThe planning and management part of direct mail fulfilment includes tasks such as choosing the right staff and equipment. Furthermore, you will also need to ensure that the staff and equipment you want to use are available at the right time. You then need to plan the entire fulfilment process, including when you should start and finish the process. It is also your responsibility to inform the staff about your fulfilment plan and assign relevant tasks. If you are using equipment or a new approach, the team should first be trained on the same. What Are The Stages OF Direct Mail Fulfillment?Now that you know how to prepare yourself for fulfillment mail let us look at the different stages of the fulfilment process. But, before we dive into the steps of fulfilment mail, you must understand that the stages can vary depending on the project’s requirements. Each direct mail project has a different or unique goal. Hence the direct mail volume, materials required for fulfilment, etc., can also be different or unique. However, the fulfilment process generally includes the following stages regardless of the changes in requirements. First Stage: Direct Mail CollationThe collation process is where one or multiple inserts are put into an envelope. In an automated process, collation happens at high speed. Numerous inserts are put into the mailer in the blink of an eye. When it comes to bulk mail, even something as simple as putting inserts inside envelopes by hand takes hours. The inserts put into the envelope can be anything. You can choose an insert for your direct mail campaign based on your marketing strategy, target audience, etc. Some of the most widely used inserts in direct mail fulfilment are as follows:
Second Stage: Folding Direct MailFolding direct mail is also a part of the direct mail fulfilment process. Unless you are not using advanced mailing services like PostGrid, you will have to fold your direct mail, such as brochures. A simple single-fold direct mail is easy to create and execute. However, some mailers may require more complex folding options, such as roll fold or “slit and nest.” Such folding options may require special equipment or machines. Hence, you need to ensure that your business can handle such mail fulfilment requirements. Third Stage: Closing The EnvelopeClosing the envelope is also a crucial stage in direct mail fulfilment. As you can guess, this stage does not apply to all direct mail. For example, postcards do not require an envelope to send via Royal Mail. Manually closing envelopes can be a drag and take hours and hours of work. Furthermore, there is also a chance of error when you manually place the content inside the envelope. With an automated solution like PostGrid, you can use special equipment for enveloping your bulk mail within a matter of minutes. Fourth Stage: Poly-Wrapping And Poly-ProcessingSome direct mail fulfilment may also include a poly-wrapping and poly-processing stage if it is required. It is usually necessary if you are sending printed materials like:
Additionally, you can use poly-wrapping as an alternative to sending multiple enclosures. You need not use an envelope in such fulfilment mail because the sections are more than enough to seal your mailer securely. Fifth Stage: Bundling, Packing and PackagingIn this stage of direct mail fulfilment you can start bundling your mailers into boxes. Once in the box, you can package it and prepare it for mailing. It is a stage that requires a lot of attention because you don’t want to leave anything out. Sixth Stage: Collection By Postal Service ProviderAfter packing your direct mail securely, you are all set to hand it over to the postal service provider. Royal Mail offers the best postage rates and extensive service for your business’s direct mail. Furthermore, packing your bulk mail and handing it over to the Royal Mail qualify you for postage discounts. Automating Direct Mail Fulfilment With PostGridAs you can see, direct mail fulfillment services can be a handful for businesses. There are several steps involved in preparing for mail fulfilment. Furthermore, the fulfilment process itself can have different stages. Using an automated direct mail tool like PostGrid lets you bypass these lengthy processes. PostGrid uses a fully automated direct mail system that carries out all the processes in sending your direct mail. So, not only can you automate the fulfilment process but also print personalised mailers for your direct mail campaigns. ConclusionDirect mail fulfillment is a process that involves a lot of steps and stages that can hardly be met through a manual process. It is highly impractical to use a manual fulfilment process for bulk mail as it can cost you a lot of money and labour. Furthermore, manual processes are prone to errors that can set back your direct mail campaigns. The best solution for businesses is to employ advanced direct mail fulfilment companies like PostGrid. Powerful direct mail tools like PostGrid automates the entire marketing process, including mail fulfilment. Using a single direct mail provider like PostGrid, you can personalise, print, and deliver your mailers using an automated process. Furthermore, PostGrid uses Royal Mail to send all your direct mail, allowing you to minimise your expenses with postage discounts. Ready to Get Started?Start transforming and automating your offline communications with PostGrid The post Direct Mail Fulfillment Services appeared first on PostGrid UK. Via https://www.postgrid.co.uk/direct-mail-fulfillment/ |
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