30September 2023
Once upon a time, before the internet was even a twinkle in Al Gore’s eye, businesses had this mind-blowing concept known as direct mail and print advertising. Yes, ladies and gents, there was a time when advertising didn’t involve algorithms, cookies (other than the delicious kind), or whatever the latest social media platform is this week (is TikTok still a thing?).
So, let’s hop in our DeLorean and take a trip back to this golden age of marketing where the mailman was your ad delivery guy, and your target market wasn’t just an IP address. Buckle up, folks! It’s going to be a thrilling ride.
Direct Mail: Ain’t Nothing Junk About It
Remember when going to the mailbox was like Christmas morning? Among the bills and boring letters from Aunt Mildred about her cats, there was that glorious glimmer of hope – the ‘junk mail.’ Little did Aunt Mildred know, that so-called ‘junk mail’ was a marketer’s goldmine!
Unlike those pesky online pop-ups, you can’t just “click” away a well-crafted piece of direct mail. It’s real; it’s tangible. It has weight, texture, and it screams “Hey there! Yes, you! Open me! I’m more fun than your electricity bill.” And you know what? People do.
Print Advertising: Dead? Nah, Just Resting its Eyes
Okay, let’s address the elephant in the room. Print advertising is as dead as disco, right? Wrong! While it might seem like everybody’s nose-deep in their smartphones, print is still kicking and alive. Local newspapers, magazines, and trade journals are still read by people – actual, breathing humans. And you know what humans like? To buy stuff.
Placing an ad in a local publication isn’t just a good way to get your business noticed, it’s also a way to give back to the community. I mean, who else is going to keep your local paper afloat? You’re practically a local hero.
No Digital FOMO Here
Now, I hear you screaming at your screens: “But Ryan, what about my digital marketing strategy? Have you lost your marbles?” Settle down, folks. I’m not saying ditch your digital marketing efforts. I mean, let’s not get hasty here. But don’t put all your eggs in one digital basket. Variety is the spice of life, after all!
And let’s face it, there’s something refreshingly human about direct mail and print advertising. It’s not just another pixel on a screen. It’s a tangible piece of your business that people can touch, feel, and in the case of my dog, even taste (though I wouldn’t recommend that as a marketing strategy).
So, my fellow business juggernauts, it’s time to step out of the digital realm, breathe in the real world, and give direct mail and print advertising a whirl. If nothing else, it’s your chance to make Aunt Mildred’s trip to the mailbox that much more exciting!
I mean, who knows? Next thing you know, we might be talking about the return of the fax machine… Alright, maybe not.
Click below to learn more about our Print and Direct Mail Marketing solutions and to get a FREE consult.
