Here’s a tough pill to swallow: Your brand does not exist unless it has presence.

Reading through a direct response campaign, a consumer likely won’t notice the differences between copy and content. It’s all writing, and it’s all trying to pitch a product. But a copywriter knows that one cannot succeed without the other. The differences between the two might be slight, but they’re worth exploring, especially if you’re trying to establish marketing goals for a successful direct marketing campaign.

This is exciting—your direct mail package just arrived at your prospect’s house. All your marketing strategy, creative direction and hard work are about to be put to The 7-Second Successful Direct Mail Test.

Marketers have the ability to drive response by employing a certain tone to support their objective. Often, the product or service being sold determines the tone. A billboard featuring an energy drink will likely communicate its message in a spirited tone, while a PSA might take on a more serious one.

The writer meant well and undoubtedly spent many hours carefully crafting the copy. The designers did their best to make certain the layout look great. And the marketing manager came up with a pretty compelling offer. But despite all that, the direct mail package was a disaster.

One of the advantages of direct mail is that marketers have so many powerful tools to lift response. The list, offer, design and format all play key roles. None are more vital, however, than the words that detail the message itself. In fact, some words have proven so successful that we see them used again and again.

A great direct marketing agency is part beautiful-mind algorithm, part motorcycle-stunt fireworks show. If you find an agency that gets both parts right, you will achieve zen because it can help you increase customer engagement and conversion. How? This type of agency boasts right-brain and left-brain pros with the mojo and know-how to deliver multichannel, response-oriented communications.

The digital revolution has allowed marketers to make their communications even more measureable and personal. To that, direct marketing agencies have given a collective fist pump. Measurability is our bread and butter. It’s what any good direct marketing agency believes in.

Copywriters, especially those who work in response marketing, know that envelope teasers are extremely important. The same goes for email subject lines, the envelope teaser’s not-so-distant digital cousin. In fact, nothing good happens unless the teaser or subject line does its job. That job is to move readers along to the sales message. It’s that simple. However, it’s surprising how often these key components are treated as an afterthought.

Your mailing looked great. The list was ideal. So why in the world did it flop so badly? If one or more of these red flags is present, it’s time to rethink your creative.


1. Message isn’t crystal clear
If you’re lucky, you have seven seconds to grab a prospect’s attention. In fact, your potential customer is probably standing over a garbage ready to throw away your mailing. In that moment, you must explain: A) what it is you’re selling; B) how it’ll make their life better; and C) why they should keep reading. To do all that, your message needs to be absolutely clear. Leave the clever headlines and fluffy set-up copy to the branding folks. Every good direct marketing agency knows that if a prospect has to think about what you’re trying to say, your mailing is going into the circular file.