In a world where digital marketing seems to be taking over, it’s easy to overlook the power of direct mail if you are selling a service.
Direct mail remains a very strong strategy for generating leads, nurturing customer relationships, and driving sales. And, if you are looking for an edge over your competition, direct marketing can be your frontier.
In this article, I will draw on my +15 years of marketing experience as we explore the best direct marketing services for lead generation and give you a guided start to harnessing the power of direct mail campaigns.
Quick Summary
In a rush? Here are the key talking points of the following article:
- Direct mail marketing remains a powerful tool for lead generation, although it’s still not as effective as online lead generation
- The best direct mail lead generation services offer access to quality mailing lists to get higher quality leads.
- PostcardMania, VistaPrint, PsPrint, MailShark, Sendoso Modern Postcard, PostGrid & Next Day Flyers provide comprehensive solutions for targeted and effective direct mail campaigns.
- Direct mail lead generation works best when combined with an online lead generation strategy
For best results, I recommend combining your direct marketing campaign with a strong digital marketing campaign.
You can watch my free masterclass here to learn how to do this.
Is direct mail marketing still worth it?
Even with digital marketing’s growing prominence, direct mail marketing sustains its influential role in lead generation and sales drive.
But, the direct mailing you are picturing (dumping flyers in every mailbox you see) is wrong.
The key to success in direct mail campaigns lies in using targeted mailing lists and personalized content to engage the right audience. Just as you would do online.
By leveraging demographic data, you can tailor your direct mail pieces to resonate with your target customers, resulting in higher response rates and increased sales. Essentially, just like online, there is a way to find people who are interested in what you have to offer.
The good news is that there are organizations out there that specialize in helping you with your direct mail campaigns.
What are the best direct mail lead generation services?
1. PostGrid
Best overall
PostGrid, an API for print and mail services, offers valuable assistance in direct marketing lead generation.
Their comprehensive guide delves into the art of nurturing and generating leads through direct mail marketing. It covers essential aspects such as personalization, crafting irresistible offers, and measuring campaign performance.
By following PostGrid’s advice, you can bolster your direct mail marketing strategies, increase lead generation, refine your direct mail campaigns, and ultimately drive more sales. Their expertise in personalization, offer optimization, and performance measurement plays a crucial role in achieving these goals.
Products
- Direct Mail
- Variable Data Printing
- Print Automation
- Marketing Automation Integration
- Address Verification
- Analytics and Reporting
API Integration
PostGrid Pros
PostGrid Cons
2. PsPrint
Best for the environment
PsPrint is a very capable direct mailing service that offers all of the basics that you want from such a service. Design, a wide variety of mailings and quality mailing lists that will allow you to target your desired audience.
But, PsPrint stands out for its focus on sustainability. Direct mailing campaigns can hurt the environment. PsPrint aims to address this by using mailings that are made from recycled materials and soy-based inks. They have also expanded their printing facilities across many states in a bid to reduce transport carbon emissions.
Products
- Brochures
- Door hangers
- Flyers
- Magnets
- Newsletters
- Postcards
- Rack cards
- Sales sheets
- Stickers
- Gift labels
PsPrint Pros
PsPrint Cons
3. PostcardMania
Lots of positive reviews
PostcardMania offers an array of services, including access to high-quality mailing lists, guaranteed deliverability, and competitive pricing for targeted high-quality direct mail campaigns.
They work closely with you to explore all targeting possibilities, confirming that direct mail pieces impact the intended audience and boost response rates through their direct mailing lists.
To make sure you don’t miss any prospects who have recently relocated, PostcardMania runs mailing lists through the National Change of Address database. This guarantees that direct mail leads are up-to-date and ensures better results.
Products
- Postcard printing
- Postcard design
- Direct mailing
- Bulk mailing
- Mailing lists
- Every door direct mail (EDDM)
PostcardMania Pros
PostcardMania Cons
4. VistaPrint
Cheapest option
VistaPrint just understands the direct mail marketing of today.
They’re an online printing powerhouse that helps you create personalized postcards, brochures, flyers and more.
You design it, they print it, and they even handle the mailing part. Which is what you want.
In addition to their impressive product design, VistaPrint also provides mailing list services to assist businesses in targeting the appropriate audience for their direct mail campaigns.
They go a step further with their direct mailing by offering a wide variety of mailable products designed to capture your future client’s attention.
Products
- Promotional products
- Labels and stickers
- Bags and Clothing
- Signage
- Marketing materials
- Business cards
Pros
Cons
5. MailShark
MailShark is your go-to for top-notch marketing that covers all the bases. They don’t just stop at mailing – they handle everything from creating mailing lists to crafting eye-catching designs, printing, and getting your materials out there.
Plus, they’ve got an on-site USPS Post Office to make it all seamless.
But what sets them apart is their Monthly New Mover Mailing Program.
It’s a game-changer in marketing to new movers. They automate the process by giving you a list of new folks in your area and sending them custom postcards every month. It’s the kind of comprehensive marketing support that can take your campaign to the next level.
They only offer postcards as a mailing product, however, they have a huge focus on their marketing capabilities and are focused on daily lead generation.
Products
- Postcards
- Design
Mailshark Pros
Mailshark Cons
6. Sendoso
Sendoso is your go-to sending platform for boosting customer engagement at every stage of their journey. They bring a range of innovative tools to the table, including personalized gifts, eGifts, virtual experiences, and more.
What sets Sendoso apart is its seamless integration with CRM systems. This means you can run highly personalized direct mail campaigns efficiently and at scale. It’s the key to streamlining your direct mail marketing efforts and supercharging your lead generation game.
Products
- Custom boxes
- Video mailers
- Personalized gifts
- Printed analyst reports
- Success stories
- Address confirmation feature
Sendoso Pros
Sendoso Cons
7. Modern Postcard
Modern Postcard is a direct marketing company that specializes in postcard marketing for lead generation and customer engagement. They provide high-quality printing, mailing, and list services, along with competitive pricing and rapid turnaround times.
Their customer service is responsive, worth considering if you value this above all.
Products
- Postcards
- Design
- Business cards
- Brochures
- Flyers
- Eco-friendly options
- Customization choices
Modern Postcard Pros
Modern Postcard Cons
8. Next Day Flyers
Next Day Flyers specializes in fast turnaround times for direct mail campaigns, making it an ideal choice for businesses that need to reach their target audience quickly.
Beyond their fast turnaround times, Next Day Flyers also offers targeted mailing list options to businesses aiming to customize their direct mail campaigns to distinct demographics. With these targeted mailing lists, you can increase your chances of reaching potential customers and generating direct marketing leads.
Products
- Postcards
- Stickers
- Custom boxes
- Business cards
Nextday Postcard Pros
Nextday Postcard Cons
Conclusion
Direct mail marketing remains a powerful tool for generating leads and driving sales when executed with targeted mailing lists and personalized content.
The best direct mail lead generation services, such as PostcardMania, VistaPrint, PsPrint, MailShark, Sendoso, Modern Postcard, PostGrid, and Next Day Flyers, offer unique features and benefits designed to help businesses succeed in their direct mail campaigns.
Remember, for best results, aim to run your direct mailing campaign in parallel to a strong digital marketing campaign. You can watch my free masterclass on lead generation here to learn how to reach your dream clients directly and effortlessly.
FAQs
Ashley Davis (or ‘Ash’ for short) is the CEO & Founder of Skyline Social. For over 15 years, Ash has been helping business owners with lead generation. Ash specializes in helping businesses get high-quality leads, appointments and clients each month with automated digital marketing strategies. Learn more about the author here.
