5 of the top blog articles of 2014
With 2014 gone, a year-end review is due. Our content marketing effort continues to be highly effective, and the benefits we’re experiencing are undeniable. We’ve written articles on topics ranging from direct mail best practices to trending marketing buzzwords in order to provide readers a complete portrayal of today’s marketing landscape.
This article features overviews of five of the top blog posts of 2014. Also included are insights gained from each.
1. 10 best practices for direct mail
Direct mail still has a place in marketing despite advances in digital and mobile marketing. When part of an integrated strategy, direct mail employs proven tactics that appeal to the everyday consumer.
Based on years of testing, we learned that including certain elements in a direct mail package, such as a printed response device, generally lead to a 20% to 25% response rate. We also learned about the importance of personalization and the staying power of the postscript, or P.S., in a letter. This article goes on to explore other effective best practices for direct mail and shows how age-old (though familiar) methods of communication still resonate with consumers. This is a case where tradition works just as well as new innovations in marketing. Click here to learn more and read the whole article.
2. Expected direct mail response rates
Sometimes, when a company sends out a direct mail package, it doesn’t always elicit the desired level of response. In some cases, it doesn’t matter how great the offer within might be, and this can leave some marketers scratching their heads and wondering why.
There are several factors that can influence the success of direct mail response rates, but four factors in particular more often than not determine the direction of a campaign. Targeting, for example, is the leading factor that can make or break response rates. And it’s more than reaching out to those most likely to respond, like repeat customers. .
3. How many emails are too many?
Did you know that over 145 billion emails are sent annually? That averages to about 9,000 emails a year per user. Most people don’t put a limit on the extent of their personal communications, but what about marketers? Is there a magic number of emails that should be sent to customers, and if so, how often should they be sent?
This article sheds some light on email marketing frequency by providing relevant stats and facts on successful digital marketing. Marketers will be happy to know that frequent emails are not the top reason for subscription opt-outs. The reality is that more and more users are demanding value and personalization in their marketing materials. What makes this article so revealing is that it clarifies some misunderstandings about email marketing frequency.
4. Why purchasing emails lists is a bad idea
There are many reasons why marketers rely on email to lead a successful digital marketing campaign: it’s inexpensive, efficient and great at driving sales. While purchasing an email list might seem like a quick and easy solution, several studies have proven that this is not the case, because unfamiliar email addresses are often looked upon as spam. Obtaining a quality email list, like any worthwhile endeavor, requires patience and time.
The information in this article can help marketers determine the best way to build a solid email list without damaging their reputation or blacklisting themselves. This article was particularly important to readers because it provides insights on how to avoid missteps when developing a relationship with consumers.
5. Marketing buzzwords 2014
Each year, as new apps and web-based marketing platforms are developed, Merriam-Webster grows fatter with new words. Twitter begot “Tweet,” Facebook begot “unfriend,” and on and on. Just when you think you’ve heard it all, a word like “selfie” comes along.
“Marketing buzzwords 2014” offers an entertaining description of common and emerging marketing terminology. Ever wondered what a word cloud is, or what is meant by “what’s the ask?” This article lays it out.
Our top blogs of the year cover a lot of ground with relevant facts and stats on recent marketing trends and best practices. Jacobs & Clevenger is an industry expert that has a record of optimizing campaigns. To see how your communications measure up, sign up for our free Multichannel Direct Marketing Assessment.