How to Create Targeted Mailing Lists to Fit Your Marketing Message

Date Added: Apr 26, 2011

A mailing list is a creation of household name and addresses that fit a specific criteria based on a company's marketing strategy. A complete direct mail marketing campaign encompasses the list creation, the postcard artwork, and message that promoted your product or service. You can purchase your direct marketing list from any list company. It is important in creating a tailored message that matches your targeted lists. Here you will learn how to use direct mail marketing to successfully marketing your business, advertise new and special promotions, and continue to grow your customer base.

A direct marketing list can be your money making machine. It is important to understand exactly how to create a database of prospects by targeting a specific audience in a certain geographical area. Direct mail is still one of the most effective ways to your message into the hands of new prospects and previous customers. There are several ways to create a database. An existing business can create a marketing list from their current customers. A new business can purchase a database from a list provider. In either case, there are steps to creating and maintaining your list.

Many data providers have online tools to create, purchase and download your list. You simply insert your geography, select your demographic variables, receive a grand total of how many households are available, and then can purchase. It is suggested if this is your first time creating and purchasing a list to call into a provider rather than going at it alone. A list provider has several years of experience working with all different industries. They may brain storm with you and come up with a target marketing idea that you never thought of.

Once your marketing database is created, you can begin to construct a detailed offer that gives appeal to the product or service that is going to being marketed. The message needs to state a firm call to action, along with a sense of urgency and fit the audience you have selected. The offer should be directed to similar characteristics of your existing clients, age grouping, genders, income level, etc., and stay consistent with the products or services you are marketing. Whether introducing a new product or offering a discount on existing services, the offer must have added value in order for the potential customer to take time and respond to your message.

The art work on your mail piece should fit the characteristics of your audience. The pictures should be able to relate to the household you are marketing to. If you are targeting households with children you will want to show parents with their children, so your audience can relate to your message. It will make an incredible difference in your campaigns response to tailor your message and design work to your audience.

It is worth putting time and thought into your complete marketing strategy before even starting a campaign. Put together your targeted audience and figure out what they all have in common. By doing this you can create a mail piece that will catch their eye and a message that will make them want to respond. This will guarantee better results from your business mailing lists and increase the response of the campaign. A local pet store would not marketing to everyone and have an automobile on their mail piece. They would target pet owners only and have a picture of a family with a friendly pet in the picture to ensure they are connecting with their prospects.

about the author

The author has over 10 years experience in direct marketing with mailing lists and accurately created marketing lists

Kevin Deeb (kevrock529)