10 Benefits of Every Door Direct Mail

Ever feel that too many people are missing out on your business? If so, now’s the time to find out how Every Door Direct Mail (EDDM) can help. This simple way to reach local customers requires no mailing lists or complicated tools. It’s easy, affordable, and a great recipe for growth. Interested?

Let’s take a look at what EDDM can do for you. We’ll explain how it works and the benefits it brings. You’ll soon realize why it’s such a great tool for businesses. We’ll also show you how Oppizi’s EDDM tool makes planning your campaign as easy as it gets.Whether you want to attract more customers, promote a seasonal offer, or build customer loyalty, EDDM might be the missing piece in your marketing strategy. Read on to learn more.

What is Every Door Direct Mail?

Every Door Direct Mail (EDDM) is a service from the United States Postal Service (USPS) that makes direct mail marketing simple. Here’s how it works:

With EDDM, businesses can send promotional materials to every address in a specific area, like a neighborhood or ZIP code. You don’t need individual mailing lists or customer addresses. You simply select an area, making it easy to reach potential customers in the community.

One of the best things about EDDM is how easy it is to use. EDDM platforms like Oppizi allow you to target whole neighborhoods with little effort and cost. Your message goes to every address on the delivery route, which means more people in your area will see it.

Who should use EDDM?

EDDM works well for many industries, including:

• Restaurants and cafes: Share your menus, promotions, or news about grand openings.
• Retail stores: Let nearby customers know about sales or seasonal discounts.
• Real estate agencies: Advertise new listings or open houses.
• Gyms and fitness centers: Offer special membership deals to local residents.
• Service providers: Plumbers, landscapers, and other professionals can build trust with potential clients.

By customizing your message for your community, EDDM is an affordable way to increase brand awareness and connect with people. In fact, its ROI competes with social media and outperforms paid search and online display ads. A 2017 marketing study analyzed the effectiveness of different advertising channels and reported the following ROI figures:

• Email: 124%
• Social media: 30%
• Direct mail: 29%
• Paid search: 23%
• Online display: 16%

Top 10 benefits and advantages of EDDM

1. Budget-friendly approach

Marketing can be pricey, especially for small and medium-sized businesses. EDDM helps by removing two big costs: buying mailing lists and getting permits for traditional marketing. Plus, EDDM providers offer discounted postage rates for EDDM campaigns, so you can run professional campaigns without spending too much.

Instead of paying for pay-per-click (PPC) ads or social media promotions that might not work well, businesses can use EDDM to reach thousands of local residents for much less money. The savings can be put toward better designs or other marketing efforts.

2. Localized targeting

One great feature of EDDM is its focus on specific areas. This means your marketing reaches the people who are most likely to become your customers. Instead of spending money on ads that go to everyone, you can target neighborhoods, ZIP codes, or delivery routes where your ideal customers live. For example:

• A new pizza restaurant can reach nearby apartment complexes.
• A landscaping company can focus on neighborhoods with big yards.
• A daycare center can connect with families in areas with young children.

Localized targeting saves money and makes your campaign more relevant. This means your message is more likely to connect with the people who receive it.

3. High engagement rates

Direct mail is great at grabbing attention, especially when you compare it to digital ads. Emails often get lost in crowded inboxes, and online ads can be skipped or ignored.

With EDDM, your message goes straight to the recipient’s mailbox. This means it can stand out without all the digital distractions. A well-designed postcard can catch their eye with bright visuals, clear messages, and a tempting offer.

Physical mail also lasts longer. People might leave a postcard on their kitchen counter or fridge, giving them more chances to see it. This longer visibility leads to higher response rates and better brand recall. On average, EDDM mailers are kept in households for 17 days.

4. Simplified execution

Running marketing campaigns can take a lot of time and effort, especially when you have to deal with complex tools or mailing lists. EDDM makes things easier, even for small businesses without marketing teams.

For example, Oppizi's EDDM tool offers resources to help at every step, including:

• Tools to help you choose routes and target specific areas.
• Guidelines and EDDM templates to ensure your mail pieces meet the right standards.
• A nationwide printing network to allow for swift printing and delivery of your mail.

By taking away these logistical headaches, business owners can focus on what really matters: creating a great message and providing value to their audience.

5. Versatility

EDDM is not a one-size-fits-all solution. It’s flexible and can meet different business needs and goals. Whether you want to announce a grand opening, promote a seasonal sale, or raise awareness for a local event, EDDM can help you get results.

Here are some ways you can use EDDM:

• Time-sensitive promotions: Send out coupons or limited-time offers to encourage quick action.
• Event invitations: Invite the local community to a grand opening, charity fundraiser, or product launch.
• Service awareness: Let residents know about home services like pest control, HVAC repairs, or cleaning.

No matter what your business is, EDDM can be customized to enhance your message and help you reach your goals.

6. Builds brand trust and credibility

Direct mail has a personal touch that digital ads often don’t have. When someone receives a well-designed postcard or flyer in the mail, it makes your brand feel more friendly and trustworthy. This is especially important for small businesses trying to make their mark in the local community.

For example:

• A dentist's office could send a postcard showcasing their team’s qualifications and patient-friendly services.
• A boutique clothing store might highlight glowing testimonials or offer exclusive in-store discounts.
• A local realtor can build trust by sharing recent success stories or market insights.

Using EDDM helps businesses appear professional and reliable. This fosters stronger connections with potential customers. In fact, 70% of consumers feel that direct mail is more personal than online interactions.

7. Easy to measure results

Measuring how well your direct mail campaigns work is simpler than you might think. You can use tools like unique promo codes, QR codes, or special phone numbers to track the impact of your EDDM efforts.

For example:

• A restaurant might include a coupon code for a free appetizer, so they can see how many people visit because of the campaign.
• A fitness center could add a QR code that links to a discounted membership sign-up page, helping them track new members from the mailer.
• A retail store might offer a discount connected to the mailer, providing clear data on its return on investment (ROI).

Using these methods, businesses can adjust their campaigns for even better results.

8. Complements digital marketing efforts

EDDM doesn't have to replace your digital marketing. Instead, it can boost it. By combining offline and online efforts, you create a strategy that reaches customers in more ways.

For example:

• Include your social media handles or website on your mailpiece to encourage online engagement.
• Add a QR code that links to a special landing page, connecting your offline and online channels.
• Promote your loyalty program or email newsletter on the postcard, inviting recipients to stay connected digitally.

This multi-channel approach not only helps you reach more people but also strengthens your message across different platforms.

9. Scalable for businesses of any size

EDDM works for any business, big or small. If you run a small bakery and want to target just one neighborhood, EDDM is perfect. If you have multiple locations and want to reach thousands of homes, it can do that too.

Small businesses can start with a single ZIP code to test things out without spending too much. Bigger companies can choose several routes to increase their exposure and reach more customers. EDDM is flexible and can grow with your business needs.

10. Encourages community connection

EDDM helps businesses connect with their local communities. By sending messages directly to residents, you show that your brand cares about the neighborhood.

For example, a coffee shop could share details about a community event or offer a special discount for new customers. A local nonprofit might use EDDM to promote fundraising efforts or volunteer opportunities.

When businesses invest in their communities, they often gain loyal customers and positive word-of-mouth in return. It’s a win-win! Direct mail engages both the senses and the mind, resulting in an impressive average engagement rate of 95%.

What can the Oppizi EDDM tool do?

Here are some of the main advantages of using Oppizi's Every Door Direct Mail tool for your next campaign:

• Target specific areas with precisionThe Oppizi tool helps you find the best delivery routes using detailed demographic data. You can choose areas based on ZIP codes, demographics, or how close they are to your business. This way, your campaign reaches the right audience.
• Streamline design with templates or uploadsThe tool offers ready-made design templates that meet USPS standards. Or, if you already have a design, you can easily upload it and get started.
• Estimate costs and maximize your budgetYou can preview postage rates and see how far your campaign can reach before you launch. This gives you a clear idea of the total cost, helping you manage your budget and avoid surprises.
• Simplify compliance and submissionThe tool includes built-in checks to make sure your mailpieces meet USPS rules. When you’re ready, you can submit your campaign confidently, knowing everything is set for success.

Our powerful tool streamlines everything from targeting to tracking, letting you focus on what truly matters: growing your business.

Getting Started with EDDM

Every Door Direct Mail is an easy and effective way to connect with your local customers and grow your business. It’s affordable, lets you target specific areas, and has great potential for engagement. EDDM works for businesses of all sizes that want to make a real impact.

The easiest way to kickstart your EDDM campaign is with Oppizi. We specialize in offline marketing solutions that deliver real results.

Don’t wait—start your EDDM campaign today and watch your business grow.