How to promote events with Every Door Direct Mail

Promoting an event can feel tricky, especially if you’re not used to marketing. Whether it’s a community event, a store opening, or a seminar, spreading the word is key. You want people to show up and keep talking about it even after it’s over.

One great way to do this is with Every Door Direct Mail (EDDM). This mailing solution is easy to use, affordable, and gets your message to the right people. But before we dive into how EDDM works, let’s look at some other ways to promote your event. This will give you a clear idea of your options.

What is event promotion, and why is it important?

Event promotion means letting people know about your event and getting them excited to join. It’s not just about sharing the details—it’s about sparking interest and making sure your event is memorable.

Why does it matter?

• It brings people to your event. More attendees means bigger success.
• It gets your name out there. People will know more about you or your business.
• It makes your efforts pay off. Good promotion helps you get the most out of your time and money.

An effective way to promote a big event is through mail invites. In fact, when it comes to getting a response, direct mail is a standout performer. According to a USPS study, direct mail response rates are as high as 9%—much higher than digital campaigns. That’s why using direct mail for event promotion is a great way to improve chances of people showing up.

How to use EDDM for event promotion

Every Door Direct Mail (EDDM) is a USPS service that lets you send mail to every home in a specific area—no mailing list needed. It’s perfect for promoting local events like grand openings, festivals, or fundraisers. Here’s how to use it:

Pick your area

Choose neighborhoods or ZIP codes where your event is likely to draw the most interest. This helps you focus your budget on the right audience.

Create an eye-catching mailer

Design a postcard or flyer that stands out. Make sure it includes:

• Event name and purpose
• Date and time
• Location (add a map if needed)
• How to RSVP or register
• A clear call to action, like “Don’t miss it!”

Make it easy with Oppizi

Oppizi takes the hassle out of EDDM. We help you:

• Design: Use our easy-to-use tools to help you to create professional mailers.
• Print: Get high-quality printing without the stress.
• Distribute: We ensure your mailers reach the right homes.
• Track: See how your campaign performs with tracking tools.

With Oppizi, you save time and effort while making your event promotion seamless and effective. Sign up now for free and set the stage for your most successful event yet. The first step is yours to take.

Types of businesses that use EDDM for event promotion

EDDM is a useful tool for many different kinds of businesses. Here are some that often use it to promote events:

• Retail stores: Local shops and boutiques use EDDM to share news about sales, new products, or seasonal promotions.
• Restaurants and cafes: Many restaurants use EDDM to promote grand openings, special dining events, or new menu items.
• Fitness centers: Gyms and yoga studios invite locals to free trial sessions, open houses, or fitness challenges.
• Educational institutions: Schools and training centers use EDDM to promote open enrollment events, workshops, and community classes.
• Healthcare providers: Clinics and wellness centers send mailers for health fairs, free check-up days, or wellness seminars.
• Non-profits and charities: These organizations use EDDM to raise awareness for fundraising events, volunteer drives, or community initiatives.

Event promotion examples with EDDM

Here are some real examples of how EDDM works well for events:

Grand openings

A new bakery opens in a busy neighborhood. They send out eye-catching postcards to every home within two miles. The postcard shows a tempting picture of their pastries and offers a “Grand Opening Discount.” On opening day, the bakery is packed with customers.

Community festivals

A small town’s music festival uses EDDM to share flyers with event details, ticket info, and a QR code for easy ticket purchases. By reaching out to nearby neighborhoods, they attract more people than ever before.

Charity fundraisers

A local non-profit is hosting a gala and sends invitations to upscale areas nearby using EDDM. The mailer highlights the cause and explains how attendees can help. This not only increases attendance but also encourages generous donations.

Workshops and seminars

A small business offers financial literacy workshops and uses EDDM to reach local professionals. Their mailer features a strong headline, explains the workshop’s benefits, and includes a freebie for early sign-ups. As a result, they have a full room of eager participants.

Seasonal sales events

A furniture store promotes a limited-time clearance sale with EDDM. Their mailers showcase great discounts, leading to a big increase in foot traffic during the sale.

5 event promotion ideas for beginners

If you’re promoting an event for the first time, EDDM can be a great solution to help you reach a targeted audience. There are lots of ways to get the word out there, and combining multiple tactics can lead to the greatest success. Start with a simple plan and pair a few of these easy tips together to spread awareness:

1. Use social media

Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn make it easy to reach people. Post updates, create an event page, and use hashtags to get noticed. For local events, try Facebook Groups or ads targeted to your area.

2. Send email invites

If you have an email list, send invites with a clear message. Use subject lines that grab attention and include a simple call to action like “RSVP Now” or “Save Your Spot.”

3. Team up with local influencers

Work with influencers or community leaders to spread the word. They can share your event with their followers and help build excitement.

4. Build an event page

Create a website or landing page with all the details—date, time, place, and how to sign up. Make sure it’s mobile-friendly so it’s easy for anyone to use.

5. Try direct mail with EDDM

Every Door Direct Mail (EDDM) is great for reaching people nearby. You can send postcards or flyers to every mailbox in a specific area. It’s simple and effective for local events.

Benefits of using EDDM for event promotion

Did you know that direct mail ads outperform digital ones? That’s right. A WARC study found that 70% of people visited a website or took action after receiving direct mail. Additionally, 35% of consumers made a purchase, payment, or donation because of it.

So, why choose EDDM for your event? Here are some great benefits of Every Door Direct Mail: and more reasons why you should consider it:

• Targeted reach: EDDM lets you focus on specific neighborhoods or ZIP codes. This way, your message goes to people most likely to attend your event. It helps you get the most out of your marketing budget.
• High visibility: Unlike online ads that people can easily ignore, mailers are physical and go straight to homes. People are more likely to notice a well-designed postcard or flyer.
• Cost-effective: You don’t need to buy or keep a mailing list, making EDDM an affordable choice for any business. It’s even easier with Oppizi’s services.
• Customizable designs: You can create eye-catching mailers that match your brand and event theme. Oppizi offers easy-to-use tools to help make this simple.
• Easy execution: Oppizi takes care of everything, from printing to distribution. This allows you to focus on other parts of your event planning. Our tools make the whole process straightforward and stress-free.
• Trackable results: With Oppizi’s tracking tools, you can see how your EDDM campaign performs. You can check how people engage with your mailers, helping you improve future efforts.
• Increased engagement: A well-designed mailer encourages people to act, whether that means scanning a QR code, visiting your website, or coming to your event. Physical mailers are often more engaging than digital ads.

Combine strategies for maximum impact

EDDM is a great tool, but you can get even better results by combining it with other promotion strategies. Here’s how to create a strong campaign:

1. Use EDDM with social media ads

Start with EDDM to create awareness, then follow up with social media ads. Your mailers can direct people to your Facebook event page, where they can RSVP, share the event, and invite friends.

2. Add a QR code for easy access

Put a QR code on your EDDM mailers that links to your event registration page or gives more event details. This makes it simple for people to take action right away.

3. Boost your email marketing

If your mailers include a special offer, invite recipients to join your email list for updates or exclusive content. This helps you reach more people and build lasting connections.

4. Work with local influencers

After sending out your EDDM mailers, team up with local influencers to create buzz on social media. They can share their excitement about your event, sparking interest among their followers who may have received your mailers too.

5. Use analytics to improve your strategy

Track how your EDDM campaign performs with Oppizi’s tools, then look at data from social media and email. This helps you see which strategies work best and refine your approach for future events.

By combining EDDM with other methods, you can keep your message consistent and boost your event’s visibility and engagement.

FAQ: Using EDDM to promote events

What types of events are best for EDDM?

EDDM is great for local events like grand openings, community festivals, charity fundraisers, workshops, and sales promotions.

Do I need a mailing list for EDDM?

No, you don’t need a mailing list. Just choose the neighborhoods or ZIP codes you want to reach, and your mailers will go to every address in that area.

How much does an EDDM campaign cost?

Costs vary based on the size of your mailers, how many addresses you target, and printing choices. Oppizi offers affordable options and clear prices for Every Door Direct Mail campaigns to fit your budget.

Can I track my EDDM campaign's success?

Yes, Oppizi has tracking tools that let you see how your campaign is performing, including delivery status and response rates.

How do I design mailers for EDDM?

With Oppizi, you can use our easy-to-use tools to create attractive designs. Choose your fonts, color schemes, and layouts, and have a sleek and professional flyer ready in minutes.

What’s the typical delivery time for EDDM mailers?

After you set up your campaign, mailers usually arrive within 3–5 business days, depending on the area you choose and processing times.

Promote your event today with EDDM

Promoting your event can be simple and stress-free. With the right mix of strategies and tools like EDDM, you can reach your audience and create memorable experiences. Let Oppizi make it easy for you. We handle everything from printing to delivery and tracking for your EDDM campaigns. This way, you can focus on what really matters—your event.

Start your campaign with Oppizi today and take the first step toward smooth and effective event promotion.