Finishing & Screen Printing

Neopost Franking Machines Makes Direct Mail Easy

Tuesday 20. July 2010 - Now is the time to boost your sales by increasing your communications to customers. Whether you want to prompt existing customers to increase your revenue or to find new customers, direct mail is a proven tool. Using a franking machine is an easy and affordable way of sending out your direct mail letters.

Franking is much cheaper than using stamps, saving at least 5p on every 1st class letter and at least 7p on every 2nd class letter.
You may be able to gain a bigger discount on franked mail from Royal Mail if you are sending a mailing of 1,000 or more. A franking machine will add your company name or logo to your direct mail envelopes, which helps to reinforce your brand and company image.
If done properly it will ensure that your message gets directly to the people you want to reach.
Here are a few handy tips on how to write an effective sales letter.
Use the right salutation
If you know the recipients surnames use them and sign off the letter with ‘Yours sincerely’. If you don’t then use ‘Dear Sir/Madam’ and sign off with ‘Yours faithfully’.
Get straight to the point
Don’t waste time at the start of the letter introducing yourself or your business, do it later. Tell your customer straight away what’s in it for them.
Be persuasive
Emphasise the benefits of your product, offer or service. Use the ‘you’ word. It should appear at least two or three times in the letter, more often than ‘I’, ‘we’ or ‘our’. But use superlatives sparingly. Words like ‘fabulous’, ‘marvellous’ and ‘amazing’ don’t really convince anyone.
Encourage your customers to respond quickly
Include a special offer, discount or incentive to buy – valid for a limited time. This should help response.
Ensure you have a clear call to action
Give the recipient all the information they need to respond, act or get in touch, on your letter.
Be warm and friendly
Let your personality and company’s brand shine through, but don’t be over familiar. A good tip is to write as you speak. So use everyday words and phrases.
Make your letter easy to read
Use short sentences – 16 words is a good general rule, and don’t exceed 32. Use short paragraphs and limit each paragraph to one thought or idea.
Check your spelling and grammar
Ask someone to read your letter aloud to check that it flows.