marketing planning software For Your Reading Pleasure
Direct Mail Marketing: How to Choose a Postcard Vendor

Direct mail postcards can help you promote your business easily, effectively and affordably. But to capitalize on these benefits, you need a reliable and efficient program in place. That's where postcard marketing vendors come into the picture.

These days, there are dozens of postcard marketing vendors, but not all are created equal. This can make vendor selection overwhelming. But it doesn't have to be. To understand the differences between these companies, you simply have to evaluate and compare their services.

Here are some key criteria you should look at:

Knowledge & Experience

When shopping for a postcard marketing vendor, you should find out what background and experience they have. The good news is, you can go about it fairly easily - just visit their website, or pick up the phone and call.

A company is only as good as their people, so find out:

* Who makes up the company?

* What unique skills and experience do they have?

* How much do they know about printing and direct mail marketing?

* Do they offer educational tools as part of their service?

* Have they published relevant articles in magazines or online?

Design Options

As far as your prospects are concerned, your direct mail postcards reflect your company as a whole. So design matters. Ask vendors what kind of design options they have. If they say they only do the printing, and that you're on your own to create a design, keep shopping!

Some vendors will offer a variety of design options to match the varying skill levels of their customers.

Common offerings include:

* Web-based design tools

* Complete design templates that customers can personalize

* The ability for customers to upload their own designs

* Stock images for customers to use

* The ability for customers to proof their designs online before checkout

Choose a vendor that offers at least two of these design options. If you find one that offers all of them, even better!

List Options

When it comes to direct mail marketing, your list is more than just a way to reach your audience. Your list is your audience.

Most marketers maintain an in-house database of customers and/or prospects. So when reviewing postcard marketing vendors, ask if you can upload your own list. This is a common offering, but it's best to make sure.

But what if you don't have a mailing list? Or what if you want to do a mailing to a new group of prospects, people who aren't on your in-house list? In such cases, you'll need a vendor who offers some way to build a list online.

This kind of feature is not as common as the "use your own" approach, so when you find a vendor who offers this, write them down for further consideration. Then proceed to evaluate them based on the other checkpoints in this guide.

Mailing Options

"Of course a postcard marketing vendor will mail my postcards for me. That's what they do, right?"

In most cases, yes, a postcard marketing vendor will print and mail your postcards for you. But there are some that do the design and printing, but not the actual mailing. Don't assume -- just ask.

Another consideration: what if you only want your postcards printed, but you'd rather stamp and mail them yourself (for a more personal touch)? Some vendors will print and mail your postcards to your list, but they won't print and ship them to you. If you see yourself needing both options, ask about it in advance.

Pricing Structure

You would think postcard pricing would be straightforward. But in truth, there are a number of variables to consider and questions to ask.

For example, some postcard marketing vendors have "base pricing" that does not include things like two-sided color or postage. In such cases, you have to do a bit of math to figure out the true cost per postcard. Other vendors have an "all included" price that accounts for design work, full color on both sides, and postage (no math!).

You should also find out about volume discounts. Some vendors charge less per postcard the more you order. These "volume tables" should be published on their website so you can easily calculate costs.

Other vendors have a set price per postcard, regardless of how many you order. With these vendors, there is no reward for larger jobs.

Ease of Use

Even if a postcard marketing vendor scores well in all other areas, it won't matter if you can't figure out how to use their service. The technical term for this is "usability."

From websites to hairdryers, everything has some level of usability. When usability is high, you don't have to think too hard about completing your task. When usability is low, you'll get a headache at best and be unable to complete your task at worst.

First and foremost, find out if the service is entirely web-based or not. After all, the whole idea of using a vendor is to pass the logistical burden over to them, right? You should be able to place a postcard marketing order from your home or office computer. In this age of Internet commerce, there's no reason not to have this ability.

A good way to gauge a vendor's usability is to visit their website and poke around. Move about the site and read the information you encounter. You'll get a pretty good feel for how easy and efficient the system is.

Conclusion

Direct mail marketing with postcards can be an affordable, effective part of your overall marketing program. But to get the most out of it, you need to find a vendor who's right for you. Use this guide to evaluate postcard marketing vendors. Choose wisely, and your direct mail postcard program will be easier to manage, more effective, and more professional.

About the Author

Brandon Cornett is the editor of PostcardSmart.com, the Internet's largest website dedicated entirely to direct mail marketing with postcards. For more expert articles on postcard marketing, visit http://www.postcardsmart.com.

For daily direct mail tips, visit the PostcardSmart blog at http://www.directmailtips.blogspot.com.

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Counter Bar Stool - Bella Vista Swivel Counter Seat Height Barstool - Pastel - BV-219-26

Shown in Bronze with Tudor Wood and Dayton Coconut upholstery.Tudor Wood. Finish:See options Dimensions:20"(W) x 21.5"(D) x 41"(H)Seat height: 26"

Price: 229.00

Teen Trends Red Storage Locker - Powell Furniture - 517-127

An upbeat, cool look that's not just for school anymore.

517-127 Features: Locker can be bunched Removable hanger rod Adjustable shelf Made from industrial strength powder coated square tube, bar stock and sheet steel 4 cool color versions are available Some assembly required Finish:
Silver with decorative Red powder coated door

Dimensions:
18"(W) x 19 3/4"(D) x 51"(H)

Price: 149.48

Rocking Chair for Kids - Girl Time Out Rocker - RAB00001

Everyone needs a little time out now and then!

RAB00001 Features: Includes special message for the child: "Time out to think about the things you do, but always remember, I love you!" Complete with actual timer you can set for up to 15 minutes Even "time out" becomes fun with this chair! Special understamp beneath the seat that the customer can personalize Photo greeting card included so the child can say "THANK YOU" in a memorable way Recommended for ages 3-8 (up to 100 lbs) Finish:
Pink with hand painted details

Dimensions:
Height: 29"
Height of seat: 12 1/2"

Price: 109.95

Bean Bag Chair Basketball - Big Ball Sports - 30-3101-855

Get into the zone, with your new Big Ball sport velour bean bag chair! It's the perfect bean bag to relax in while watching the big game. It is perfect for kids, teens and young adults!30-3101-855 Features:Long lasting and durableDouble stitched with double overlap folded seamDouble zippered bottom for added securityChildproof safety lock zipperAdds a real, sporty look to any roomFiber Content: 100% Polyester, Polystyrene FilledDimensions:26"(L) x 25"(W) x 21"(H)Approximate Circumference: 102"

Price: 89.00

Twin Size Bed - Willow Twin Size Metal Bed

Twin size.

Headboard, footboard and bed rails are included.

A striking design mixing round and square diameters giving this bed a contemporary design theme. Fully-welded construction featuring 1 3/4" square legs, 3/4" square rails and 1/2" round spindles.

Finish:
Textured Black

Dimensions:
Headboard: 46"(H)
Footboard: 31"(H)

Price: 292.05

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ATP Advantage-MMUSA Creatine Serum Fomula 5.1oz, 1ct

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RBC2 Replacement Batterycartridge By American Battery Co

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American Battery Company (ABC) specializes in complete UPS Battery replacement kits for APC and other major manufacturers. All of its batteries meet or exceed the original manufacturer specifications.This battery is designed for BK250B, BK280B, BK300, BK350, BK400, BK400B, BK500, BK500M, BK500MC, BP280, BP2801PNP, BP280B, BP280BPNP, BP280C, BP280PNP, BP280S, BP280S, BP280SX116, BP350, BP350U, BP420, BP4201PNP, BP420C, BP420PNP, BP420S, BP500, BP500CLR, BP500U, BP500UC, PCPER, PCPRO, SP500DR, SU420NET, SU420VS, SUVS420.For a complete compatibility list please refer to the original manufacturer's web site.

Customer Review: need replacement battery?

This battery is working fine for the few months that I've had it. It fit my APC UPS 500 backup system and it cost a few bucks less than the APC version.

The Complete Guide to Google Advertising: Including Tips, Tricks, & Strategies to Create a Winning Advertising Plan

The Complete Guide to Google Advertising: Including Tips, Tricks, & Strategies to Create a Winning Advertising Plan
Google has created numerous marketing and advertising products that are fast and easy to implement in your business today including Adsense, Adwords, and the Google APIs. This new book takes the confusion and mystery out of working with Google and its various advertising and marketing programs. Are you one of the many who think Google is simply a search engine? Yes, it is true that Google is the most popular search engine on the Web today. More than 275 million times a day, people use Google and its related partner sites to find information on just about any subject. Many of those people are looking for your products and services. Consider this even if you don't have a Web site or product. There are tremendous opportunities on the Internet and money to be made using Google. Through this book you will learn the secrets of working with Google without making costly mistakes. This book is an absolute must-have for anyone who wants to succeed with advertising on Google. This book teaches you the ins and outs using all of Google's advertising and marketing tools. You will instantly start producing results and profits. In addition to the extensive research placed in the book, we spent thousands of hours interviewing, e-mailing, and communicating with hundreds of today s most successful Google advertising experts. This book contains their secrets and proven successful ideas, including actual case studies.

Customer Review: Bruce Brown's latest book, The Complete Guide To Google Advertising Including Tips, Tricks, & Strategies to Create a Winning Adv

Are you looking to expand your business opportunities via Internet sales? Or, alternatively, are you interesting in marketing a particular product or service through search engines? If you answered yes to either of these questions, then Bruce Brown's latest book, The Complete Guide To Google Advertising Including Tips, Tricks, & Strategies to Create a Winning Advertising Plan, is a must-have for your reference library.

Brown's book is extremely informative, logically devised, and most important, easily understood. It is very "user-friendly" and anyone, from novice to marketing expert, will find a myriad of new marketing ideas easily adapted for a particular product or service. Another bonus for both business owners and consumers is the list of Search Engines and Web Directories listed on pages 277, 278, & 279. This section provides the name of multiple search engines used when searching for information, goods, and services.

The Complete Guide To Google Advertising Including Tips, Tricks, & Strategies to Create a Winning Advertising Plan takes readers through a logical thought process that describes the who, what, when, where, and why of Internet advertising. In addition to text definitions and easily understood concepts, it also utilizes copies of screen shots to help readers grasp a particular idea or principle under discussion. Brown does a great job of taking Internet terminology and explaining it in language anyone can understand, and provides links to additional web sites for associated references.

Even if you are a consumer looking for a particular product or service on the Internet, this book is a must-read. It gives consumers and business owners alike a better understanding of how Internet marketing works, and the glossary at the end provides easily understood definitions of Internet terminology users frequently encounter but do not often understand.

If you surf the Internet, you need to buy this book!

Customer Review: Great Info!

I have a burgeoning pet toy company and website, so I was eager to find the best way for me to ensure my website and my company is easily found by people doing web searches.

Reading a bit of the history of web advertising was very interesting to me, how it has evolved and continues to evolve is very useful to understand how it works.

This book really helped me understand exactly what effort was required on my part to make sure that I was able to achieve the results I wanted. It not only helped me figure out the kind of marketing plan I needed, but also helped me simplify it so that I didn't let the planning side of the marketing overwhelm me.

Additionally, the book covered a lot of useful tips for the actual content we could add to our website. Things like a "privacy policy" or "about us" can be useful to helping us keep customers!

So many words are thrown at us on the internet when it comes to looking for information about advertising your website, this book truly helped me understand what things like "PPC" "Keywords" "Adwords" or "SEO" are!

Thoroughly understanding how a PPC account really works is very useful to someone who would want to set up their own account.

This book really has so much valuable information, it can be a lot of almost overwhelming information for a small non-computer savvy small business owner, but I really think that its an invaluable tool for business owners of all levels.

The Ultimate Sales Machine: Turbocharge Your Business with Relentless Focus on 12 Key Strategies

The Ultimate Sales Machine: Turbocharge Your Business with Relentless Focus on 12 Key Strategies
Chet Holmes has been called one of the top 20 change experts in the country. He helps his clients blow away both the competition and their own expectations. And his advice starts with one simple concept: focus! Instead of trying to master four thousand strategies to improve your business, zero in on the few essential skill areas that make the big difference.

Too many managers jump at every new trend, but dont stick with any of them. Instead, says Holmes, focus on twelve critical areas of improvementone at a timeand practice them over and over with pigheaded discipline.

The Ultimate Sales Machine shows you how to tune up and soup up virtually every part of your business by spending just an hour per week on each impact area you want to improve. Like a tennis player who hits nothing but backhands for a few hours a week to perfect his game, you can systematically improve each key area.

Holmes offers proven strategies for:
Management: Teach your people how to work smarter, not harder
Marketing: Get more bang from your Web site, advertising, trade shows, and public relations
Sales: Perfect every sales interaction by working on sales, not just in sales
The Ultimate Sales Machine will put you and your company on a path to success and help you stay there!

Customer Review: The Ultimate Sales Book!

I've read quite a few sales books. Some good. Some lousy. Then occasionally I come across a sales book I consider extraordinary. That would be Chet Holme's book. What's unique about Chet's book is that it targets not only sales professionals who want to get a leg up on their competition, but also sales managers who might be having a tough time finding and keeping great talent.

While reading, I kept a notebook and pen on hand, jotting down one idea after another. My favorite two sections are Chapter 6: The High Art of Getting the Best Buyers, and Chapter 9: The Nitty Gritty of Getting the Best Buyers. These chapters alone are worth the price of the book. Holmes gives a lesson that's often easy for us sales pros to forget- It's far less expensive to market and sell when we're targeting the "best buyers". This is better known as the 80/20 rule. Sales professionals should be spending 80% of their time and energy on the 20% that buy the most from them. Focusing like a laser beam on this group, will bring the most return.

The "how-to" of getting these buyers is where chapter 9 comes in. Holmes provides a system for coming up with your "Dream 100 target list, setting appointments with them. His "Rubik's Cube letter" for sending out to clients is one that will certainly be apart of my "swipe file".

The book as a whole is not about providing tactics, but rather a long-term strategy with systems to implement in your small business right away. These strategies (if implemented) will increase your sales revenue without increasing your expenses.

Customer Review: Great Book On How To Systematically Sell More

Loaded with excellent ideas, action plans, and specific tools & tactics.

One of the most practical and useful books on selling and business growth I have ever read.

Global Marketing Partners Califone Kids Stereo and PC Headphone (2810-PA)

Global Marketing Partners Califone Kids Stereo and PC Headphone (2810-PA)
This playful panda motif Listening First headphone is specifically built for young students with safety as its first concern. Rugged ABS plastic earcups withstand daily use with adjustable volume control for individual preferences. This stereo headphone is ideal for story-time, library and computer uses.

Customer Review: Great headphones for a 2 year old.

I bought these headphones before my 2 year old daughter and I were flying cross-country. I tried to get her used to them before the plane ride. I probably should have used them longer before getting on the plane. On the plane she did fine on the way out and even fell asleep with them on. On the way home, she would only wear them for about 20 minutes. I think it was the novelty she did not like, but overall I was happy with the purchase and would recommend these headphones. Just use them a bit before you actually need them to get your child used to them.

By the way since there is no picture, these are kid size headphones. Each earpiece looks like a panda.

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