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Moving

Marketing to Millennials via New Mover Direct Mail

Written by Brittany N. Johnson
Millennial Marketing Our Town America

The U.S. Census Bureau currently reports a total U.S. population of 322 million people with 83 million of those people being part of the millennial generation, making up the largest living generation today. Millennials’ birth years range from the early 1980s to the early 2000s.  Epsilon’s #marketingtomillennials report, released September 2015, shows the average length of residence for millennials ages 18-24 years old at just 3.3 years and roughly 5.2 years for 25-33 year-olds.  Therefore, there’s no questioning whether this generation attributes to the over 40 million people who move each year. The great thing about marketing to new movers is that it allows you to reach a very niche market at an opportune time.  These impressionable folks are actively seeking reliable, go-to businesses in their new neighborhoods to help satisfy their everyday wants and needs and, for millennials, convenience and immediacy is key. New movers searching for a new hair stylist, pizza restaurant, home furnishing store, auto repair shop, etc. are highly likely to visit the businesses they hear of first. In fact, 93% of the more than 300 men and women who participated in the recent Our Town America National Survey of New Movers reported they would visit the local businesses that take the time to welcome them to the community. It may come as a surprise that although making purchases online is common and inarguably trendy among millennials, physically visiting a business and having an authentic customer experience reigns as the millennial generation’s most popular method of purchase – with 53% of their wallet spend taking place in-store. Here are some of our new mover marketing takeaways, as well as tips for marketing to millennials from Epsilon.  We hope you will use this as a guide successfully market to millennials. Target them based on life stage.  Their age doesn’t determine their behaviors, their stage does. –Epsilon While some millennials may still live with their parents, others are getting married, becoming parents, moving into an apartment, or purchasing their first house.  Each of these events are life altering and should be considered when marketing to millennials and deciding what your new mover offer should be. Employ one-to-one strategies: send targeted, hyper-personalized, relevant offers and messaging.  With this tech-savvy generation, you have to be a tech-savvy marketer. –Epsilon New mover marketing with Our Town America allows you to send personalized welcome letters and one-time housewarming gifts to a niche market in your chosen demographic areas while providing you with a cutting-edge method of tracking your ROI and triggering a second mailer to your respondents.  The initial welcome package is sent via traditional direct mail, which is great news considering 88% of the movers surveyed said that receiving a housewarming gift would make them feel more comfortable in their new home and 81% stated that they would like advice about their new community upon move-in.  With a well-accepted targeted and personalized offer sent to the new movers in your area, now it’s up to you as the business to complete the positive customer experience. Millennials will grow up and their stage will change, just because they might not be a homeowner right now, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t start cultivating relationships now. –Epsilon As previously stated, millennials move roughly every 3 to 5 years and about 40 million Americans move each year.  It’s critical to understand that a simple introduction to your business and a housewarming offer might be just the thing to set you apart from your competition. The Our Town America program offers category package exclusivity, so if you’re not welcoming the new movers in your community, it’s likely your local competitor will be soon.  It’s never too early to start cultivating new relationships. Millennials have buying power that is influential because of their social media use.  They are very responsive to direct mail and it’s a channel you shouldn’t overlook when trying to engage with millennials.  Converting a customer now could create a valuable long-term relationship. –Epsilon Our Town America new mover direct mail is positively received by millions of new movers each year – many who fill out our new mover survey thanking the businesses that welcomed them into their new neighborhood.  Our Positive Postings program allows businesses to post these comments to their Facebook wall – further promoting the business. Moreover, millennials are constantly ‘tweeting’, posting to Facebook, Instagram and publicly reviewing businesses online, so it’s important to reach out, welcome and leave a good impression in hopes of gaining not just one new loyal customer, but their network of friends and family as well. Be flexible and evolve your strategy into 1:1 relationships.  Start thinking about the customer experience and step into their shoes and understand how technology combined with data and messaging can play a role in driving conversions. –Epsilon The Our Town America program addresses the full customer experience from start to finish.  From reaching out to the consumer with a targeted offer during a critical/ stressful time to providing you with data allowing you to personally welcome the new customer by name, to reaching out a second time inviting the customer back in with a follow-up mailer after their first visit (prompted by our smartphone application, Our Town TruTrak®), to providing you with the opportunity to engage in conversation surrounding their recent move – the program is centered on developing new loyal, long-term relationships by creating an unmatched customer experience for each and every new customer. If interested in New Mover Marketing with Our Town America, call 800-497-8360 or complete our Contact Form. Sources:  Epsilon #marketingtomillennials 2015 Research Report, U.S. Census Bureau, and Our Town America 2014 National Survey of New Movers Brittany N. JohnsonBrittany is the head of Our Town America’s corporate marketing department. She specializes in digital and print media, social media, and public relations. […]

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Ways to Cut Back on Moving Costs & Stress

Written by Brittany N. Johnson
family-moving-homes

ABC 15 Arizona (June 2015) – Our Town America Phoenix-area franchise owner, David Cox, shares a few ways to lower moving costs and moving-related stressors. Specializing in helping local businesses market to new movers, Cox can be considered an expert in the moving industry. As one of 57 Our Town America franchisees across the nation, Cox and his local business sponsors encounter countless new movers throughout the calendar year. Ronnie Gray, a new resident of Central Phoenix and a recipient of the Our Town America welcome package, gives insight on his recent moving experience.  To read the story on ABC15.com, click here. If you’re a local business interested in welcoming new movers to your community, we invite you to complete a Contact Form. Brittany N. JohnsonBrittany is the head of Our Town America’s corporate marketing department. She specializes in digital and print media, social media, and public relations. […]

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People Moving Can Face Fiscal, Emotional Potholes

Written by Brittany N. Johnson
People Moving Our Town America

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette (June 2015) – Kevin Drewery has moved from Pittsburgh to Oregon to Texas and recently back to his native community in Beechview over the past 12 years for family and other personal reasons. He says all the moving has practically emptied his bank account and left him in a deep hole of debt. “Moving from state to state due to life changes has taken a toll on my pockets,” said the 44-year-old man, who has disabilities. “I got in trouble with the bank for letting my debit card go negative, and I even owe relatives and friends.” Mr. Drewery’s experience is not unusual, according to a national survey of 300 people who have moved recently, commissioned by Our Town America, which reveals moving creates a financial nightmare for 1 in 6 people who find themselves in debt after a move. Money problems aren’t the only challenges. Our Town America, a new mover marketing company based in Pinellas Park, Fla., found 49 percent of people reported a recent move not only caused them serious financial stress but lasting friction with a significant other. “Moving is a very difficult time,” said Denis Byrd, owner of an Our Town America franchise in Robinson. “We have found through surveys how stressful and expensive moving can be.” The marketing company helps build relationships between local business owners and people who move into town by delivering personalized welcoming packages full of gift certificates to new residents each month. The company is similar to Valpak, except it focuses exclusively on people who have relocated. Moving business has picked up in recent months, according to Our Town America. An improved economy means businesses are hiring and people looking for work will move for jobs. But employers don’t always cover the cost of moves. Almost half of those surveyed said their employer did nothing to help pay for relocation. One in 10 people said the average cost of their move was $5,000 or more. That might help explain why 35 percent said moving tarnished personal relationships, citing financial strain (49 percent), increased bickering (51 percent) and decreased intimacy (49 percent). “A lot of the stress occurs due to people not financially preparing for the move,” Mr. Byrd said. “Ultimately, the financial stress leads to other stress and it can affect relationships.” Read full article on Post-Gazette.com. If interested in more information regarding the new mover marketing program, please contact Our Town America. In today’s world, moving to a new home may leave a larger dent on your wallet than your personal belongings. A new, national survey reveals that new movers face thousands of dollars of moving expenses, at times $5,000 or more – expenses that cause a debt disaster for 1 in 6 movers. To make matters worse, more than 2 in 3 new movers say busy and unapproachable friends and neighbors add to their emotional and financial stress. – See more at: http://www.franchising.com/news/20140527_our_town_america_national_survey_reveals_moving_ca.html#sthash.bUSR1OKg.dpuf In today’s world, moving to a new home may leave a larger dent on your wallet than your personal belongings. A new, national survey reveals that new movers face thousands of dollars of moving expenses, at times $5,000 or more – expenses that cause a debt disaster for 1 in 6 movers. To make matters worse, more than 2 in 3 new movers say busy and unapproachable friends and neighbors add to their emotional and financial stress. – See more at: http://www.franchising.com/news/20140527_our_town_america_national_survey_reveals_moving_ca.html#sthash.bUSR1OKg.dpuf In today’s world, moving to a new home may leave a larger dent on your wallet than your personal belongings. A new, national survey reveals that new movers face thousands of dollars of moving expenses, at times $5,000 or more – expenses that cause a debt disaster for 1 in 6 movers. To make matters worse, more than 2 in 3 new movers say busy and unapproachable friends and neighbors add to their emotional and financial stress. – See more at: http://www.franchising.com/news/20140527_our_town_america_national_survey_reveals_moving_ca.html#sthash.bUSR1OKg.dpuf In today’s world, moving to a new home may leave a larger dent on your wallet than your personal belongings. A new, national survey reveals that new movers face thousands of dollars of moving expenses, at times $5,000 or more – expenses that cause a debt disaster for 1 in 6 movers. To make matters worse, more than 2 in 3 new movers say busy and unapproachable friends and neighbors add to their emotional and financial stress. – See more at: http://www.franchising.com/news/20140527_our_town_america_national_survey_reveals_moving_ca.html#sthash.bUSR1OKg.dpuf In today’s world, moving to a new home may leave a larger dent on your wallet than your personal belongings. A new, national survey reveals that new movers face thousands of dollars of moving expenses, at times $5,000 or more – expenses that cause a debt disaster for 1 in 6 movers. To make matters worse, more than 2 in 3 new movers say busy and unapproachable friends and neighbors add to their emotional and financial stress. – See more at: http://www.franchising.com/news/20140527_our_town_america_national_survey_reveals_moving_ca.html#sthash.bUSR1OKg.dpuf In today’s world, moving to a new home may leave a larger dent on your wallet than your personal belongings. A new, national survey reveals that new movers face thousands of dollars of moving expenses, at times $5,000 or more – expenses that cause a debt disaster for 1 in 6 movers. To make matters worse, more than 2 in 3 new movers say busy and unapproachable friends and neighbors add to their emotional and financial stress. – See more at: http://www.franchising.com/news/20140527_our_town_america_national_survey_reveals_moving_ca.html#sthash.bUSR1OKg.dpuf   Brittany N. JohnsonBrittany is the head of Our Town America’s corporate marketing department. She specializes in digital and print media, social media, and public relations. […]

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The Financial Impact of Moving to a New Home

Written by Brittany N. Johnson
Moving: The Financial Impact

Money Radio (June 2015) – David Cox, owner of Our Town America of Phoenix, sits down with Money Radio for a short discussion on the financial impact of moving to a new home. Cox, one of more than 50 Our Town America franchisees across the nation, is recognized locally as an expert in the unique New Mover Marketing industry. Startling statistics from a moving survey recently commissioned by Our Town America and suggestions for local businesses interested alleviating moving stress are unveiled. For information on Marketing to new movers in your community, we invite you to please complete a Contact Form. Press play to listen.       Brittany N. JohnsonBrittany is the head of Our Town America’s corporate marketing department. She specializes in digital and print media, social media, and public relations. […]

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De-Stress The Moving Process: Tips & Tricks

Written by Brittany N. Johnson
Moving Tips

National Moving Month Tips WIAT CBS News (May 2015) – Our Town America Birmingham-area franchise owner, Luke Wood, sits down with Jamie Langley of WIAT ‘Wake Up Alabama’ to discuss tips and tricks to prepare for the busiest moving season in years, beginning with May’s National Moving Month. As the nation’s leading new mover marketing franchise, Our Town America helps new movers adjust to their new area and offers local businesses a chance to be a part of this community welcoming organization. Watch the clip below and read this related article to find out why. If interested in welcoming new movers to your community, we invite you to complete a Local Business Contact Form. Brittany N. JohnsonBrittany is the head of Our Town America’s corporate marketing department. She specializes in digital and print media, social media, and public relations. […]

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Local Business Marketing Can Minimize Moving Stress

Written by Brittany N. Johnson
Minimize Moving Stress Our Town America Local Business Marketing

CBS Tampa Bay (May 2015) – Forty million Americans are expected to move in 2015, but the decision to pick up and leave may be harmful to both your wallet and your relationship. A new survey from the new mover marketing franchise, Our Town America, finds that 1 in 6 people go into debt after they move and half of couples felt a sense of both “decreased intimacy” (49 percent) and “increased bickering” (51 percent) as a result of moving’s financial strain. May’s National Moving Month is expected to see a large number of movers as people move to pursue new careers and put bad credit from foreclosed homes behind them. But while moving may boost one’s career – the survey indicates a harmful effect on relationships and your finances. More than one-third of survey respondents said their moved “scarred personal relationships” and nearly half (46 percent) said their company did not help pay for any part of their relocation. Nearly 1 in 3 survey respondents admitted to “accidentally losing” a significant other’s prized possession and half of those surveyed said intimacy with their significant other decreased during the move. “Knick knacks, photo albums, books, decorative towels, and old trophies” were among the items purposefully tossed or donated away by significant others. Although an overwhelming majority (88 percent) of respondents said that receiving a housewarming gift would make them feel more comfortable in their new residence, less than half (46 percent) said they actually received any welcoming gift. And more than half (53 percent) said today’s neighbors are less friendly than those from their childhood because everyone “seems too busy.” “These survey results show that it’s critically important for neighbors and local businesses to welcome new movers to town with open arms,” says Our Town America President & CEO, Michael Plummer Jr. “The emotional and financial stress associated with moving takes a heavy toll on new movers. They desperately need a helping hand to limit stress, minimize costs and feel comfortable in their new home.” Our Town America’s data is from a local survey of more than 300 men and women who have moved in the past five years. If interested in more information regarding the new mover marketing program, please contact Our Town America. In today’s world, moving to a new home may leave a larger dent on your wallet than your personal belongings. A new, national survey reveals that new movers face thousands of dollars of moving expenses, at times $5,000 or more – expenses that cause a debt disaster for 1 in 6 movers. To make matters worse, more than 2 in 3 new movers say busy and unapproachable friends and neighbors add to their emotional and financial stress. – See more at: http://www.franchising.com/news/20140527_our_town_america_national_survey_reveals_moving_ca.html#sthash.bUSR1OKg.dpuf In today’s world, moving to a new home may leave a larger dent on your wallet than your personal belongings. A new, national survey reveals that new movers face thousands of dollars of moving expenses, at times $5,000 or more – expenses that cause a debt disaster for 1 in 6 movers. To make matters worse, more than 2 in 3 new movers say busy and unapproachable friends and neighbors add to their emotional and financial stress. – See more at: http://www.franchising.com/news/20140527_our_town_america_national_survey_reveals_moving_ca.html#sthash.bUSR1OKg.dpuf In today’s world, moving to a new home may leave a larger dent on your wallet than your personal belongings. A new, national survey reveals that new movers face thousands of dollars of moving expenses, at times $5,000 or more – expenses that cause a debt disaster for 1 in 6 movers. To make matters worse, more than 2 in 3 new movers say busy and unapproachable friends and neighbors add to their emotional and financial stress. – See more at: http://www.franchising.com/news/20140527_our_town_america_national_survey_reveals_moving_ca.html#sthash.bUSR1OKg.dpuf In today’s world, moving to a new home may leave a larger dent on your wallet than your personal belongings. A new, national survey reveals that new movers face thousands of dollars of moving expenses, at times $5,000 or more – expenses that cause a debt disaster for 1 in 6 movers. To make matters worse, more than 2 in 3 new movers say busy and unapproachable friends and neighbors add to their emotional and financial stress. – See more at: http://www.franchising.com/news/20140527_our_town_america_national_survey_reveals_moving_ca.html#sthash.bUSR1OKg.dpuf In today’s world, moving to a new home may leave a larger dent on your wallet than your personal belongings. A new, national survey reveals that new movers face thousands of dollars of moving expenses, at times $5,000 or more – expenses that cause a debt disaster for 1 in 6 movers. To make matters worse, more than 2 in 3 new movers say busy and unapproachable friends and neighbors add to their emotional and financial stress. – See more at: http://www.franchising.com/news/20140527_our_town_america_national_survey_reveals_moving_ca.html#sthash.bUSR1OKg.dpuf In today’s world, moving to a new home may leave a larger dent on your wallet than your personal belongings. A new, national survey reveals that new movers face thousands of dollars of moving expenses, at times $5,000 or more – expenses that cause a debt disaster for 1 in 6 movers. To make matters worse, more than 2 in 3 new movers say busy and unapproachable friends and neighbors add to their emotional and financial stress. – See more at: http://www.franchising.com/news/20140527_our_town_america_national_survey_reveals_moving_ca.html#sthash.bUSR1OKg.dpuf Source: CBS Tampa Bay   Brittany N. JohnsonBrittany is the head of Our Town America’s corporate marketing department. She specializes in digital and print media, social media, and public relations. […]

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May Brings Busiest Moving Season in Years

Written by Brittany N. Johnson
National Moving Month Our Town America

WABC-TV (May 2015) – With 40 million Americans expected to pick up and move in 2015, May’s National Moving Month will kick off the busiest moving season in years for two reasons: A robust economy means companies are hiring and folks will move for jobs. Plus, people who foreclosed on their homes in the recession have waited seven years for their credit scores to come clean, and now can buy a home again. While moving is great for the economy, it’s a killer for relationships. A recently released local survey reveals a move scars personal relationships as couples fight over why they moved and where they moved while struggling with money problems and decreased intimacy. And talk about relationship revenge! Nearly 1 in 3 survey respondents admitted to “accidentally losing” a significant other’s prized possession or purposefully tossing it in the Goodwill bag. According to the local survey of more than 300 men and women who have moved in the past five years, movers can expect: More Arguments, Money Problems and Less Sex – Of those in a relationship, more than 1/3 (35%) say moving has scarred their relationship due to increased fighting (51%), decreased intimacy (49%) and financial strain (49%) – the top three moving relationship stressors. The Kids May Not be Alright – Those with children say the stress hit the whole family with “choosing the right school” and “helping the kids find new friends” as the top two moving stressors related to their kids. And missing Prized Possessions due to Dirty Dumping – Topping the I Hate it Hit List of the 5 things people secretly toss are “knick knacks,” photo albums, books, decorative towels, and old trophies. Our Town America, the national new mover marketing franchise who commissioned the survey, has a local representative in our area who is making the transition easier by delivering welcoming packages to new movers full of personalized gift certificates with free offers for goods and services at local businesses. According to Our Town America’s President and CEO Michael Plummer Jr., these thoughtful offers, like a free pizza or free haircut, help local families recover quicker from the emotional stress related to their recent move as they settle into their new home. And research shows, once the new movers try the business, they repeatedly come back. “These survey results show that moving is highly stressful on relationships so it’s very much appreciated when local businesses make the transition easier,” says Plummer. “In a move, people are overwhelmed with learning new roads, meeting people and perhaps starting a new job. These welcoming packages help families focus on their relationships instead of worrying about what to cook for dinner – when they haven’t had the time to unpack the pots and pans yet.” If interested in more information regarding the new mover marketing program, please contact Our Town America. Source: WABC-TV New York   Brittany N. JohnsonBrittany is the head of Our Town America’s corporate marketing department. She specializes in digital and print media, social media, and public relations. […]

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Our Town America Announces 2014 New Mover Survey Winner on CBS 58 TV

Written by Brittany N. Johnson
2014 Our Town America New Mover Survey Winners, Sentry, & WI01

CBS 58 (May 2015) – Our Town America, the nation’s leading new mover marketing franchise, just announced that couple, Dan and Aleyna Kreif of Pewaukee, WI, have won the annual Our Town America New Mover Survey drawing! Last March, after their move to Pewaukee, the Kreif’s became one of millions of new movers nationwide to receive the New Mover Survey as part of their Our Town America welcome package. Also within the package are various free offers from partnered local businesses. The Kreif’s completed their survey providing Wisconsin-area franchise owner, Allen Busse, with feedback on the program and the services provided by his partnered local businesses, such as Albrecht’s Sentry Foods of Delafield, WI. This past Monday, the couple met with Allen Busse and Kerry Jeanpierre of Albrecht’s Sentry Foods, and the CBS 58 News crew to accept their $1,000 winnings check covered in full by the Our Town America corporate headquarters based in Pinellas Park, FL. The Kreif’s plan to use the $1,000 to further improve their new Pewaukee home. Kerry Jeanpierre of Albrecht’s Sentry Foods has been using Our Town America’s new mover marketing program to gain new loyal customers since November 2006. Sentry takes advantage of the second mailer, the follow-up postcard, which is included in the program – the grocery store experiences noteworthy responses every month. With millions of Americans moving annually, and moving numbers expected to rise in the coming years, local businesses can rely on the program to consistently uncover new customers seeking reputable go-to product and service providers. Due to Our Town America’s ‘Category Exclusivity Concept’ – no direct competitors are included within a single zip code’s Welcome Package. Other businesses in the Kreif’s Welcome Package include: a Veterinarian, Blind and Shade store, Dentist, Jewelry store, Hair Salon, Massage Parlor, Dry Cleaners, a Sandwich Shop and a Pizza Restaurant. Greater Milwaukee-area businesses interested in the Our Town America program can complete a Contact Form or call franchise owner Allen Busse at 262-650-1906. For more information on the annual New Mover Survey, we invite you to explore our website. Want more? Watch the 4 o’clock News Clip HERE. Read story on CBS58.com. Source: Brittany N. JohnsonBrittany is the head of Our Town America’s corporate marketing department. She specializes in digital and print media, social media, and public relations. […]

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David Cox Sits Down With Money Radio

Written by Brittany N. Johnson
Our Town America New Mover Marketing Family

Money Radio (Mar. 2015) – David Cox, Phoenix, AZ Our Town America franchise owner, sits down with Money Radio to chat about the New Mover Marketing program.  In this 4-minute audio clip, David discusses the ins and outs of the unique marketing program and the success it brings businesses nationwide.  For more information on New Mover Marketing in your area, complete a Contact Form. Press play to listen. Source: Money Radio     Brittany N. JohnsonBrittany is the head of Our Town America’s corporate marketing department. She specializes in digital and print media, social media, and public relations. […]

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Innovative Marketing. Genuine Hospitality.

Written by Brittany N. Johnson
Our Town America Marketing

PMQ Magazine (Jan 2015) – While traditional marketing and advertising will always have its place, sending targeted and personalized direct mail pieces to a brand-new audience each and every month is a unique and irreplaceable marketing strategy. Distinct from traditional marketing methods, new mover direct mail marketing with Our Town America allows businesses to reach consumers in an intimate fashion at an opportune time. Timing is Everything The Our Town America community Welcome Package arrives in the mailbox of new mover families while they’re actively seeking new go-to businesses in their new neighborhoods. Perceived as a community sponsorship package rather than everyday marketing, the Our Town America package gets opened and acted upon. In fact, 90% of respondents in Our Town America’s 2014 New Mover Survey said housewarming gifts would help them feel more comfortable and settled in their new home. Our Town America’s Welcome Package includes gift certificates with free offers from participating local businesses in the community—for example, a pizza shop, a dentist office, a hardware store, etc. Each one is personalized by name, includes a map directing the new mover to the business (since he/she is new to the area), and is tracked on the spot by a 2D barcode using the Our Town America TruTrak® application (available on the iTunes App Store and Google Play). This pinpoint tracking enables the business to track the response of the program and triggers a second mailing. The Extra Mile Each step of the Our Town America program provides various opportunities for businesses to develop long-term relationships with their new customers. The second mailing, the Thank You Postcard, hits the mailbox of the new-mover family after their initial visit, further solidifying the business-to-consumer relationship. In the aforementioned survey, 100% of new movers said it’s likely they’ll re-visit a business that welcomes them to the community. The Thank You Postcard is full-color, oversized and attention-grabbing. This postcard allows the business to personally thank the new-mover family for visiting, invites them back a second time, and is customizable, providing the business the option of extending a second offer to the family. Thousands of businesses across the nation rely on the Our Town America program to expand their customer base and increase revenue. Most businesses experience double-digit response rates and heightened brand awareness. With direct mail volume down—resulting in a less cluttered mailbox—now is your chance to stand out as the reputable business in your community. What are you waiting for? Read article on PMQ.com. By Brittany N. Johnson Source:  Brittany N. JohnsonBrittany is the head of Our Town America’s corporate marketing department. She specializes in digital and print media, social media, and public relations. […]

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