Our Town America Logo
Skip to content

Tag: direct mail

Enhancing Marketing Effectiveness with Direct Mail & Digital Ads

Written by Brittany N. Johnson
Enhancing Marketing Effectiveness with Direct Mail and Digital Ads Our Town America on Patch.com

Patch.com (Columbia, SC) — In an ever-evolving world of marketing strategies, businesses are constantly seeking the most effective ways to reach their target audiences and leave a lasting impression. For Our Town America, a company known for its focus on direct mail, the decision to venture into the realm of digital services might seem counterintuitive at first glance. However, this strategic move has proven to be a game-changer, demonstrating the value of blending traditional and modern approaches for maximum impact. While Our Town America has deep roots in direct mail, the company recognized the need to adapt to the times. “We ultimately decided to venture into digital marketing due to evolving client needs and a changing business landscape,” said Jane McElhaney, Owner of Our Town America of Columbia. “Our Expansion into digital services has been a natural progression that aligns with our commitment to adapting and delivering value to customers.” It’s a move that’s proven successful for the company that’s been around since 1972. “As we diversified our offers to include digital marketing strategies, we’ve witnessed several key indicators or success: Increased reach and engagement, measurable analytics, enhanced targeting, optimization, complementary strategies, and positive client feedback,” said McElhaney. A shining example of the power of combining direct mail and digital strategies comes from a local grocery store chain. Seeking to boost their mobile app downloads, they leveraged Every Door Direct Mail Postcards in conjunction with a Digital Ad campaign targeting the same mail recipients. The recipients received an app offer in their mailboxes, followed by a direct link to the App Store in a digital follow-up. The result? An impressive nearly 50% increase in app downloads during the digital campaign. In a world where marketing strategies continue to evolve, the story of Our Town America’s journey into the digital realm serves as a testament to the power of adaptation. By seamlessly blending the strengths of direct mail and digital, they have not only met evolving client needs but also set an example for businesses looking to maximize the impact of their marketing efforts. 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. […]

Read More…

Empowering Small Businesses with Direct Mail & Digital Ads

Written by Brittany N. Johnson
Empowering Small Business with Direct Mail & Digital Ads Our Town America

Patch.com (Grand Rapids, MI) — In the bustling landscape of small businesses, finding ways to stand out and connect with potential customers is a constant challenge. However, Our Town America has made this its goal for more than 50 years. The company has been a lifeline for small businesses, providing them with the tools and strategies they need to thrive in their local communities. With a focus on both direct mail and digital services, Our Town America has revolutionized the way small businesses approach marketing. Connecting Through New Mover Marketing One of the cornerstones of Our Town America’s success is their New Mover Marketing program. This innovative strategy involves connecting small businesses with new residents in the area each month. By doing so, businesses have the opportunity to jumpstart customer relationships even before new movers become acquainted with their competitors. “The early introduction sets the stage for brand loyalty, as newcomers seek trusted services in their neighborhood,” said Larry Neal, an Our Town America franchisee in Michigan. “Through personalized offers and niche, strategic targeting, businesses make a memorable impression.” The Evolution of Digital Services While Our Town America has been rooted in direct mail for over five decades, the company recognized the changing business landscape and the growing importance of digital marketing. As a result, they began integrating technology and digital add-ons into their New Mover Marketing program over a decade ago. The addition of mobile apps, social media tie-ins, QR codes, and campaign tracking proved to enhance the effectiveness of their clients’ direct mail campaigns. “Our aim was to offer a comprehensive solution that combines traditional and digital strategics for the most effective marketing possible,” said Neal. The transition to digital strategies has not been in vain. “We have witnessed several key indicators of success including increased reach and engagement, measurable analytics, enhanced targeting, optimization, complementary strategies, and positive feedback,” Neal said. The impact of Our Town America’s efforts extends far beyond immediate sales. Through their New Mover Marketing program, small businesses are given the opportunity to establish a dedicated customer base from the moment new residents arrive in the area. This foundation of trust and familiarity leads to lasting brand loyalty, ensuring long-term success. In a world where small businesses often struggle to find their voice, Our Town America emerges as a beacon of support. Through their innovative New Mover Marketing program and their seamless integration of digital services, they provide small businesses with the tools they need to not only survive but thrive in their local communities. As they continue to adapt and deliver value, Our Town America remains a driving force behind the success of small businesses across the nation.   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. […]

Read More…

How To Maximize Email Marketing Impact

Written by Brittany N. Johnson
Supplement Email Marketing with Direct Mail

Forbes Technology Council —  Did you check your email today? Did you get through all the email marketing messages or leave some unread? How many opened emails have taken up residence in your inbox, waiting for further action? Going through your inbox can be overwhelming, so you most likely delete some messages without reading them. If you own a business and use email as one of your primary marketing tools, this fact is quite concerning. But it doesn’t mean you need to give up on it. According to Statista, in 2022, there were 4.3 billion email users worldwide. By 2025, that number is expected to grow to 4.6 billion, or more than half of the global population. This clearly illustrates the reach of email marketing, but you need to be deliberate in the way you use it and make sure your email efforts sync with the rest of your marketing strategy. Making The Most Of Your Email Campaign Email is a cost-effective way to reach a large audience, especially when compared with television and print advertising. It’s also easy to use email campaigns to target specific segments of the market based on factors like age, location and interests. And email is a great way to drive potential customers to your website or social media sites. But there are a few things to keep in mind: Recipients are more likely to open your email if you have a catchy subject line—something that makes them curious about what you have to say. Keep it simple. Once the email is opened, follow up with something of value. Maybe it’s a worthwhile discount or a link to a blog that teaches something (and ties in your product or service). Be sure to write in a personal, conversational style and avoid using language that sounds like you’re selling something. Make sure your emails have a clear purpose and call-to-action in order to generate the desired results. If, despite all this, your email open rates are consistently low, your email marketing likely isn’t resonating with your customers. It may be time to try a different way of reaching them. Direct Mail: Another Tool In Your Marketing Toolbox Smaller businesses, or those trying to reach a very specific customer base, may find email is not as cost-effective as other marketing strategies, such as direct mail. The average person receives most of their bills and personal correspondence in their email, leaving plenty of room for your physical message to stand out. New Mover Marketing and Postcard Marketing, for example, can be effective for that reason. New Mover Direct Mail Marketing reaches a new audience each month, which helps to avoid wasted coverage. New movers are a niche market—yet a very large market with approximately 28 million people moving in the U.S. in 2021, according to Census data—and, for many services, they have yet to form business loyalties. This is your chance to get them to try your business before they try your competitors. In fact, according to respondents to an Association of National Advertisers survey, direct mail has an ROI of 112%, compared to an ROI of 93% for email. How Digital Marketing Ties It All Together Regardless of what kind of company you own, you’re likely to see your highest response rate if you supplement your direct mail campaign with a digital ad campaign. Direct mail can encourage recipients to explore a company’s website and social media. A consumer who receives a direct mail piece from a business may be more likely to choose that brand if they then see a Facebook ad, as the repeated messaging can reinforce the brand’s presence in their mind. Ultimately, however, the success of any multi-channel marketing campaign depends on keeping your message consistent. You need to know what your brand represents and who your customers are and make sure it’s clear in all your communications with consumers. As mentioned earlier, don’t abandon your email marketing efforts; instead, consider how to make them more effective. In this world of constant messages, combining them with direct mail and digital marketing can help your brand to stand out. Article by Forbes Technology Council Member and President/CEO/CTO of Our Town America, Michael Plummer Jr. Forbes Technology Council is an invitation-only community for world-class CIOs, CTOs and technology executives.  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. […]

Read More…

Dominate Digital with Proven Algorithm Strategies

Written by Brittany N. Johnson
Dominate Digital with Proven Algorithm Strategies Our Town America

Forbes Technology Council — In the ever-evolving realm of digital landscapes, where Google and social media platforms dictate the rules, staying ahead of the algorithm game is crucial. The dynamic nature of algorithms makes it essential to crack the code and soar above the competition. Fortunately, there are proven strategies to make your mark and captivate your desired audience. Brace yourself as we unveil the secrets to combat these ever-changing algorithms and achieve unparalleled success. The Rise of Social Media: A Business Opportunity Social media platforms emerged as the epitome of connectivity, enabling individuals to forge new bonds and share their lives. Soon, businesses seized this opportunity, establishing their online presence and connecting directly with customers. Today, it’s nearly impossible to find a business without a social media footprint. In fact, a staggering 91.9% of U.S. companies with 100 or more employees harness the power of social media for marketing purposes. Navigating the Algorithmic Maze Google and social media giants employ algorithms to sift through the vast ocean of content, ensuring users find the most relevant and engaging experiences. These algorithms, however, are as diverse as the platforms themselves. Search engines factor in user input, search history, website content and quality of links to rank results. Social media algorithms, on the other hand, focus on user interests, past activity and post popularity to deliver personalized content. Cracking the Code: Strategies for Success To ensure your message reaches the widest possible audience, it’s crucial to understand and outmaneuver these ever-changing algorithms. Here are the keys to unlock the potential of your digital presence: Knowledge Is Power: Stay informed about algorithm updates through industry blogs, expert forums and official sources. Continuous learning keeps you one step ahead. Data-Driven Insights: Analyze your website traffic and social media engagement to uncover what resonates with your audience. Identify the platforms that best reach your target market and optimize your efforts accordingly. The Power of Quality: Algorithms increasingly prioritize content that provides genuine value to users. Invest in generating unique, well-written content that educates and inspires readers. This approach sets you apart and fosters social media visibility and engagement. Keywords and Hashtags: Strategically incorporate relevant keywords into your website to enhance visibility in search results. Utilize trending and industry-specific hashtags on social media to expand your content’s reach. Embrace Diversification: Relying solely on one marketing channel or a digital-centric approach is not enough. Embrace traditional methods like direct mail, as they can yield remarkable results. A well-crafted Postcard or New Mover offer delivered to an individual’s mailbox stands out, leaving a lasting impression. Flexibility for Triumph: Algorithms are known to change suddenly, and adaptability is key. Remain agile in adjusting your marketing strategy to align with the evolving digital landscape. Experiment with new tactics and channels while staying true to your brand identity and values. Embark On A Journey Of Success By implementing these battle-tested strategies, you unleash the full potential of algorithms in your favor. Dominate the digital landscape, captivate your target audience and drive unprecedented growth. Embrace the art of algorithm combat and become a true force to be reckoned with. Your triumph awaits! Article by Forbes Technology Council Member and President/CEO/CTO of Our Town America, Michael Plummer Jr. Forbes Technology Council is an invitation-only community for world-class CIOs, CTOs and technology executives.  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. […]

Read More…

Rev Up Your Automotive Marketing: 5 Tips for Gaining New Customers

Written by Brittany N. Johnson
Automotive Marketing Ideas 2023 Our Town America

The automotive/car care industry is constantly evolving and, to stay competitive and retain a robust customer base, car dealers and aftermarket repair shops need to make strategic marketing decisions. Lets explore effective car care business marketing tips to drive traffic and increase sales. By implementing these strategies, you can stay ahead of emerging automotive industry trends and attract new customers to your business. Embrace Emerging Trends: As the automotive industry continues to evolve, it is crucial for businesses to stay updated with the latest trends. Electric vehicles are gaining popularity, and more customers are opting for eco-friendly technology. As a car dealer or repair shop, consider incorporating electric vehicle servicing into your offerings. Additionally, with the increasing digitization of vehicles, investing in the latest diagnostic tools and training your staff to handle software-defined cars can give you an edge over your competitors. New Mover Marketing: One highly effective and cost-efficient approach to building a loyal customer base is through New Mover Marketing. In 2022, 44.3 million people moved, creating a significant market of potential customers. New movers are actively seeking reliable service providers, making them ideal targets for car dealerships and auto repair shops. By offering welcome packages or gift certificates, you can make a memorable first impression on these new residents and increase the likelihood of them choosing your services. Referral Challenge: Referrals are an essential component of any successful marketing strategy. Customers trust recommendations from their friends, family, and online reviews when making purchasing decisions. Encourage your existing customers to participate in a referral challenge by offering incentives for successful recommendations. This not only rewards your loyal customers, but also helps you expand your customer base through word-of-mouth marketing. First-Time Customer Discounts: Everyone loves a good deal, and first-time customers are no exception. Offering discounts or special offers for first-time car buyers or repair service customers shows that you value their business and encourages them to return in the future. These discounts can be a powerful incentive to attract new customers and build lasting relationships with them. Launch a Loyalty Program: To encourage customer retention and repeat business, consider implementing a loyalty program. By rewarding customers with discounts or exclusive benefits after a certain number of visits or purchases, you create an added incentive for them to choose your services consistently. A well-structured loyalty program can increase customer satisfaction and foster brand loyalty. The automotive industry is experiencing rapid changes, and it’s essential for car dealers and auto repair shops to adapt their marketing strategies accordingly. By embracing emerging trends, leveraging New Mover Marketing, encouraging referrals, offering first-time customer discounts, and launching a loyalty program, you can drive new customer traffic and boost your sales. Stay proactive and innovative in your approach to ensure you attract and retain customers in this competitive landscape. If you’re interested in implementing New Mover Marketing strategies and want to drive traffic to your car care business, connect with a local representative from Our Town America. Start welcoming new movers today to gain an edge over your competitors. 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. […]

Read More…

Marketing Ideas to Help Your Burger Joint Stand Out

Written by Brittany N. Johnson
Marketing Ideas to Help Your Burger Joint Stand Out by Our Town America QSR Magazine

QSR Magazine — Local burger joints hold a special place in the community; they’re the perfect place to gather to watch the big game or an easy, quick dinner option when the customer doesn’t want to cook. IBISWorld finds that there are nearly 92,000 burger joints in the country. So, it’s vital that your restaurant uses the best of the best QSR Marketing ideas in order to influence customers to choose them over the other option down the street from them. Direct Mailers These campaigns are a powerful tool for burger restaurants to reach potential customers in their local market. Eye-catching mailers that showcase enticing food visuals and irresistible offers pique the interest of potential customers and encourage them to visit the restaurant. Personalization is key. Segmenting the mailing list based on demographics and preferences ensures the message resonates with the right audience. New Mover Mailers Similar to direct mailers, New Mover Mailers are a great tool to put your restaurant’s name in front of potential new customers. New Mover Mailers provide a unique opportunity to introduce your burger joint to individuals who have recently moved to your area before they check out any of your competition. These people are actively searching for new places to dine and explore, making them receptive to local restaurant suggestions and mailers. By offering a warm welcome and an attractive introductory offer through targeted mailers, you can effectively capture the attention of these potential customers and convert them into loyal customers. Our Town America mails new residents a welcome package filled with one-time-use housewarming offers, such as a gift certificate to a local burger joint. The gift certificate gets them in through your doors. Then, with exceptional customer service, you can earn their repeat business. Lastly, to encourage continued interest, the program sends a follow-up postcard mailer to get them back through your doors. Loyalty Programs Loyalty programs can be a game-changer for your burger joint. As humans, we love that personal connection. By offering rewards, exclusive discounts, and personalized experiences to repeat customers, you build a bond with them that makes them feel connected and appreciated. First, offer a deal when they sign up for the loyalty program or app, so it’s worth their time and effort to sign up. Then, encourage customers to spread positive commentary on your restaurant and incentivize referrals with the loyalty program. Leverage mobile apps or physical loyalty cards to make the program accessible and user-friendly. The mobile app gives you another advertising channel. You can send push notifications to keep you in front of loyal customers. Social Media, Digital Ads and Google Review Engagement In today’s world, it’s crucial for QSRs to meet their customers where they spend their free time — social media. Use location-based digital advertising on Facebook and Instagram to target local customers. Then, engaging with your target audience through platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, you can share mouth-watering images of your burgers, interact with customers in real-time, and build a community around your brand. You can encourage customers to post content of them enjoying your restaurant by offering them deals or chances to win something.  BrightLocal reports that 87% of people checked Google reviews to evaluate local businesses last year. That means a majority of your potential customers will look at what people are saying on Google. Responding to those reviews in a quick, positive manner shows potential customers that you care. To increase the number of your quality reviews, encourage people to leave reviews while they’re at your burger joint.  In the crowded QSR and burger restaurant markets, standing out is essential for your business to thrive. By employing effective QSR marketing ideas, such as direct mailer campaigns, new mover mailers, loyalty programs, digital advertising, and social media engagement, you can carve your niche and attract a loyal customer base. Embrace and show off your brand. Make it authentic and build that relationship with your community. From there, you’ll watch your restaurant become the go-to destination on burger night for locals. Contact us today to reach new customers! 1-800-497-8360 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. […]

Read More…

Dominate the Pizza Market: Unleash the Power of New Mover Marketing

Written by Brittany N. Johnson
Dominate the Pizza Market Our Town America New Mover Marketing

To secure a bigger slice of the thriving pizza market, it is crucial for pizza marketing programs to target new residents with a robust and strategic New Mover Marketing campaign. A Timeless Dinner Staple: Originating in Naples, Italy during the 17th century, pizza quickly became a popular choice for working-class Italians seeking a fast, on-the-go meal. In the 19th century, immigrants brought this delectable dish to American shores. While the birthplace of pizza in America remains debated, its widespread popularity is undeniable. Pizza has cemented its position as a Friday night staple in many households across the country, providing hard-working parents with a well-deserved break after a long work week. Indulgence by the Numbers: According to Packaged Facts, the average American consumes 46 slices of pizza annually, making it a beloved culinary indulgence. Pepperoni and sausage consistently rank as the top two pizza toppings. In fact, pizza joints in the United States are projected to generate a staggering $65 billion in revenue this year alone. Insights into Pizza Marketing: The COVID-19 pandemic has witnessed a surge in eateries offering delivery and curbside pickup, expanding customers’ takeout options. To stay competitive, pizza restaurants must amplify their marketing efforts. Employing a combination of traditional advertising and innovative digital strategies through an omnichannel marketing approach will be instrumental in ensuring the continued success of your pizza joint. Here are some key marketing strategies to incorporate into your lineup. New Mover Marketing: New Mover Marketing enables pizza establishments to reach out to potential customers who have recently relocated to the area. When people move to a new neighborhood or city, they start from scratch and need to establish new routines and connections. By specifically targeting new movers, pizza shops can introduce themselves to potential customers and entice them with attractive incentives to give their pizza a try. Satisfied new customers often refer their friends and family, thereby further expanding the business’ reach. Our Town America, with over 50 years of experience, has excelled in connecting new residents with local small businesses. Our personalized Welcome Package is carefully curated with proven offers designed to delight new movers and foster a loyal following for your restaurant. Once a new resident visits your eatery or places a delivery order, we send a heartfelt thank-you message accompanied by a second offer, ensuring your business stays top-of-mind. With our TruTrak® app, you can conveniently track your return on investment at the point of sale. The owner of East of Chicago Pizza in Lima, Ohio, said that what he likes best about our program is the vast variety of new faces it brings into his business. Once a new face is brought in the door, he says they can keep their customers from there. Harness the Power of Smartphones: With smartphones always within reach, they provide a reliable and effective means to connect with customers. Launching a mobile app simplifies the ordering process for customers, while push notifications serve as timely reminders that it’s a perfect night for pizza. Implementing a text messaging campaign enables hassle-free communication with customers about new deals and menu items. Digital Advertising: Expanding Reach and Driving Sales: In today’s digital age, running targeted online advertisements is crucial for maximizing the reach of your pizza marketing efforts. With the ever-increasing use of smartphones and online platforms, digital ads offer an effective way to reach a vast audience of pizza enthusiasts across various online platforms, such as social media, search engines, and food-related websites. By strategically placing your ads, you can target specific demographics, interests, and geographical locations, ensuring that your message reaches the right people at the right time. Cultivate Customer Loyalty: Given that approximately 43% of Americans enjoy pizza on a weekly basis, implementing a customer loyalty program is a savvy choice. These programs incentivize repeat visits by offering discounts and rewards. Support local charities. Elevate your brand and establish your company as a local community member by supporting local charities. Giving back increases customer loyalty, improves employee retention, and the free publicity drives traffic to your eatery. Learn More About Our Town America Relying on new movers and developments in technology as part of your pizza marketing strategy will help your restaurant stay on top of the competition and provide hassle-free solutions to drive repeat traffic. Inquire now to learn more about Our Town America’s New Mover Marketing and direct mail initiatives. 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. […]

Read More…

How Informed Delivery Can Supercharge Your Marketing Campaigns

Written by Brittany N. Johnson
Informed Delivery Our Town America

Our Town America leverages Informed Delivery to revolutionize your direct mail efforts and provide you with a distinct technological edge. Informed Delivery is a powerful and cost-effective marketing concept designed to help you attract loyal customers and drive sales. What is Informed Delivery? Informed Delivery, introduced by the United States Postal Service in 2014, has captivated residents with its innovative features. It allows individuals to digitally preview their letter-sized mail and efficiently manage packages. By capturing images of the mail with high-speed sorting machines, Informed Delivery sends digital previews to registered residents. After filling out an online request form, users can start receiving notifications within just three days via email, an online dashboard, or the USPS mobile app. Informed Delivery presents an exceptional marketing tool for small businesses, enabling them to generate more impressions, interactions, and invaluable insights. An impressive 25% of the United States population, approximately 54 million people, have registered for Informed Delivery, with nearly 46 million users equipped with email capabilities. By participating in the program, small businesses can include supplementary campaigns that accompany the traditional scanned image. The custom image and URL chosen by the business serve as compelling calls-to-action that have the potential to skyrocket online traffic and elevate brand awareness. The Advantages of Informed Delivery Now, let’s delve into the remarkable advantages of incorporating this focused marketing idea into your direct mail program: High ROI: Informed Delivery takes physical mail to new heights by enhancing its value. It consistently generates higher email open rates compared to traditional email marketing campaigns, building consumer trust along the way. In fact, an impressive 68% of Informed Delivery emails were opened, and it generated a staggering 1.4 billion campaign impressions in 2022, as reported by USPS. Data Insights: As an integral part of the Informed Delivery program, USPS offers a comprehensive mailer campaign portal that allows you to manage your account effectively. By accessing streamlined data and insightful reports, you can accurately gauge the effectiveness of your digital efforts, empowering you to make informed marketing decisions. Easy Implementation: Integrating Informed Delivery seamlessly fits into your existing direct mail strategy. It’s a straightforward extension of your current approach, and its implementation is hassle-free. Additionally, you have the flexibility to target diverse groups based on a variety of demographics, ensuring maximum impact and relevancy. Affordability: The best part about the Informed Delivery program is that it comes at no cost to you. While you’ll need to design the creative materials for distribution, incorporating Informed Delivery into your marketing arsenal is an affordable and accessible way to cultivate a loyal customer base. Shareability: Informed Delivery’s social sharing feature empowers users to share the interactive target URLs they receive on Facebook. Considering that Facebook remains the most popular social media platform with a staggering user base of over 242.86 million in the U.S., this feature serves as a potent catalyst for driving online engagement and expanding your brand’s reach. Our Town America: Pioneers in Direct Mail For over 50 years, Our Town America has been at the forefront of helping small businesses attract and retain loyal customers. Our unrivaled new mover marketing program allows you to reach new residents before they establish loyalties to your competitors. We send an upscale Welcome Package brimming with proven offers designed to entice customers to visit your business. Our direct mail postcards serve as an exceptionally effective medium to deliver your message. Direct mail, known for its affordability, ease of tracking, and ability to target specific demographics, garnered the largest return on investment for letter-sized mailers in 2021, as highlighted by a report released in January by the Association of National Advertisers. Adding Informed Delivery helps bridge the gap between tactile messaging and technology. Smartphones are ubiquitous in our society. A whopping 85% of Americans have a smartphone, giving them easy access to information about local businesses. With just a few clicks, customers can learn about a new business and share it with their friends. Adding a digital component to a marketing effort pays off. A total of 96% of marketers expect to see improvement in the performance of traditional physical marketing when they include a digital component, the ANA reports. With Our Town America, businesses also have the option to run a supplemental digital marketing campaign alongside your new mover marketing or postcard marketing campaign. With taking advantage of Informed Delivery, direct mail and a digital marketing campaign – your business is sure to increase your foot traffic. Learn More About Our Town America Our Town America is ready to help you learn more about the value of these services. Visit www.ourtownamerica.com to launch a campaign and boost sales by adding new residents to your customer base. 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. […]

Read More…

The Power of In-Person

Written by Brittany N. Johnson
The Power of In-Person Marketing Our Town America

While online ordering and digital ads undoubtedly have their place, in-person shopping and traditional marketing techniques remain a powerful, immersive experience. The In-Person Advantage Staying current on the news, finding directions, and completing a shopping list can all be done online with a few clicks, and at least 85% of Americans rely on smartphones to get the job done. Two-day shipping and free delivery make shopping online an attractive option for people who are crunched for time. Technology makes it easier than ever to check boxes off the to-do list. The average American spends 4.5 hours per day on their smartphones, surfing social media, streaming entertainment and online shopping. As we turn to digital services, many small businesses focus solely on digital advertising. Online ads reach customers where they spend the bulk of their time and can be a cost-effective way to get the word out about a brand.  Despite living in a digital world, there’s no replacement for in-person experiences. In-person shopping allows you to make purchases in real-time and experience the product immediately. It removes the guesswork of ordering online, limiting the need to make a return.  The same in-person shopping advantages apply to traditional marketing. Receiving a tangible offer remains one of the most effective ways to get the message out about your brand. Some “experts” may try to tell you we’ve evolved past direct mail. But they’d be wrong. Research reveals Americans would be disappointed if they stopped receiving mail, according to a United States Postal Service study. Across the generations, people perceive direct mail as being more personal. It’s trusted more than email alternatives, and many prefer to read promotional messages via direct mail.  Welcome New Residents Our Town America takes it a step further by focusing on new movers to help you attract new customers and build your loyal customer base. New movers spend more during their first year as they turn their house into a home. A new homeowner of a single-family home spends an average of $9,250 more than an existing resident, according to the National Association of Home Builders.  Recent movers need to secure new doctors, dentists, hair salons and their favorite new grocery stores. They’ll also be on the lookout for their new favorite grocery store, pizza joint and coffee shop. Capturing new movers’ attention before they visit your competitor makes all the difference. Benefits of New Mover Marketing We send new residents a Welcome Package filled with proven offers to local businesses. The gift arrives as they unpack boxes, adjust to new routines and venture out into the community. Let’s explore the advantages of Our Town America’s New Mover Marketing program. Proven offers. We don’t send potential customers discounts. Our proven offers are free gifts designed to entice them to visit your establishment. Once they come through the door, it’s up to you to provide a memorable customer service experience to make them repeat visitors. Clean lists. At Our Town America, our mailing lists are updated each month to remain current. We collect data from at least 11 sources to ensure our lists are accurate and effective. This means no wasted coverage – no lost advertising dollars. High ROI. New Mover Marketing is a cost-effective strategy with a high return on investment. The one-time, upscale mailing makes a lasting impression. Targeted. New Mover Marketing allows you to target new movers. Our other direct mail programs allow you to send your message to customers depending on their income level, location, and household size, and our digital marketing program allows you to hit either or, or both!  Learn More About Our Town America To learn more about making valuable connections with your customer demographic and the benefits of direct mail marketing, find your local Our Town America representative. 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. […]

Read More…

5 Direct Mail Tips for Driving New Business

Written by Brittany N. Johnson
Direct Mail Tips to Drive Business

Direct mail marketing is an efficient and effective method for driving new business to your establishment. Our Town America, the nation’s leading new mover marketing company, compiled a list of the top five direct mail tips to ensure your strategy adds customers from your local community and generates profits. Small business owners wear many hats, from customer service providers to back-office supervisors and visionaries. It’s inevitable that small business owners will face unexpected challenges as their venture grows. Lately, labor shortages are creating headaches for many small businesses. There are more job openings in the United States than people looking for work. Employers are trying to fill nearly 10 million job openings, but there are only 8.6 million people out of work, which puts a crunch on small businesses searching for workers.  In an effort to attract valuable talent, some small business owners may be neglecting their marketing efforts. Rather than experiment with new advertising trends and techniques, small business owners should rely on proven marketing strategies to get the job done and free up time to train and develop new employees. Direct mail marketing provides an interactive advertising tool that offers a tangible touchpoint for customers to learn about your business. Nearly 70 percent of people prefer receiving information about new businesses via snail mail, and 67 percent feel mail is more personal, the United States Postal Service reported. Taking a tried-and-true approach will help your business flourish during this difficult season. Tips to Plan a Successful Direct Mail Campaign Here are five direct mail tips to help drive new business. Personalize Your Message. Direct mail can be personalized to help create relationships with new customers. People are more inclined to respond to one-on-one communication and personalization can lead to better engagement and enhanced success. Send Your Mail to the Right People. Your direct mail message might be eye-catching and personalized, but if it doesn’t reach the right audience, it will not be effective. Businesses need to make sure they are using direct mail marketing lists that convert. Our Town America specializes in new mover marketing and has 50 years of experience reaching new residents. Our Town America gets lists of every individual who has filed an address change in the past 30 days and filters out the duplicates resulting in 95 percent accuracy. This is very important as a clean list means less wasted advertising dollars.  Include a Special Offer. People love a good deal. Providing new customers with an introductory offer will encourage them to visit your business and put them on the path to becoming loyal customers. Direct mailers with eye-popping promotions will generate better results. You can also use codes on your direct mail to track results when customers visit to redeem a special offer. Tracking the success of your initial direct mail piece will allow you to produce even better results in the future.  Reach New Movers. One way businesses can make the most out of direct mail is by reaching out to customers before they form loyalties to other businesses – specifically your competitors. Nearly 20 percent of the United States population moves each year, and new movers are big spenders. New residents spend more during their first year in a new home than existing residents, the National Association of Home Builders reported. While new residents are busy turning their house into a home, Our Town America welcomes them to the community by sending them a Welcome Package filled with proven offers from local businesses. The upscale welcome gift offers exclusivity for your business by only partnering with one business of each type per zip code. We offer an innovative tracking system that allows you to see your return on investment from your smartphone when customers come in to redeem their proven offer. Follow-up. The best time to make a sale is 7-10 days after a potential customer reads your direct mail piece, according to the USPS. Make sure to have follow-up strategies in place to add customers. Our Town America makes it a priority to send a follow-up mailing to new residents who redeem your initial Welcome Package offer. Learn More About Our Town America To learn more about how Our Town America’s New Mover Marketing program and direct mail marketing services can help your small business add new customers, click here: www.ourtownamerica.com.   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. […]

Read More…