Why Direct Mail is Still Effective in Today’s Digital Age

In today’s world, digital marketing ads dominate, and direct mail is often forgotten. Most of us can’t use our phone without seeing a myriad of notifications and ads for a product or service. Many businesses believe that digital marketing is more effective due to the level of saturation we see on our devices. However, the exact opposite is true: direct mail is still the top performing marketing method.

Direct mail delivers favorable response rates, generates ROI, and is highly effective at targeting customers and boosting traffic for dealerships.

Direct Mail Marketing: What Is It and What Are the Benefits?

This type of marketing is the practice of sending a physical marketing piece, such as a brochure, postcard, or letter, to a customer’s mailbox. It offers a personal connection with a business’ existing and potential clients.

Mailed marketing pieces allow for customization, enabling businesses to tailor messages to generate higher ROI. This engagement is attributed to the novelty of receiving physical mail and the reduced competition of mailboxes. According to the Data and Marketing Association, up to 90% of mail is opened, compared to only 20-30% of emails. When executed effectively, mail can capture your target audience’s attention and drive them to take action. Unlike digital advertisements that can be easily ignored or forgotten, tangible mail creates a physical connection with recipients.

In addition, fewer businesses utilize direct mail than digital marketing —it’s a less crowded marketing channel. This significantly increases the chances of your message being noticed and making a lasting impression on your target audience.

Why Direct Mail is Superior to Digital Marketing

Per the Association of National Advertisers (ANA), 80% of marketers say direct mail delivers an average of 85-112% ROI, depending on the mail format and data used. Response rates for direct mail easily surpass those of digital marketing channels.

Consumers are also hesitant to click on digital content. With the rise of data breaches, consumers are cautious about sharing personal information over the Internet. Digital marketing has its merits, but is often perceived as an impersonal, or “all-knowing” tactic that faces privacy concerns. Conversely, 70% of consumers see mail as a more personal, unobtrusive, and trusted marketing approach that respects privacy, says Gitnux.

Finally, digital marketing content falls short on personalization or a unique approach. It gathers vast amounts of data in a short time but typically creates content for a broad audience, not targeted content that relates strongly to a single consumer. The personal touch and perception of privacy make mail a superior option. It is effective for customized messaging that resonates with recipients and increased engagement.

Advantages of Direct Mail Marketing for Automotive, Powersports, and RV Dealerships

Any kind of vehicle dealership can benefit from incorporating direct mail into their marketing strategies. Dealer can target specific demographics, such as vehicle types, service need, and individuals who have a factory warranty the expires soon.

One way dealerships can leverage direct mail is by using customized letters to promote the protective benefits of vehicle service contracts sold by the dealership. For instance, such campaigns can highlight the benefits of extended coverage and the peace of mind it brings to vehicle owners. By customizing the message and targeting existing or potential clients in the market for coverage, a dealership can increase their service contract sales while building customer loyalty and retention.

Marketing With a Difference

Even as we embrace digital technologies, direct mail is the most effective and reliable marketing method. Its personalized nature, higher engagement, and strong response rates make direct mail a valuable tool. It stands out among digital ads to offer a level of credibility that’s not easy to replicate online.

Using direct mail offers unique opportunities for vehicle dealerships to connect with customers and drive sales. At APC, we offer automotive, RV, and powersports post-sale marketing programs at no-cost to dealers. These programs market to your customers and educate them about the benefits of buying additional coverage from your dealership.

We encourage dealers and agents to contact us to learn how Automotive Product Consultants can power a post-sale vehicle marketing program that will drive sales and revenue for your dealership. Reach out to us today for a free program demo.

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FAQ’s About Automotive Product Consultants

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With over 24 years of experience in the field, we are well-equipped to help you with more than dealership marketing. These are some of the common questions potential clients ask us.