I used to publish a postcard newsletter called “Marketing Morsels: Direct Marketing Tidbits Full of Wholesome Goodness.” It was a tiny tool I used to build and maintain relationships with my clients.

The other day, I was digging through my tons-o- marketing stuff and came across one of my old tiny, but useful marketing tools. Here are some “Marketing Morsels” that I think will be useful to you:

  • A loyal customer is nine times as profitable as a disloyal customer.
  • The best way to keep tabs on your competitors is to become their customer and see how they treat you.
  • In direct response, the offer is everything. Craft an extremely potent offer before writing your ad or sales letter. Make it an offer they can’t possibly refuse. Don’t complicate your offer; keep it simple.
  • Mail your customers free “gift certificates” in the form of a postcard.
  • Remember, people do not buy your product or service; they buy the benefits of having your product or service.
  • In direct marketing, there are two rules and two rules only; Rule #1: Test everything! Rule #2: See Rule #1.
  • Call your clients and ask them why they do business with you. You’ll discover a few common reasons. Use this information in your headlines and in all your advertising.
  • Repeat your offer and your guarantee on your order form.
  • Whenever possible, give your customers an additional unexpected bonus or gift as a token of appreciation for their business.
  • There are only three ways to grow any business: (1) increase the number of clients you do business with; (2) increase the average units per sale; and (3) increase the number of times you do business with your customers.
  • Force yourself to operate under deadlines.
  • Testimonials add credibility. Use them as much as possible.

    • The beauty of direct marketing is that experts use time-tested methods to get the results their looking for. You don’t have to reinvent the wheel to get results. Just see what has worked in the past and test it!

    I recommend A FANTASTIC resource for using time-tested direct marketing principles – Denny Hatch’s “2,239 Tested Strategies for Direct Marketing Success“.

    Have a great day!

    Craig Valine
    blog@craigvaline.com
    www.CraigValine.com