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Mailed it! 3 Ways to Market Better During COVID-19

Direct Mail During COVID-19

As we all have learned, many of the strategies that worked before COVID-19 will no longer work now. Direct Mail marketing and Every Door Direct Mail, (EDDM), is proving its worth in the digitally-saturated COVID-19 era. Below are 3 ways to market better during COVID-19 with direct mail to get your brand in front of your customers.

Direct Mail vs. EDDM

A direct mail campaign is perfect for reaching existing customers and allows you to put your message in areas where it will be most effective. EDDM is generic which makes it the right fit to find new customers. Blast your message out to everyone in a specific location to find those who are new to your brand.

3 Ways to Market Better During COVID-19

Mail campaigns can be used to reach existing and new customers. But how are you going to win them over once you’ve reached them? We have a few direct mail best practices to keep your brand top of mind during COVID-19.

Deals

Right now, people are looking for deals. Consumers are still looking for products they need but they are trying to get the most bang for their buck. Highlight your discounts and promotions to help your customers get what they need.

Business Update

Inform customers of your updated business schedule. Generate excitement for your brands by bringing awareness to virtual events and sales. For a personal connection, include a QR code to videos of a representative giving updates on how your business is adapting

Community Outreach

Highlight the help your business is providing during the pandemic and how this benefits your mail recipients. Provide information on opportunities for your customers to partner with your business to expand that help deeper into the community. This is perfect for building goodwill with your customers and position your company as a community partner.

Magna IV has a wealth of experience executing direct mail campaigns. We are well-versed in best practices for direct mail and we can leverage our knowledge in USPS regulations to save you time and money on your campaigns.  Contact us today to get started on your mail campaign or click here to see our direct mail capabilities.

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Phone: 501-376-2397

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    Back in Session: 4 Ways to Ensure a Safe and Successful Return to School

    Safe Return to School

    Like all industries, schools universities and other higher-education institutions have been disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Even as the country reopens, many Americans remain uncertain about stepping foot back on academic campuses, particularly in light of ever-evolving social distancing guidelines. Fortunately, you can help ensure a safe, smooth and successful return to school with these four marketing ideas:

    Signage

    Help alleviate families’ unease by creating and installing signage. From floor decals to vinyl posters, signage can outline your school or organization’s stringent health and safety standards.

    Postcards

    Send a direct mail postcard to current and prospective students with details about your campus’ safety measures, with website links and QR codes for increased digital traffic.

    Admissions Gift Boxes

    Campus tours may be on hold, but you can still engage with prospective students through branded gift boxes featuring apparel, personal protective equipment and other promotional items.

    Magazines

    Use a magazine to share how your campus’ culture has positively changed during COVID-19 so students and alumni alike can stay connected and continue to advocate for your school.

    COVID-19 or not, Magna IV is here to help with your marketing needs to ensure a safe return to school. Contact us today to start your order.

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    Phone: 501-376-2397

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      4 Methods to Boost Non-Profit Fundraising during a Crisis

      The COIVD-19 pandemic has brought with it incredible challenges for non-profit organizations. The biggest of these is the inability to host in-person fundraising events. Despite this setback, non-profits can still reach their donor base in these 4 meaningful ways:

      Email Newsletter

      Email response rates have significantly increased since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. People are more engaged digitally than they have ever been. Email newsletters can be used to inform your donor base of your organization’s current needs and virtual fundraising events your organization is hosting.

      Direct Mail

      Direct mail is able to reach potential donors who may not be digitally connected with your organization. You can inform them of opportunities to give and ways to still be involved during the pandemic. You can include a QR code linked to a landing page to increase digital engagement among potential donors. More info here.

      Cross-media Marketing Campaigns

      Cross-media marketing campaigns combine email newsletters, direct mail, and SMS marketing to deliver your message to your donor base. Cross-media has the unique ability to reach donors through their preferred method, which means a higher response rate. More info here.

      Donation Boxes

      Whether it is large boxes for physical donations like food and clothing, or small boxes to collect monetary donations, donation boxes promote giving and serve as the shipping container for your donation drive.

      Magna IV is here to help. Give us a call or fill out our contact form, and we’ll work with you on your COVID-19 marketing plan.

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      Phone: 501-376-2397

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        4 Ways to Get Customers Back After Reopening

        Get Customers Back

        As businesses and restaurants begin to reopen, some consumers are still reluctant to be out in public. If you want to increase traffic to your restaurant, new signage and promotional items is the way to go. Below are four products Magna IV offers to get customers back after reopening your restaurant.

        Banners

        People are tired of being inside. Many are driving around just to drive around. Catch their attention as they’re cruising down the street with a banner placed on your building or in your parking lot, (it’s not like the parking lot is being used yet). Inform your customers of your reopening date, augmented hours or the new family special.

        A-Frame Signs

        A-Frame signs are a must if your restaurant is located in a pedestrian-trafficked area. The stands are highly visible, eye-catching and allow for promotions to be visible from multiple directions. These also have the added benefit of being in the walking path meaning people have to pay attention to your signage.

        Direct Mail Coupons

        Your customers are stuck inside looking for any reason to get out and do something. Why not send them that reason directly? A direct mail coupon, personalized with their name will entice them to come to your restaurant. These mail pieces can also be used to inform customers of new safety measures, providing them comfort as they begin to venture back out in public.

        Personal Protective Equipment Stations

        Having stations for hand sanitizer, masks and other PPE may not draw in huge crowds, but they will create return customers. Your patrons will see your restaurant being responsible, caring for their health and well-being. Make sure everyone who dines with you knows where PPE is available with directional signage.

        Magna IV is here to help get your customers back after reopening your restaurant. Check out our restaurant solutions page for more ideas. Give us a call or fill out our contact form and we’ll work with you on your COVID-19 marketing plan.

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        Phone: 501-376-2397

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          5 Ways to Connect with Customers During a Crisis

          Life is always throwing curveballs at us marketers, making it harder for us to reach and connect with our customers. The current crisis is throwing a spitball and we’re swinging a broom stick. How do you connect with customers during a crisis when they are making limited trips outside? You meet your customers where they are… at home. Below are five ways you can with limited interaction.

          Email Newsletter

          Email engagement is already up 21%, so I know I’m not speaking for myself when I admit to checking my email about 40 times a day during the COVID-19 outbreak. Put something in their inbox to lift their spirits and remind them you care about their safety and the struggles everyone has during the social distancing era.

          Direct Mail

          Who doesn’t love getting personally addressed mail? You can brighten their day with a simple gesture of personalization. If you really want to be a hero, print some kid’s games on the back so mom and dad can take a break.

          Text Messaging

          Text messages are a great way to share updates with you customer, they want to know when you’re reopening because they need somewhere to go that isn’t home. Tell them your new store hours, updated safety protocols and what they can expect to see when this is all over.

          Branded Care Packages

          If you really want to go the extra mile, send them something they really need. A care package filled with personal protective equipment can really go a long way in assuring your customers your company cares and you’re committed to helping in any way you can.

          Magazines

          Anyone else taken up reading since COVID-19 started? A magazine is a great way to tell your audience how your company is joining the fight against this infection and what you are doing to take care of those in need.

          Things to Remember

          COVID-19 is a unique and delicate experience for everyone. Marketers should heavily scrutinize every action they take.

          • Do not pitch an unhelpful item.
          • If you haven’t sent an e-blast or text message in over a year, try another option. (People will see right through that.)
          • Know your company’s voice and don’t stray from it. Some brands speak lightly, some can’t.

          Magna IV is here to help you connect with customers during a crisis. Check out our cross media marketing page for more ideas. Give us a call or fill out our contact form and we’ll work with you on your COVID-19 marketing plan.

          Contact Us Now for More Information

          Phone: 501-376-2397

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            Magna IV on COVID-19

            Since 1975, Magna IV has prided itself on delivering the most innovative and highest-quality print products and services possible.

            We understand many of our partners have concerns about the impact COVID-19 may have on your business or organization, including your marketing campaigns.

            Let us reassure you. COVID-19 or not, Magna IV remains steadfast in our commitment to you.

            As we have for 45 years, our expert team is prepared to deliver your projects—on time and on budget—all while protecting the health and safety of our employees and customers.

            In accordance with guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control, World Health Organization and federal and state officials, we have closed our facilities to outside visitors, limited on-site personnel and temporarily eliminated non-essential travel. We have also provided our forward-facing staffers with personal protective equipment and added the option for free, no-contact deliveries. We continue to encourage employees to practice good hygiene habits, social distancing and, above all, to remain at home if sick.

            If you ever have any questions or need our assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact our team members who are readily available by email and cell.

            From all of us at Magna IV, thank you for your continued support and partnership.

            Sincerely,

            Kent Middleton

            CEO

            President

            Kristi Dannelley

            Offset vs. Digital Printing

            After days, if not weeks, of hard work, your next print project is coming down the pipeline. Now you must answer the age-old marketing question, “Should I use offset or digital printing?” Don’t let panic mode set in. Magna IV is here to help you weigh the pros and cons. What is Digital Printing? With […]

            6 Ways to Save on Your Direct Mail Campaigns

            Snail mail: a thing of the past or marketing tool of the future? According to a study by the direct mail marketing association, direct mail has a 10-30 times higher response rate than email marketing. As a result, marketing mail is expected to increase an average of 1.89% this year alone. To help customers save on their campaigns, the United States Postal Service recently announced its price changes and promotions for 2020, with discounts set at 2%.

            2020 Postal Promotions

            • Tactile, sensory, and interactive mail piece engagement – Use multi-sensory experiences—from special visual effects to sounds and scents—for a 2% discount from February 1st to July 31st.
            • Emerging and Advanced Technology – Increase response rates with Augmented Reality, Video-in-print or Near Field Communication and receive a 2% discount from March 1st to August 31st.
            • Earned Value – Include a pre-paid postage reply envelope with your Business Reply Mail, Courtesy Reply Mail or Share Mail campaign for a $.02-$.04 credit per piece of mail sent from April 1st to June 30th.
            • Personalized Color Transpromo – Incorporate color and graphics on mailings like monthly statements and bills for a 2% discount from July 1st to December 31st.
            • Mobile Shopping – Add a QR or bar code to route customers to mobile optimized shopping pages, where 87% of recipients are influenced to make purchase, a 2% discount from August 1st to December 31st.
            • Informed Delivery – Incorporate graphics that are hyperlinked to your company’s landing pages in customers’ mail preview notification emails for a 2% discount.

            Direct Mail Services with Magna IV

            Direct mail campaigns are still the most successful way to reach audiences and generate high response and engagement rates. Magna IV’s experienced design and production team can create your direct mail pieces, landing pages and even pre-sort to save you even more at the post office.

            Contact Us Now for More Information

            Phone: 501-376-2397

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              Ultraviolet Printing Enhances Printed Restaurant Collateral

              In our years of experience, we’ve found that restaurant customers are less and less interested in dull and muted printed materials. How do you fix this? Ultraviolet Printing. UV printing produces marketing materials that brand your restaurant with eye-catching colors that enjoy a long lifespan. This versatile printing technique produces quality results on a variety of surfaces such as vinyl, plastic, and synthetics. In addition to those surfaces, ultraviolet printing offers high gloss, matte, and satin coatings. With all of these options available, there’s no reason to continue using anything else but UV printing for your restaurant marketing materials.

              Advantages of UV Printing Services

              UV printing offers advantages to restaurants of all sizes:

              • Ultraviolet printing is ideal for print projects with tight deadlines thanks to the ink being dry when it comes off the press
              • UV printing works with both paper and non-paper substrates
              • There is less of a chance of scratches, fading and blotches as UV-cured ink resists these issues when the printed materials are handled by a person
              • UV printing is environmentally friendly because it does not have harmful substances that can evaporate into the air
              • The final printed product stay vibrant and vivid longer because the ink does not spread since it quickly dries

              Ultraviolet Printing Gets Attention

              Thanks to the sharp, crisp results produced by ultraviolet printing, restaurant printed materials get noticed and grab the attention of those that want to learn more about a restaurant. UV printing provides a look that is three-dimensional along with higher contrast to items as varied as pocket folders, menus, specialty packaging, and postcards that promote the offerings of the restaurant and let customers know about events and specials. Restaurants that want to make a good first impression and stay top of mind to customers utilize ultraviolet printing to create printed materials customers won’t soon forget.

              Put the power of ultraviolet printing to work for your restaurant by contacting our experienced print specialists today.

              Contact Us Now for More Information

              Phone: 501-376-2397

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