Direct mail printing is one of the most powerful fundraising tools available today. Nonprofit organizations, churches, schools, community groups, and political campaigns can all leverage this cost-effective and impactful method to raise money for their causes.

Why Should I Use Direct Mail in My Fundraising Efforts?

The simplest answer is: because it works! In fact, direct mail has been shown to outperform most other forms of fundraising – even 10X more than email marketing alone.

Getting direct mail to highly qualified targets with specific and custom content is the key to direct mail’s success. Response rates increase with relevant and personalized messages, and this is possible with direct mail’s technology that reaches the demographics of your likely donors.

Who Should I Target with My Direct Mail Fundraising Campaigns?

As with any marketing strategy, you want to narrow down your target audience to those who are most likely to take action on your specific message.

Identifying Fresh Target Audience for Fundraising Efforts

For example, if you are an organization focused on green solutions and environmental initiatives, it would make more sense to market to those with similar interests, rather than doing a mass mailing to a specific zip code. If you are an organization that focuses on child safety, it would make more sense to market to families and parents, instead of singles.

When thinking about your target audience, consider their:

Motivations: what motivates them to donate, volunteer and share your mission?

Demographics: what is their age range, gender, income and educational level, location, marital and family status?

Psychographics: what are their hobbies, interests, and values?

Consider which of these are most relevant for your organization and use that information to build your list and craft your message.

Keeping Current Supporters Engaged in Fundraising Campaigns

Sending a direct mail campaign to existing or past donors is a great way to keep them engaged with your mission and express gratitude for past contributions. Consider the motivations, demographics, and psychographics of these donors to help you target new ones, as well as to make sure your messaging is still relevant and engaging.

Consider surveys to collect data to find common traits. Even understanding where they shop, shared hobbies, clubs, magazines, or other interests can help. This is especially true if your organization already reaches a niche, such as people with a certain medical condition or belief system. Maybe they are alumni of a specific school, or have another shared experience.

Gratitude, belonging, and personalization, all help drive people to stay engaged with your organization and the great outcomes you both want to see.

Tips for Creating a Remarkable Fundraising Campaign

Use a Highly Relevant Lists

As mentioned, your list, both in-house and purchased lists, are the starting point for any great campaign. The more specific you are, the more relevant you can be, and this results in a better return on investment.

Use Engaging Mail Pieces

Print mailers in color. Use a custom font for a signature on a letter. ALWAYS use the donor’s name. Consider interactive elements such as QR codes to drive up engagement.

Different sizes and textures will also increase engagement and if you need inspiration, we can help with that.

Use a Single and Powerful Call to Action

Tell the prospective supporter exactly what you want them to do, and then make it easy for them to do it.

Want them to register for an event? Give them the registration link.

Scan a QR code? Print it on the mailer.

Send a contribution? Give them an addressed envelope or payment URL (depending on their demographic).

One call to action, rather than many, will produce better results.

Use a Direct Mail Printing Service

A local direct mail printing service will become your one-stop-shop that saves you time and money. They can design your campaign, procure a targeted list, and even stamp, stuff and mail your campaign.

This set-it-and-forget-it strategy will become an ongoing and consistent program, and this also leads to success. Don’t worry about missing deadlines, and instead focus on your mission.

Easy and less time-consuming, a direct mail printing service is worth every penny. Instead of mailing tasks, focus volunteers on mission-driven items like meeting with donors, program participants, or doing other human critical items.

Choosing JET Print and Mail for Direct Mail Printing for Fundraising

Choosing the right printing company makes all the difference. we can inspire ideas, or take your great ideas and bring them to life. From design, to postcards, letters, signs, stickers, promo items, and more, we make your fundraising campaign successful, consistent, and cost-effective.

Let us work with your nonprofit group to meet your donation goals. Contact us today to learn more about using direct mail printing for fundraising.