Velocity Direct, LLC

Political consultants consider direct mail to be one of the most cost-effective ways to communicate targeted messages to swing voters. Imagine the possibilities:

• A letter from a senior group assuring likely voters over 60 that your measure is well-designed and cost-effective.
• A brochure about youth recreational opportunities to two-parent households.
• An endorsement card from a popular Democratic official to likely Democratic voters urging them to vote for your measure on election- day.  Whatever the strategy, use direct mail to send powerful, targeted messages to key voting groups.

Types of Direct Mail
There are several different types of direct mail to consider.

Persuasion mail does just that – persuades targeted voters, through copy and images, to support your measure. These pieces communicate key messages and urge readers to vote for a measure. A letter from an elected official, a postcard highlighting endorsements, a full-color brochure filled with photos of threatened lands – all of this is persuasion mail.
Persuasion mail is also used to increase absentee ballot voting among targeted groups. Typically, an absentee ballot application is combined with a persuasion piece and sent to likely supporters. Absentee ballots are a good way to lock in votes among likely supporting groups early.
Educational mail, as opposed to persuasion mail, informs voters about a measure without asking them to vote “yes.” This can be an important way for public agencies and foundations to educate voters about a measure.

Direct Mail Production
Here are some things to consider when designing and implementing your direct mail program:

• Plan ahead. Map out your pieces – format and content, targeted universe, and production timing — in a direct mail plan early in your campaign.
• Get an accurate list of voters. Lists can be obtained from a list vendor – a private, for-profit company that maintains voter files. These “voter counts,” as they are called, provide voter turnout figures and the number of voters in various categories (seniors, Republicans, women, etc.).
• Concept, copy, and photos should be compelling. Use photos and language that convey the importance of protecting land, providing recreational opportunities, or limiting sprawl, depending on your campaign message. Don’t say too much: communicate important factual information without overloading the voter.
• Velocity Direct. Use a reputable printer & direct mail service (local trade associations are extremely helpful). Consider the value of using union printers and of printing the pieces on recycled paper with soy ink. Outline the scope of the print job: piece specifications, quantity, paper stock, number of colors, turnaround time. Outline the scope of the direct mail job: piece specifications, quantity, drop-date. Request written price quotes.
• Time your pieces carefully. When to drop your mail depends on your campaign strategy and mail budget. If you’re only doing a piece or two, drop as close to election- day as possible. If your direct mail plan includes numerous pieces to different target groups, spread these out over the course of weeks, or even months. Time these pieces to reflect current events whenever possible.

Velocity Direct can help manage your campaign large or small. We have expertise in everything we’ve discussed today. We have vast resources to ensure our relationship takes YOU where you need to go. There’s a reason why Velocity Direct is # 1 when it comes to print & direct mail. Our goal is to help you win the race!  Velocity Direct LLC

Source: tpl.org

We here at Velocity Direct know that our economy is tough right now.  We came across this article and thought you may find it helpful.  Ask us how you can economize on your next print or direct mail project.  That is what we do best.  Velocity Direct LLC

1. Wash and reuse foil wrap.

2. Save ‘junk mail’ reply envelopes for filing recipes, receipts, etc. (we do not like to use the word “junk” but we wanted to maintain the article as it was originally intended).

3. Trade things you don’t want with friends, neighbors, relatives.

4. Restrict family between-meal snacks to inexpensive and healthful in-season fruit and vegetables, home-popped corn, raisins, etc.

5. Become a ‘brown bagger’. Take your lunch to work.

6. Save and reuse plastic sandwich bags and paper lunch bags.

7. Tie soap remnants in a piece of nylon net and use as a body sponge.

8. Crumpled up used aluminum foil is ideal for scouring pots and pans.

9. Paper towels are expensive. Use washable cloth dish towels instead.

10. Wash and reuse transparent plastic wrap.

11. Save empty plastic food containers for storing leftovers & freezer use.

12. Don’t throw away anything. Save everything for a future garage sale.

12. Attend movies early when prices are generally lower.

13. Don’t buy expensive gifts. Give exotic home grown plants or bake a cake.

15. Give yourself a home permanent instead of paying top prices at a salon.

16. Consider cutting your family’s hair yourself.

17. Use plastic bread wrappers and produce bags for freezer use.

18. Use washable cloth handkerchiefs instead of expensive facial tissues.

19. Organize a baby-sitting club with friends & neighbors. Take turns.

20. Think in terms of doing it yourself rather than hiring someone to do it, such as home repairs, painting, garden work, cutting the lawn, etc.

21. Swap services with friends and neighbors who can do things you can’t.

22. Take advantage of free recreation, such as picnic areas, libraries, public tennis courts, swimming areas, parks, zoos, etc.

23. If you’re not going out to shop, leave your credit cards at home.

24. Learn about the many bargains at ‘no frills’ discount stores.