{"id":29868,"date":"2022-03-29T06:15:10","date_gmt":"2022-03-29T13:15:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.xpressdocs.com\/s\/?p=29868"},"modified":"2024-12-18T09:05:27","modified_gmt":"2024-12-18T16:05:27","slug":"grow-using-targeted-mailing-lists","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.xpressdocs.com\/s\/blog\/grow-using-targeted-mailing-lists\/","title":{"rendered":"4 Steps to Growing Your Farm with Targeted Mailing Lists"},"content":{"rendered":"

4 Steps to Growing Your Farm with Targeted Mailing Lists <\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

One of the best weapons to keep in your real estate marketing arsenal may surprise you. It\u2019s direct mail.<\/span><\/p>\n

But wait, you think, isn\u2019t direct mail outdated? Does it really work? Actually, direct mail is a 16 billion dollar industry<\/a> that seasoned realtors swear by for building up their farms. Direct mail does<\/em> work, and it works even more effectively when you take the time to do it right \u2013 with targeted mailing lists<\/a>. Here are some steps to get you started.<\/span><\/p>\n

1) Determine Your Purpose and Audience<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

First, figure out what your purpose is in sending out a direct mail piece so you can develop the best messaging. Are you running a Just Listed\/Just Sold campaign, or are you wanting to send out a newsletter or seasonal message? Once you\u2019ve determined your purpose, consider who your audience will be. Think through the characteristics of the ideal group of people to receive your postcard. What are their ages? Income level? Family size? If you\u2019d like some guidelines to help you think through this process, check out our buyer persona template<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

2) Design Your Mailing Piece<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

A successful mailing piece has a carefully balanced combination of text, images, contact information, and a CTA, or \u201cCall to Action\u201d that encourages the reader to act quickly on your offer. If designing your own postcard sounds daunting, we can help. Xpressdocs is a leader in providing direct mail storefronts and design tools for the real estate industry. If your company has a platform through Xpressdocs, check to see if pre-loaded, branded postcards are available for you in your storefront. If your company does not have a platform, you can still create a profile through the Xpressdocs website and gain access to dozens of pre-loaded templates. Postcard design? Done.<\/span><\/p>\n

3) Find a Mailing List Provider<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

Now that you\u2019ve figured out your purpose and audience and designed your mailer, it\u2019s time to obtain a mailing list. To get access to a truly stellar mailing list, you will have to pay for it. (If someone is offering you names and addresses for free, they will most likely be outdated and useless.) When looking for a reputable source for your mailing lists, look for a company that tells you exactly where they get their database. For example, Xpressdocs\u2019 database<\/a> is compiled from high-quality, third-party list services including White and Yellow Page directories, public records, catalog purchases, surveys, publications, and state and government sources. The lists are also updated monthly or bimonthly and regularly cleaned using the U.S. Postal Service National Change of Address (NCOA\u00ae), providing you with a clean and accurate database of millions of households and businesses.<\/span><\/p>\n

Also, make sure your mailing list provider allows you to filter your lists based on various criteria, such as these helpful options:<\/span><\/p>\n