The single most important element of your direct mail marketing piece is the request for a response. Here's where you tell prospects what you want them to do, whether it's placing an order, using a coupon or requesting information.

Direct mail fundraising plays a key role in donor retention; after all, it costs about five times more to acquire one donor than it does to retain one! Direct mail works best when it is integrated with digital channels because it gives advocates more ways to engage, donate, promote and support the organization. 

As a small fish in a big, competitive pond, you need proven strategies for growing your customer base and keeping existing customers coming back for more.

Just when you thought all the marketing action was in the digital arena, customers are demonstrating that direct mail is still effective. In fact, if you use the strategies below, it can be MORE effective than online and email messages.

The new postal rates are almost upon us — they start January 27. So if you're planning a mailing in the near future, now's the time to do it.