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This article first appeared in Sharpe & Direct, the weekly direct mail marketing newsletter published by Alan Sharpe, direct mail copywriter to businesses large and small.

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How to get prospects to open your direct mail envelopes.

By Alan Sharpe

In direct mail, you have a formidable enemy–the wastepaper basket. Your prospects take one look at your mailing envelope and decide if they will open it or fling it into the trash can (or recycling box). One way to persuade them to open your envelope is to make your envelope irresistible. Here are a few ideas.

1. Unusual colours

Keep your mailing envelopes the same size and weight, just change the colour from white to something different or more daring.

2. Odd size or shape

Send your message in a jumbo-size envelope. Or in a square envelope. Or send your message in a tiny envelope. Just remember that your envelope has to conform to postal regulations for size and shape, and fit through a normal mailbox.

3. Personalization

Put your prospect's name right on the front of the envelope, perhaps in the form of a question: "Hey, Alan, know who offers the lowest interest rates?"

4. Cartoon

Speaking of personalization, put a cartoon on the front of your envelope, and put your prospect's name in the caption (so that one of the cartoon characters is using your prospect’s name in what they are saying).

5. Teaser

Ask a provocative question, give a compelling statistic, feature a gripping photo or use another device that intrigues your prospect and motivates them to open your envelope to satisfy their curiosity.

6. Go plain

Sometimes just a plain old #10 envelope works as well as anything else. IBM discovered in tests that they increased their response dramatically just by putting their logo in the top left hand corner of the envelope. You may increase the number of people who open your envelope by not using your logo, or not mentioning your company name, just your return address.

The secret to irresistible envelopes is creativity and testing. Be as imaginative as you can, and then test your hunches in the marketplace. May you discover many winners!

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Alan Sharpe is a direct mail copywriter. Alan helps businesses generate sales and secure sales meetings with qualified prospects using cost-effective, compelling direct mail marketing. Subscribe to "Sharpe & Direct," his weekly direct mail marketing newsletter at www.sharpecopy.com. Discuss your next direct response marketing lead generation campaign during a free 30-minute telephone consultation with Alan. Book your consultation now by phoning 1 877 SHARPE COPY (742-7732).