Three Ways Coffee Can Improve Your Direct Mail Program

by Jason Dreistadt | Feb 6, 2018 | Consulting, Fundraising

Coffee. Java. Joe. Go Juice. Jet Fuel.

Whatever you call it, it’s something that can help get you going in the morning. In our work with clients, we often talk about how a brand is like a cup of coffee. However, today I want to consider how coffee can improve your direct mail program. Let us take a look at three components of a great direct mail program and how they correlate with characteristics of coffee.

Fresh

Have you ever gone to get a cup of coffee from a coffee pot… only to realize that the pot has been on for… well, let’s just say too long? There is a reason coffee pots today have an automatic shut-off.

Your direct mail needs to be fresh and current. You need to take note of the newest trends in direct mail and make sure you are utilizing the best option for your audience. Maybe change up the format from time to time with a different size of paper or envelopes. Do testing to see what resonates the best with your audience. Keep your people coming back for more.

Invigorating

Let’s be honest, most of us drink that cup of coffee (or two or three or twelve) to help us get moving in the morning… or to help provide that extra boost to get through the afternoon…

Direct mail is not just about the “ask” for donations. True, the donation is the desired outcome of direct mail, but that is not the only component. Your first cup of coffee is your appeal letter, where you make the solicitation for the donation. But people also love to be informed about what their donation is accomplishing. Consider a quarterly or monthly newsletter as your second cup of coffee to update the donorbase on what your organization is doing with the donations they receive. This will invigorate your donors and add energy to your direct mail program.

Satisfying

One thing about coffee is that we all have different tastes. There is no good or bad coffee (ok, there is bad coffee, but go with me on this), but really it is one’s own personal taste. Different types of coffee will have a greater appeal to different individuals. We have a Keurig coffee maker in our office and I pride myself in being the K-Cup Barista. But when I go to make my order, I keep in mind that some people prefer the dark roast, some like lighter, some prefer flavored coffee, and then, of course, there’s the tea drinkers.

Your organization is not going to appeal to everyone. Granted, we all want to reach the world with our message. However, we also have to realize that we are just part of the body that is reaching out and each part has its own specific mission – and those who will support that mission. Some people prefer organizations that are bolder than others. Some people like an organization that has a little more flavor. Some people prefer tea. You have to define your target and stay on the mark with your messaging.

So the next time you are sitting back and having a cup of coffee (or tea), think about how your direct mail program can be fresh, invigorating, and satisfying.

Let Infinity Concepts help you take your direct mail program to the next level! Contact us today!