Handwritten notes – they’ve been around for centuries, but the big digital boom brushed this direct mail marketing method under the rug. People were caught off-guard by the shiny new toy that was the internet, so direct mail quickly became an “old-timers” marketing choice.
Then, in 2019, the world was hit by a pandemic that screeched everything non-digital to a halt. The human connection we all need disappeared overnight and marketing companies took that as a cue to market more on digital platforms.
Soon people were overwhelmed with anything and everything online. Even Millennials got tired of getting digital advertisements. Psychological changes in how people perceived the online space drove the effectiveness of digital marketing down and a gap filled with a need for human interaction developed.
The real “old-timers” who were around before direct mail was swept away decided to resurrect this age-old marketing tactic and it worked! Today, handwritten notes and direct mail marketing are some of the most effective means of reaching out to consumers, clients, prospects, leads and anyone else you want to connect with.
When Did the Handwritten Note First Appear?
The first handwritten note is said to have been written around 500 BC by Atossa, according to the BU College of Communication. Atossa was a Persian queen who lived in the 6th century BC. She was the daughter of Cyrus the Great, founder of the Persian Empire. Atossa married Darius I and they had six children together.Â
Atossa was known for her great beauty and she was also renowned for her wisdom. She allegedly advised her husband on several occasions and she is even said to have taught him how to read and write.Â
But, what about handwritten notes in this century?
Is Direct Mail Marketing Effective With Consumers?
The effectiveness of direct mail marketing depends on a variety of factors, including the target audience, the offer and the creative execution. However, according to recent studies, direct mail marketing is one of the most effective channels for acquiring new customers and driving loyalty among current customers.
One reason direct mail may be so effective is that it allows you to personalize your message in a way that digital channels can’t match. And because people are bombarded with so much digital advertising these days, they may be more likely to pay attention to a well-executed piece of direct mail.