2023 USPS Promotional Discounts for Direct Mail Marketing
Expert Advice to Leverage USPS Promotional Discounts for Direct Mail Marketing
USPS has released its 2023 Promotions Calendar, which lists different discounts for varying direct mail methods throughout the year that can increase savings, especially for high-volume mailers. As your direct mail marketing experts, we’re here to give marketers insider advice on leveraging these discounts strategically throughout 2023 to reduce postage cost and test new ideas. By implementing different mailing techniques and materials during their respective promo periods, you can save money while exploring new and exciting mailing options that can cultivate leads and customers, new and old.
What’s New?
Before diving into every discount this year, we’re starting with the new additions and changes to this calendar that will impact direct mail planning for marketers.
Retargeting
September 1st – November 30th
USPS is offering a 5% discount to “incentive marketers to send out a postcard to a recent website or mobile app visitor that didn’t convert.” This offer is a fantastic opportunity for marketers leveraging high-volume direct mail campaigns to retarget specific individuals or companies and reengage with audiences who’ve previously shown interest in your product or offer. This deal effectively saves money for businesses that use direct mail frequently and are interested in retargeting their large lead lists.
Reply Mail IMbA
July 1st – December 31st
This new promotion offers a 3% or 6% discount on mail that contains IMbA static or serialized barcodes and is scanned on the recipient’s return mail, streamlining lead generation as you’ll be alerted when a customer has returned an offer through USPS in advance of receiving the reply mail. IMbA is a newly introduced automated accounting system for Business Reply Mail (BRM) that USPS is encouraging marketers and businesses to adopt through this promotional period and beyond. Taking advantage of this offer can simplify and make current and future direct mail campaigns more efficient.
Tactile, Sensory, Interactive
February 1st – July 31st
If you want to try a different material for your marketing envelopes or packages, here is the perfect opportunity! This 5% discount is awarded to marketers who implement texturized materials or packaging that involves sound or similar tactile experiences aside from plain paper or cardboard. The newest push for this year is to utilize scented packaging! This direct mail marketing method is an exciting way to reach customers by designing mail that customers can’t wait to engage with—all while receiving a discount.
Emerging Technology
May 1st – November 30th
The postal service encourages the adoption of burgeoning technology and for customers to incorporate technologies such as Virtual Reality, Video, Voice Assistance, Near Field Communication, and Digital to Direct Mail in direct mail campaigns. This year also includes new mobile shopping integrations, such as the use of QR codes for directing customers to your service. This offer creates another opportunity to curate a unique customer experience through direct mail while receiving a discount.
Take Advantage of Every Discount
Personalized Color Transpromo
February 1st – July 31st
This program can be utilized to incorporate colorful marketing messages into your bills and statements, effectively transforming transactional mail into promotional pieces. While bills and statements aren’t always the most exciting pieces of mail to receive, incorporating visually appealing marketing messaging in these mailings can be a successful tool for earning repeat business. Earn a 3% discount by incorporating colorful marketing messages into your billing and statement mailings, and earn a 4% discount if incorporating Courtesy Reply Mail or Business Reply Mail®
Informed Delivery®
August 1st – December 31st
Informed Delivery is a powerful tool that seamlessly integrates digital and direct mail marketing for the millions of individuals and companies subscribed to this USPS service. By sending a digital preview of your mail piece to recipients in advance, it enables them to anticipate the arrival of your package and even act on your offer before they physically receive your mail. This process can significantly enhance the effectiveness of your marketing campaign by providing a faster start and increasing the likelihood of customer engagement. In addition, the Informed Delivery program offers valuable incentives, including a 4% discount for discount mailers and a 0.5% discount for eDoc Submitters. By leveraging this technology, businesses can create a more streamlined and effective direct mail campaign while saving money and time.
Getting Started
USPS’ promotions require advance registration and approval before discounts can be issued, so it’s vital to review the deadlines and promotional periods for these offers outlined in its 2023 Promotions Calendar to best plan your direct mail marketing campaigns for this year.
As your direct mail marketing experts and leading print provider, The Phoenix Group has several resources for improving direct mail marketing campaigns that perfectly complement the discounts offered by USPS, including our:
Direct Mail Checklist
Our curated checklist of project and job information your print and mail provider will need to ensure a smooth execution and successful campaign from the start.
Direct Mail Factbook
Find out why marketing professionals are employing direct mail to improve campaign success and turning to print providers for expert guidance and support for leveraging this powerful tool for lead generation and sales.
Next Steps
To apply for the USPS Mailing Promotions, you must register during the time periods outlined in the calendar for each promotion through the USPS Business Customer Gateway (BCG). The BCG will grant your business entrance to the Mailing Promotions Portal, where you’ll submit promotional mail piece samples and have access to supportive resources. For detailed instructions and up-to-date information on all USPS promotions, explore the Postal Pro website.
To receive more personalized assistance and advice on when and how to use USPS Mailing Promotions, speak to a direct mail marketing expert from the Phoenix Group. Contact us today for your personalized consultation.
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