The Most Important Tool in Your Direct Marketing Arsenal – The Head of a Pin

by Karen Spencer

Pins IllustrationI received two acquisition packages this week that tell me someone out there doesn′t know the secret of the pin.  The pin, yes – not the pen.

It′s a simple rule, really:  Craft an offer that fits on the head of a pin.  Meaning, no matter how busy or unsophisticated your recipient is, she will grasp what you want her to do (and why) in mere seconds.  Because in this day and age, seconds are all we get.

Here are some dos and don’ts to illustrate the point:

DO

  • Craft an offer that fits in a sentence:  $XX will help provide a backpack full of school supplies and food to a child who is starting school with nothing.
  • Showcase your offer on the reply piece with dollar handles that help the donor decide how much they want to give.
  • Utilize important real estate within your package to repeat the offer, such as the P.S. of the letter and involvement devices.
  • Eschew obfuscation.  Your involvement devices should be simple and easy to read.  Be sure copy is uncomplicated and graphics are understated.

DON′T

  • Don′t slavishly place your offer on the outside envelope every time. Test. Test. Test.
  • Don′t wedge multiple offers into one appeal.  If you have three great offers then you have three great appeals!
  • Don′t be scared of leading with your offer in your letter.  Some opportunities are too unique, timely and compelling to bury (i.e., a matching opportunity).

When you make it easy for your recipient to care about your important cause  – and even easier for them to understand how they can truly make a difference – they will get on board.  And the way to do that is through an offer that fits on the head of a pin.

If you have a specific challenge, or a really tricky offer, let′s discuss it. Enter your thoughts in the comments box below.

-Karen Spencer, Senior Vice President, Executive Creative Director, STRATMARK

Bookmark this post on Delicious!Digg this post!

Share your comments:

Add Your Thoughts