Print Production: Direct Mail

Learn how to design and send cost-efficient, engaging direct mail campaigns that follow all of the guidelines of the US Postal Service while "pushing the envelope" creatively.

Introduction

• Welcome
• Using the exercise files

1. Physical Requirements for Mail

• Choosing the right format
• Guidelines for cards and postcards
• Guidelines for letter mail
• Guidelines for folded self-mailers (FSM)
• Guidelines for booklets
• Guidelines for flats
• Guidelines for machinable parcels

2. Production Planning

• Classes of mail
• Splurge or save?
• Timing
• Postage
• The address
• Paper choice
• Printing method
• Aspect ratio
• Understanding ZIP codes
• International mail
• Common costly mistakes

3. Designing for Mail

• The components of a mailpiece
• The mailing panel
• The mailing indicia
• Ancillary endorsements
• Designing envelope mail
• Designing reply mail
• Designing postcards
• Designing folded mail
• The Intelligent Mail barcode

4. Envelope Mail

• Envelope styles
• Enclosure size and insertion
• Envelope materials
• Window envelopes
• Creative envelope ideas

5. Mail Prep and Optimization

• Match mail and mail merge
• Tabs and glue
• Mail-sorting basics
• Postal optimization strategy

Conclusion

• Next steps