Automation in 2025
As we approach 2025, a new report reveals that direct mail automation is poised to transform marketing strategies, combining the power of personalisation, efficiency, and sustainability like never before. Recent data from SeQual shows 61% of marketers increased their investment in direct mail automation in 2024, and the trend is accelerating. With the global direct mail automation software market projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 24.3%, reaching $3.99 billion by 2030, the potential for this channel is undeniable. Unlocking New Possibilities with Automation Advances in artificial intelligence (AI) are enabling hyper-personalisation, allowing marketers to tailor messages not just by name but by preferences, behaviours, and even predicted future actions. This level of precision is already [...]
Why the Metaphorical Pen is Mightier Than the Digital Sword
In a world dominated by fleeting notifications and endless scrolling, the enduring impact of the printed word stands out more than ever. The phrase "the pen is mightier than the sword" has become a timeless adage, but in marketing, it might be more accurate to say the pen is mightier than the screen. Direct mail—tangible, thoughtful, and tactile—commands attention and creates connections in ways digital mediums struggle to replicate. The Unique Power of Print: A Cognitive Advantage When was the last time you truly savoured an email? Unlike digital communications, printed materials demand attention in a way that feels immersive and personal. Research consistently shows that the brain processes print differently—and often more effectively—than digital text. For instance, a study [...]
Slow and Steady Wins the Race! DM still Growing
According to a new global industry report by The Business Research Company, the direct mail advertising market is set to grow steadily in the coming years. Valued at $76.68 billion in 2023, the market is projected to rise to $79 billion in 2024, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.0%. By 2028, it is expected to reach $87.93 billion, growing at a CAGR of 2.7%. This consistent growth is a testament to direct mail’s resilience in an era dominated by digital marketing. With response rates ranging from 2.7% to 4.4%—significantly higher than email’s 0.6%—and an average ROI of $4.09 for every $1.27 spent, direct mail remains a vital and highly effective marketing channel. Its longer shelf life and [...]
Postal Persuasion: How Direct Mail Shaped the 2024 Election and Why Trust Matters
It goes without saying that for political campaigning, the choice of communication channels plays a pivotal role in influencing voter behaviour. And according to new research by Marketreach, in collaboration with Thinks Insight & Strategy direct mail played a significant part this year in shaping voting intentions during the General Election. Mail's Influence on Voting Decisions The study reveals that 27% of respondents identified mail as the most influential medium in their decision-making process, surpassing television (24%) and social media (18%). Mail also achieved the highest engagement level at 70%, indicating it is most likely to be read, shared, or discussed. Notably, mail was perceived as nearly twice as trustworthy as other channels, with only 20% associating it with misleading [...]
Direct Mail Enters a New Era with Innovative Measurement Pilot
JICMAIL and Origin, ISBA’s cross-media measurement programme, are joining forces in an exciting mail measurement pilot study, set to take place in Q4 2024. This initiative aims to test how mail exposure can be effectively integrated into Origin's sophisticated cross-media measurement capabilities. This collaboration marks a new era for direct mail, as it positions the channel as a fully measurable, data-driven medium alongside digital and TV advertising. By integrating JICMAIL’s expertise in mail measurement with Origin's cross-media insights, the advertising industry could revolutionise how it evaluates the role of direct mail within broader campaigns. The initiative has the potential to provide advertisers, agencies, and other stakeholders with new insights into how mail campaigns contribute to overall media effectiveness. The pilot [...]
Data Hygiene and GenAI
Working in data hygiene, we know a thing or two about the importance of data quality. As more businesses look to harness the power of GenAI, they too are learning that data quality and hygiene are critical to success. AI systems are only as good as the data fed into them, and generative AI (GenAI) is no exception. BT’s Chief Data & AI Officer, Deepika Adusumilli, recently highlighted that while ideas for GenAI applications are plentiful, turning them into high-impact tools requires rigorous data quality standards. Without clean data, even the best AI strategies struggle—a reminder of the direct mail adage, “rubbish in, rubbish out.” Direct Mail Lessons for GenAI: Data Quality is a Continuous Process The direct mail sector [...]
How Direct Mail Stands Out Without Overwhelming
Further to the good news outlined in the Bellwether for the DM sector, a key finding from the latest Direct Mail Consumer Insights Report shows that direct mailers are spot on when it comes to the amount of mail they send. Consumers today are inundated with brand messages across various channels. Recent research shows the average person is exposed to between 4,000 and 10,000 ads daily! Amid this noise, direct mail holds a unique advantage: it cuts through the clutter without overwhelming recipients. The report reveals that 60% of consumers find the frequency of direct mail communications "just right." Compared to email, digital, and phone marketing, direct mail strikes a balance that resonates well with audiences. It arrives at a [...]
Data Governance Update: New Data Bill Aims to Shape the Future of the UK Data Landscape
It’s been a while since we’ve provided an update on data governance and the long awaited DPDI, because since the election there has been little in the way of news. However, last week it was announced that under the new government, DPDI has morphed into the Data Use and Access Bill. Unveiled by the Department for Science, Innovation, and Technology, this bill is positioned to integrate technology and data protection into the economy’s core, fostering economic growth, streamlining public services, and enriching lives. With an expected £10 billion economic boost projected over a decade, the Bill is set to transform how data is used across sectors. The DMA has actively participated in discussions around the Bill, advocating for provisions that [...]
Navigating Uncertainty with DM
The latest IPA Bellwether Report offers a detailed look at the UK marketing landscape in Q3 2024, showing a significant pause in total marketing budgets. With economic uncertainty surrounding the Autumn Budget, many businesses have opted for caution, leading to a net balance of 0.0% between those increasing and decreasing their marketing spend, down from +15.9% in Q2. However, direct marketing continues to shine, outperforming other channels and demonstrating its value in a volatile environment. Direct marketing, including direct mail, saw one of the strongest upward revisions in three quarters, with an increase of +9.7%, up from +8.9% in Q2. This boost underscores the channel's ability to deliver measurable results and maintain customer engagement even when budgets are tight. While [...]