0208 915 1103|sales@thesoftwarebureau.com

Why the Metaphorical Pen is Mightier Than the Digital Sword

By |2024-12-04T14:58:01+00:00December 10th, 2024|

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 [...]

Read More

Slow and Steady Wins the Race! DM still Growing

By |2024-12-04T14:53:40+00:00December 4th, 2024|

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 [...]

Read More

Postal Persuasion: How Direct Mail Shaped the 2024 Election and Why Trust Matters

By |2024-11-26T11:52:49+00:00November 26th, 2024|

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 [...]

Read More

Data Hygiene and GenAI

By |2024-11-13T10:55:58+00:00November 13th, 2024|

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 [...]

Read More

How Direct Mail Stands Out Without Overwhelming

By |2024-11-05T18:53:59+00:00November 5th, 2024|

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 [...]

Read More

Data Governance Update: New Data Bill Aims to Shape the Future of the UK Data Landscape

By |2024-10-29T11:02:35+00:00October 29th, 2024|

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 [...]

Read More

Navigating Uncertainty with DM

By |2024-10-22T14:01:19+00:00October 22nd, 2024|

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 [...]

Read More

Totally Mailed It: Marketreach Amplifies Direct Mail’s Enduring Impact

By |2024-10-21T09:19:47+00:00October 21st, 2024|

Marketreach has unveiled a new campaign: "Totally Mailed It which is underscoring the relevance of DM in today’s marketing mix. Whilst it isn't revealing any great secrets, after all we all know direct mail works, it is arming us with fresh ammunition to reinforce that message to our clients. In a world where digital spend dominates, this campaign reminds us why direct mail continues to be a powerhouse in the marketing mix: Tangibility: Physical mail creates lasting impressions, with 33% better recall than digital ads. In a sea of ephemeral content, something you can hold stands out. Personalisation: It's not just about adding a name - it's about relevance. The campaign highlights how tailored messages drive significantly higher engagement rates. [...]

Read More

Why DM is a cocktail party in an envelope

By |2024-10-02T06:37:26+00:00October 2nd, 2024|

In a world where consumers are bombarded by countless messages every day – in fact recent estimates suggest that the average person is exposed to 4,000-10,000 brand communications per day!! So for marketers, cutting through the noise can seem like an impossible task. But there’s a psychological principle that can help your brand stand out: the cocktail party effect. The Cocktail Party Effect: Why It Matters The cocktail party effect refers to our brain’s ability to zero in on relevant information even when surrounded by distractions. In a noisy room, you might not hear every conversation happening around you, but if someone says your name, your attention is instantly captured. The same principle applies to marketing. When a message feels [...]

Read More

The Power of Mail in Consumer Decision Making

By |2024-10-01T08:32:03+00:00October 1st, 2024|

In today's marketing landscape, focusing solely on the first and last touchpoints of the consumer journey is no longer sufficient. According to recent research by Google and The Behavioural Architects, the “messy middle” – the phase between awareness and purchase – plays a critical role in shaping consumer decisions. This chaotic, non-linear phase often involves complex decision-making processes filled with obstacles, such as evaluating numerous choices, comparing options, and validating decisions. The research finds that increasingly marketers are beginning to recognise the importance of guiding consumers through this messy middle to ensure they move toward a purchase. And of interest to all our clients, direct mail, which is often seen as a closing mechanism for direct sales, is proving to [...]

Read More
Go to Top