News
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How to keep your Direct Mail data clean (and why it matters more than ever)
Clean data isn’t a “nice to have” in direct mail — it’s the foundation of every successful campaign. Poor‑quality data leads to wasted print, wasted postage, lower response rates, and unnecessary environmental impact. Worse still, it can damage your brand if you continue mailing people who have opted out, moved away, or passed on. The…
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Turning mail into measurable results
Measuring ROI in direct mail is not only straightforward, it’s often the moment when marketers realise just how valuable this channel can be. At its core, direct mail ROI is calculated using a simple formula: profit generated minus campaign cost, divided by campaign cost. But what makes direct mail stand out is the quality of…
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A Turning Point for the UK’s Postal Future
Royal Mail has released its most detailed Quality of Service (QoS) Improvement Plan in years — and it marks a decisive shift in how the Universal Service will operate in a world where customer expectations, parcel volumes and delivery economics have fundamentally changed. For businesses and consumers alike, this plan signals something important: Royal Mail…
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Direct mail: A strategic advantage in a noisy, fragmented digital world.
As the world of digital advertising becomes increasingly crowded, costly and unpredictable, marketers are rediscovering the value of direct mail. Recent insights from industry leaders suggest that physical mail isn’t a nostalgic throwback—it’s a strategic tool for improving targeting, reducing volatility and restoring balance to customer acquisition efforts. Digital Fatigue Is Reshaping Marketing Strategies It…
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Direct Mail Proves Its Staying Power as Marketers Boost Investment
Despite the dominance of digital advertising, new data shows that direct mail continues to deliver exceptional results — and marketers are taking notice. Recent industry research reveals that campaigns incorporating direct mail are 52% more likely to report ROI benefits compared with digital only activity. Engagement remains one of the channel’s biggest strengths, with 80–90%…
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Paper Envelopes vs Recyclable Polythene: Which Should Marketers Choose?
As sustainability expectations rise and postal formats evolve, the choice between paper envelopes and recyclable polythene has become a strategic decision rather than a simple packaging preference. Both materials offer clear advantages — but the right option depends on campaign goals, brand positioning, and practical considerations around cost and performance. Paper envelopes remain the go…
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USO Reform: How Royal Mail’s Changes Affect Direct Mail Planning
Royal Mail is reshaping its delivery model — and it could make direct mail timing more predictable than ever. More reliable landing windows mean smarter planning and stronger campaign attribution. Royal Mail’s Universal Service Obligation (USO) is undergoing significant reform as the organisation adapts to declining letter volumes and changing customer expectations. Annual addressed letter…
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Royal Mail Door Drops
TARGETED REACH GETS RESULTS Door drops can be a cost-effective way to get your leaflets, flyers and brochures directly into customers’ hands. Did you know that around 80% of the UK’s top advertisers use door drops*? Its a fact that 73% are opened, read, filed or set aside for later.* You can use door drops…
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Royal Mail Partially Addressed Mail™
Trial of the Royal Mail Partially Addressed Mail We are very pleased to launch the trial of the Royal Mail Partially Addressed Mail™ service. Royal Mail are aiming to start accepting customer postings from as early as 8 November 2018 and are introducing the service with a great introductory offer of up to 4p per…
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GDPR Information
WHAT IS GDPR? The GDPR comes into force on 25th May 2018. It is not a brand-new regulation, but a necessary evolution to the existing Data Protection Act. It is intended to extend additional protection for individuals and their data, providing greater transparency and control over where their data is saved and used. The ICO…
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Britain’s Oldest Post Box
The post box is something we tend to take for granted – they’re a common sight on our streets and we all know where our nearest one can be found. In reality, the post box hasn’t always been so prevalent – and it’s been subject to a number of changes over the years.
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The Oldest Post Office in the World
Sanquhar Post Office has the exclusive title of oldest working post office in the world. Having been in continuous operation since 1712, the tiny post office has more than a 300-year history.
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Princess Diana Commemorative Stamps
Diana Spencer, Princess of Wales, will long be remembered as one of the most adored members of the British royal family. Diana was born to royalty and in 1981, she became Princess Diana when she married Charles, Prince of Wales. She soon earned the nickname of “The People’s Princess” because people saw her as being…
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The History of Envelopes
Providing privacy and safety for their contents, people have been using envelopes for thousands of years to keep communications secret. Historians believe envelopes were first used by the Chinese in around 3500BC, long before the days of an organised postal service. Early History The envelopes that were first used by the Chinese to keep royal…
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Machin Anniversary
The Machin Definitive 50th Anniversary stamp set has been released to celebrate the golden anniversary of his famous 1967 design of Queen Elizabeth II’s head on modern-day stamps. Machin was one of five artists who submitted designs to the Stamp Advisory Committee in 1965 and his simple portrait was favoured above the others. It was…
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Benjamin Franklin
Benjamin Franklin is remembered as a patriot whose contribution to establishing the United States federal government – in addition to his advancement of the printing industry – led to him being honoured on the first US postage stamp.
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Red Rum and Desert Orchid
Royal Mail has released a new set of commemorative stamps featuring legendary racehorses. Commissioned to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Red Rum’s third Grand National win, paintings by famous equestrian artist Michael Heslop depict Red Rum, Desert Orchid, Brigadier Gerard, Kauto Star, Arkle, Frankel, Shergar – some of the finest in horse racing history.
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History of Direct Mail
The first example of direct mail dates back to the year 1000BC, when an Egyptian landowner wrote an advert on papyrus offering a reward of gold for the return of a missing slave. The advertisement was unearthed in Thebes and is now displayed in the British Museum. Other ancient cultures who tried direct marketing include…
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Google: Direct Mail
Google is the world’s largest internet company, with revenue totalling $89.5 billion in 2016 – £67.39 billion of this coming from advertising revenue. With a market capitalisation of $373 billion, Google ranks first among global internet companies. Beginning with a partnership between two Stanford University students, Sergey Brin and Larry Page, the company has come…
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David Bowie: Commemorative Stamps
Royal Mail has honoured the unique talent and musical innovation of arguably the world’s greatest ever performer by releasing four new, limited edition David Bowie stamps that feature Ziggy Stardust, Earthling, Let’s Dance and Blackstar.
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Our System and Machines for Polywrapping
An ideal way to protect all kinds of promotional items, flyers and newspapers; polywrapping is an economical, fast and efficient method of wrapping and mailing catalogues, brochures, magazines, guides, CDs and books. A cost-effective solution, the plastic wrapping material is lighter than paper envelopes. The benefits Invaluable in the world of direct mailing, polywrapping protects…
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Why Branding is Beneficial for your Business
People nowadays are after the brand rather than the product itself and as more companies revert back to direct mailing, visual appeal has become increasingly important. What is Branding? Branding is the practice of creating your own identity – one that can leave a lasting impression with potential consumers. When starting a business, you must…
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Save Money on Postage Fees by Using Direct Mail
Ever since Royal Mail lost the monopoly on the postal system, stamp prices have been affected; in quantity, size, shape, content of material, quality of data and geographical spread. In 2012, the prices for postage got more expensive when VAT was introduced into the overall cost. It now takes 4 working days for a regular…
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Compelling Factors that Put Direct Mailing Back on the Map
Some of you may think that direct mail (DM) is an outdated channel for one-to-one communication. Just in case you hadn’t heard, it has made a very convincing comeback – and you would be foolish to overlook its powers of persuasion!
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10 Effective Direct Mail Marketing Approaches
The direct mail game has long changed and it’s now time for advertisers and marketers to be more creative, innovative and sincere in their mailing strategies and campaigns. Here are 10 solid tips that can make your direct mail campaign beneficial to both sides – you and the consumers! #1: Know What is Useful for…
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6 Useful Types of Direct Mail and Their Benefits
Businesses who tailor their direct mail campaigns specifically for each purpose, addressing it to a relevant target audience, will save money on mailing costs and guarantee favourable returns. You too can be successful in your direct mail strategies. Take a look at our list of useful direct mail pieces and their benefits: Postcards Postcards are…
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Top Reasons Why Consumers Choose Direct Mail over Email
With the non-stop barrage of irrelevant and unwanted emails, many people are now abandoning their online accounts for good. In fact, a recent research by the Direct Marketing Association revealed that 19 million active email accounts in the UK are reportedly no longer in use. A lot of consumers have made the switch BACK to…
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Christmas Closing / New Year Opening
Just to let you all know that we’ll be closing our doors at 4.00pm on Friday 23rd December and re-opening on 3rd of January for the Christmas break.
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Recommended Last Mailing Dates 2017
Royal Mail Royal Mail (direct) has confirm the following dates: Saturday 17 December (Sorted) Economy Tuesday 20 December 2nd Class Royal Mail (Sorted or Unsorted) Wednesday 21 December 1st Class (Sorted or Unsorted)
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4 Direct Mail Edges that lead to Increased ROI
Today, more pieces of direct mail are being opened compared to 2013. This is based on recent research conducted by Wilmington Millennium, which revealed that a staggering 500 million pieces of direct mail (DM) are now being opened and read – adding £1.6 billion to the channel’s ROI. Interesting Advantage Printed direct mail possesses a…
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4 Advantages of Direct Mail Over Email
Although technology has changed the direct marketing landscape, direct mail continues to make even stronger marketing connections – with enhancements made possible by web technology, etc. Inbox-Sensitive Whether we are talking about the physical or electronic inbox, just how capable are you of reading all the mail you receive? Personal inboxes are chock-a-block with personal…
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Direct Mail Strategies: Know your Recipients!
Businesses are very aware that direct mailing is still alive and kicking, but what keeps it active? The answer lies with the very people that receive and respond to direct mail! Let us explore your recipients and their potential viewpoint – from what they feel, to how they end up on mailing lists and all…
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The Significance of Direct Mailing for the Younger Generation
Today’s new generation of workers or ‘The Millennials’ is known for being completely tech savvy; as they make use of technology for their social and professional needs (i.e. email notifications, texts, daily alerts, instant messaging apps, etc.).
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Postage Price increase 3rd January 2017
Royal Mail have released their access (wholesale service for Postal providers such as Citipost, Whistl, UK Mail) price increases for January 2017 and in line with their communication, new rate cards will be issued to come into effect for anything handed over to Royal Mail from the 3rd January 2017 onwards.
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Direct Mailing: A Reliable Channel for Effective Communication
Although digital marketing has a proven track record for its quick and reliable distribution of creative promotions, it also has its fair share of downsides…. pave the way for direct mailing and its efficiency to deliver adeptly to a target audience. Direct Mail vs. Email With today’s fast-paced technology, people and businesses across the globe…
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Realistic Reminders to Follow in Direct Mailing
Direct mailing is still one of the best ways to reach your target audience. Unlike email blasts, direct mail adds a personal touch to its chosen recipients, resulting in a genuine form of communication that comes directly from the company to its intended readers. To give you a further understanding of how an efficient direct…
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Understanding Bulk Mailing Jargon
Bulk mailing is a brilliant marketing technique but it does include some mail specific terms that you might not be familiar with. Understanding how this can be quite confusing, we have come up with a simple terminology guideline to help you get started. CBC Short for Customer Bar Code – the barcode is an option…
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5 Types of Letter that deliver Maximum Bulk Mailing Benefits
Even today, businesses still rely on bulk mailing for all their marketing needs. While it is indeed a cost-efficient method to employ, the real question should be more about how you can ‘actually’ make use of it as an effective medium that can reach out to your target market — and even attract further customers.…
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Qualities of Effective Direct Mail
As one of the most cost-efficient print mediums, direct mail is an effective means of promoting your products and services. Unlike other advertisements, direct mail has the power to market messages that cannot be emphasised in a few words and the outcome can be easily monitored and assessed. Direct mailing allows you to disclose a…
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5 Ways to Personalise Your Direct Mails
There’s a quote by Marissa Meyer that goes “To me, the future is personalisation.” There’s a reason why marketers urge for more personalised content; people crave it. It makes them feel like their interests and preferences have been considered and frankly, who doesn’t want to be considered?
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Why Direct Mail Marketing Will Never Die
Direct mail marketing is alive and kicking – even though the world keeps introducing new and unique ways to present different products and services to consumers, direct mail marketing is adapting and evolving just as much as any other marketing strategy.
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3 Key Characteristics of Great Printing Companies in Norfolk
The great copywriting genius, Gary Halbert, once said that everybody in the world divides their mail into two piles: the A-Pile and the B-Pile. The A-Pile is where people put all the letters that are (or appear to be) personal, while the B-Pile includes everything else – from brochures to bills to envelopes that clearly…
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A Brief Insight into the History of Direct Mail Marketing
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9 Fascinating Facts about Direct Mail
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Creative Direct Mail Examples That Could Inspire You
Creativity is the key to effective direct mail with clout. Here are some unique direct mail examples that will surely get a great response: 1. CARDBOARD RECORD PLAYER (Sources of Image: http://adsoftheworld.com/) This is perfect for the music industry; implemented in the Griffiths, Gibson and Ramsay Productions direct mail campaign, the package contained a do-it-yourself…
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Things to Avoid When Bulk Mailing
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Guide to Better Direct Mail Design
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Direct Mailing is Still Very Popular
It’s 2016, and a lot of companies have already migrated to Internet-based marketing. However, amidst the unstoppable innovation of modern technology, a tradition persists – Print and Direct Mail. Some may object, “Do people really still use direct mailing?” or “I’d rather use email than direct mail.” It’s understandable for companies to use email solutions;…
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Royal Mail Price Increases 30th March 2015
Further to the earlier than usual price increases that Royal Mail introduced at the start of the year they have given notice that those products not affected at that time will be increasing as of Monday 30th March 2015.
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Royal Mail Help with Mailmark®
The Mailmark system went live in February 2014 and has now processed 32 million mail pieces from 50 of Royal Mail’s larger posting customers.