The USPS has unveiled its 2021 Mailing Promotions, continuing its annual initiative to incentivize innovation in direct mail. As in previous years, the USPS is offering postage discounts to companies that incorporate emerging technology, print techniques, services, and creative approaches into their campaigns.
Essentially, the USPS rewards you for developing innovative strategies that can drive higher response rates and engagement while increasing direct mail’s overall value and return on investment.
Here is an overview of the USPS 2021 Mailing Promotions:
For Marketing Mail and First-Class Mail:
Emerging and Advanced Technology
Advancements in mobile and print technology have created new and exciting opportunities to engage your customers. This promotion encourages you to enhance your direct mail campaigns with augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), mixed reality (MR), near-field communication (NFC), Video in Print with shoppable video, and digital voice assistants and smart speakers.
Informed Delivery
Informed Delivery, the omni-channel feature that allows households to digitally preview physical mail and manage package delivery, gives you the opportunity to extend and enhance the mail moment with colorful, interactive campaign components. Companies that participate in Informed Deliver during the designated promotion period will be eligible for postage discounts.
For Marketing Mail Only:
Tactile, Sensory & Interactive
New developments in printing, paper, substrates, finishing techniques, and inks make it possible to do more with direct mail. Create a multi-sensory experience with visual effects, sound, scent, texture, and even taste. Use pop-ups, infinite folds, and other dimensional treatments to make your mailpieces more engaging and interactive. Research suggests these techniques can improve brand recognition and recall.
Mobile Shopping
This promotion encourages you to make the connection between direct mail and mobile simpler and more convenient for online shopping. This is accomplished with a mailing that can be read, scanned, or activated by a mobile device, allowing the user to complete a transaction.
For First-Class Mail Only:
Earned Value Reply Mail
Business Reply Mail, Courtesy Reply Mail, and Share Mail envelopes and cards with Intelligent Mail barcodes are valuable tools for engaging customers. This promotion encourages companies to offer customers a financial incentive to put these mailings back into the mailstream.
Personalized Color Transpromo
Bills and statements don’t have to be dull and drab. You can use colorful marketing messaging and personalize these mailings with variable data printing. This can help you build closer connections with your customers and increase response rates.
Here is a full calendar of USPS 2021 Mailing Promotions.
Keep in mind that each promotion has specific program requirements, registration and approval deadlines, and promotional periods. Qualifying for postage discounts requires careful planning with a direct mail and print partner that knows the USPS inside and out.
Digital Dog Direct has a proven track record in helping clients take advantage of USPS Mailing Promotions each year. To discuss your options and start the planning process, contact us today and unleash the power of Digital Dog Direct.
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