Why Direct Mail and Digital Marketing Need Each Other

4/15/2025

Facebook, Instagram, email…no question, digital platforms are fantastic for spreading the word about your event. But relying on them alone? That’s where things can fall short. Enter: direct mail. While your inbox may be overflowing and your feed full of scroll-stopping distractions, that custom postcard on the kitchen counter? It’s still doing its job.

Where Digital Falls Short

We’re all plugged in 24/7—but with that connectivity comes content overload. Even the best digital campaigns can get lost in the noise. Here’s what you’re up against:

• Digital blind spots: According to MarketingProfs, 44% of consumers remember a brand after seeing it online. That jumps to 75% after receiving something in the mail.
• Email fatigue: Many people (especially millennials) use separate email accounts just for brand communications. Translation? Your beautifully crafted email might never see the light of day.
• Low ad impact: We see thousands of digital ads a day, but only about 2% manage to grab our attention in any meaningful way.

Where Direct Mail Shines

It may seem old-school, but direct mail delivers—literally and figuratively. It feels tangible, intentional, and trustworthy. And there’s data to back it up:

• Households keep advertising mail for an average of 17 days (SBA).
• 39% of people have a dedicated spot at home for displaying mail.
• Direct mail has an average response rate of 3.7% with house lists—compared to just 0.6% for all digital channels combined (Kantar Millward Brown).

Even better? A study from Bangor University showed that physical materials (like mail) trigger more emotional processing in the brain than digital ones. In short: when people hold your message, they’re more likely to remember it—and act on it.

Team Up for Better Results

The real magic happens when direct mail and digital work together. Postcards can direct recipients to online ticket sales. QR codes can take guests straight to your RSVP form or fundraising page. A printed reminder might be what gets someone to open that follow-up email they almost skipped.

Direct Mail for Nonprofit Campaigns

For nonprofits, direct mail offers a personal, trustworthy way to connect with supporters. Whether you’re promoting an online fundraiser, announcing a raffle, or inviting donors to an upcoming event, postcards can boost visibility and drive action. Pair them with your email or social media campaigns to reach people across multiple touchpoints—and improve your response rate without stretching your resources.

Make Year-End Appeals More Memorable

Year-end is a critical time for nonprofits—and it’s also when inboxes are overflowing. A well-timed postcard can cut through the digital noise and deliver your message directly into supporters’ hands. Whether you’re thanking donors, sharing impact updates, or making one final ask before December 31, a physical reminder can drive action when it matters most.

Perfect for Raffles, Auctions, and Galas

Planning a fundraiser with printed event tickets, a hybrid raffle, or an auction? Postcards are the perfect way to promote your event locally and direct recipients to your online fundraising page, ticketing platform page, or RSVP form. Include a QR code for quick access, and design your mailer to match your event branding for a seamless experience.

Ready to Mix Print Into Your Strategy?

Design and order direct mail postcards for your next campaign in just a few clicks. Choose from a wide selection of customizable templates, then decide what works best for you—upload a mailing list and we’ll handle the printing and delivery, or order printed postcards to use as handouts or send on your own. With fast turnaround and flexible options, it’s easy to add_