I was reading in the REVA that a lot of postcards were probably being thrown out and why so many preferred to send out letters, which would be my preference to. My question is how many include a phone number for prospects to call you vs. just putting your web site and email?

In a different thread I had mentioned about my client who wanted a lot of communication via the phone and several of you responded you communicate via email...which is my preference too. Whenever, I've done mailings I always included a phone number, but like so many here, don't want to be tied to my phone.

Just curions and would love to hear how others have been successful with marketing via sending a letter and what you found worked best.

Thanks.

LoriLee

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LoriLee
Executive Virtual Staffing
(web site to come in near future)

As the primary mail opener , I prefer to look at postcards as much less of a time waster. Therefore, I also prefer to SEND postcards.

I sent out one postcard mailing last November (175 cards) reminding new entrepreneurs that their tax deadline was coming up. I printed my business card as the return address:



I had a client call me in February who had kept my card and is now my best client.

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Lily Chambers, The Virtual Office Goddess, LLC
Author "How to Do Your Own Small Business Bookkeeping"

Letters in my opinion are way to wordy.. Most busy business owners don't have time to read through it all to see what you want. Post cards cut to the chase, and are my preference.

I also am guilty of keeping postcards until I'm ready to use the service.

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Tamika R. Johnson, MBA, Principal
administrative partners, llc
www.administrativepartners.net | http://adminpartners.blogspot.com

I always include a phone number, no matter how I advertise my business. I personally can't stand when companies only provide an email address, I want all the contact info so I can choose how I want to correspond.

Yes, I primarily communicate with my clients via email, but that also depends on the client. I have one client who prefers to call, which I don't mind, but she doesn't abuse it either. I always do my initial consults via phone, mainly because I do bookkeeping which usually entails a lot of up front questions so it's easier for me just to talk to them rather than email back and forth. After the initial consult its usually just email, although I have some clients that I do a monthly conference call with.

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Rebecka Melson ~ Virtual Business Services

I've had various people tell me different things in regards to postcards over letters.

People say they prefer postcards over letters because they are something that can be looked at quickly to see if there is any interest. Letters have to be opened and read, and if to wordy a person can lose interest quickly.

And then some people say that letters are better, because you can include more information and appear more professional. Especially if addressed to a specific person in the business.

I personally prefer the postcards. I think you can add more of your own personality with just short, quick pieces of information about who you are and what you do. I've also gotten a better response from them.

Its also been suggested that you should hand-write the addresses instead of using labels, that it appears more personal.

I'm sure others will have other opinions but thats mine and Lily I like your postcard with the business card as return address, nice touch!

And yes do include your phone number!

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Deb Frawley
Gem's Virtual Office

Originally Posted by debs5

I personally prefer the postcards. I think you can add more of your own personality with just short, quick pieces of information about who you are and what you do. I've also gotten a better response from them. Its also been suggested that you should hand-write the addresses instead of using labels, that it appears more personal.

Totally agree, I have gotten a much better response from post cards over letters and an even greater response when hand writing the post to an actual person's attention. One of the people who called me said he called me because he figured we must have known each other because I addressed the post as "Hi Joe"

Yes, include your phone number; I prefer email communication as well but I did include my number on the post card. Some people cannot be bothered going online to your website or sending you an email.

Kim :-)

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Kim Beckers
Online Business Manager

Originally Posted by kimbeckers

One of the people who called me said he called me because he figured we must have known each other because I addressed the post as "Hi Joe" Kim :-)

I like that Kim . Where did you put the "Hi Joe"? On the address itself or the top of the card, or??????

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Deb Frawley
Gem's Virtual Office

I do hope all is going well with your adventure. I am very new to the world of VA's and need some advice. I am making notes as I go along through this website of potential helps when I am ready to launch. The postcard idea is great.


Toni S
Louisiana

I am a postcard sender, too! I just think it catches the eye better. As previously stated, it can be determined quickly whether there is an interest or not. The recipient isn't having to bother to open anything, so it's quick.

I do like the formality of a personalized letter, but I know that it probably doesn't get as noticed - unless maybe you add some pizazz to the envelope that will form some sort of curiousity. I haven't tried that, though.

I've not had a lot of luck with post cards. Stirring up new business in my area is a monsterous challenge. I do see an increase in hits to my Web page, but it hasn't translated into clients.

Considering I live in an area that still considers secretaries and admin support staff as one step above "You want fries with that?" I have my work cut out for me. But I LOVE a challenge!

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Robin A. Holstein
Robin's Desktop Virtual Administrative Services
My Blog