Avalon Communications

Los Angeles Direct Mail: Variable Data Printing--The Secret to Personalizing Mail for Each Different Customer in your Database

2010-03-03T15:25:00.000-08:00

If you have ever received a personalized direct mail piece, you can probably understand why it’s response rate is dramatically higher than a “static” piece of mail. First of all, you are immediately greeted by your name, and the imagery and design appeals to your unique tastes. The text is also relevant and personalized to your interests, and the offers seem intuitively created to match your likes, needs, and buying history. The secret behind creating mail pieces that seemingly addresses potential customers individually is done with Variable Data Printing (VDP) and database marketing services, which combine to execute direct mailings personalized to each recipient. Variable data printing is the process of utilizing mail-merge technology to insert information from your database or mailing list into the content of the postcard, magazine or various mailers. A typical mass mailing or bulk mailing is known as a "static" mailing. In other words, everybody on your mailing list gets exactly the same mail piece with no personalization. However, with variable data printing technology, it is possible to personalize each mail piece for the recipient, and this is important because personalization creates the effect of speaking directly to the person.

Let's face it - wouldn't you prefer to be addressed by your name and not "Dear Sir or Madam" when you receive mail? If you answered yes then you are not alone. Nationwide case studies show that almost 70% of people prefer personalized direct mail over standard "static" direct mail which results in the highest mail response rates. Additionally, the study showed that personalization increased response rates by as much as 30%. This means a higher rate of return for your business and marketing plan.

Therefore, let Avalon Communications in Los Angeles make a dramatic difference in your next Direct Marketing Campaign. By using state-of-the-art software, we prepare your mailing in accordance with the latest U.S. Postal Service requirements, which allows us to pass deep postage discounts directly to you. We help companies create personalized direct mail pieces that speak to their prospects and customers every day. Avalon Communications in Los Angeles will help you increase your profits by getting rid of the unnecessary hassles, long turnarounds and extra costs. Whether you need brochures, catalogs, or anything to go into your Direct Mail package, we are committed to providing you with the highest quality, cost-effective, first class service that you can expect with every project. Let us help you grow your business! Contact Avalon Communications today at (310) 644-7777 or visit http://www.avalon-communications.com

Guide to Direct Mail Marketing: Action Steps #1 LISTS

2010-03-01T12:58:00.000-08:00

Even in today's wired world, old-fashioned direct mail has its place in an integrated marketing strategy. A marketing piece sent by e-mail can be deleted before it's even opened, but a postcard sent in the mail will at least get a glance.

Direct mail is a form of communication that allows you to:

Build your brand.

Target consumers by locality, which is harder to do with e-mail.

Measure marketing impact.

Action Steps #1
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Build or buy the best mailing list
Begin by collecting addresses from your existing customers. To expand beyond your current customer base, buy a mailing list from Avalon Communications. You simply pay for the list.
And Mail your Marketing Material (Postcard, newsletter,e.t.c) to your Prospective customers on the list.

EASY EASY EASY

Los Angeles Direct Mail: New Direct Mail Services from Avalon Communications in Santa Monica

2010-02-10T11:48:00.001-08:00

Avalon Communications Direct Mail and Printing would like to announce that it is now offering their direct mail and printing services in Santa Monica, CA. Because of its agreeable climate, Santa Monica had become a famed resort town by the early 20th century. The city has experienced a boom since the late 1980s through the revitalization of its downtown core with significant job growth and increased tourism. Santa Monica is home to the headquarters of many notable businesses, restaurants, bars, and local businesses. Therefore, if you are in Santa Monica, do not let the uncertainty of the economy cause you to cut back on the expenses that you need in order to promote your business to all of the potential customers that Santa Monica has to offer. Direct mail services and direct mail marketing allows companies and other establishments to interact with residents of a certain community such as Santa Monica in order to call the residents to action in some specific way. You probably know that direct marketing and promotion are vital to the survival of your business. It is vital not just to deliver good service to your existing customers, but to continually promote for new customers. This is especially true if your goal is not just to stay at the same level but to expand your business.

Start saving time and money. Our experts will prep your cards for the mail system, helping you secure the maximum available postage discounts and improving deliverability. Avalon Communications has been providing the best direct mail and printing services in the Los Angeles area, and their successful marketing strategies have allowed many satisfied business owners to regain a presence for their business. Avalon Communications success and and demand for its services has caused the company to expand to many other areas in Los Angeles, including Santa Monica.

Let us help you grow your business! Contact Avalon Communications today at (310) 644-7777 or visit http://www.avalon-communications.com

Los Angeles Direct Mail: Direct Mailing and The Rise of Postage Rates

2010-02-02T14:09:00.000-08:00

With the rising cost of postage and paper, the accountability of direct mail as a primary tool for acquiring subscriptions and customers is under pressure. Consumer marketers, however, say that its relevance is as strong as ever. The USPS reported a 3% drop in mail volume for the first quarter of the fiscal year of 2008. This decrease indicated that marketers are reducing mail quantities or eliminating campaigns all together due to the weak economy, shrinking budgets, rising production costs and most importantly, the increased postal rates which at times, can make up the majority percentage of a campaign’s total cost. While the U.S. Postal Service has offered a reprieve to mailers by vowing not to increase rates in 2010, many mailers are still struggling with their expenses. Rates have increased earlier this year, and these increases, combined with the struggling economy, are making it a very difficult year for direct mailers.

Direct mail providers are scrambling for new and more efficient ways to keep their direct mail costs down. One way for direct marketers to do this is that they should consult with their mailer to see if their mail pieces qualify for automation or non-automation rates which are based on the mailing class, dimension and weight of the pieces. Mail pieces that qualify for automation require less manual handling by the USPS, and therefore means a reduction in postage costs.

Reducing mail quantities to achieve budget or eliminating once successful direct mail campaigns should not be the answer or response to the rise in postage rate and costs. Successful marketers have implemented better practices specifically in the area of postal optimization. Despite rising postage costs, it is possible to create successful, cost effective direct mail campaigns by aggressively analyzing mail piece design, mail logistics, data hygiene processes, mail tracking and deliverability. Utilizing effective strategies and best practices combined with technology can enhance conversion rates and the overall economic value of a direct mail campaign. For more information or for a direct mail quote, please contact Avalon Communications in Los Angeles at (310)644-7777, or visit http://www.avalon-communications.com. We offer high quality direct mail services at affordable prices.

Los Angeles Direct Mail: The Importance Of Choosing the Right Mailing Audience

2010-01-25T14:41:00.000-08:00

Direct marketing involves more than marketing messages going through the mail. The most common forms of direct marketing are telephone sales, solicited or unsolicited emails, catalogs, leaflets, brochures and coupons. Successful direct marketing also involves compiling and maintaining a large database of personal information about potential customers and clients. Direct mail then, is a marketing message that's delivered to prospects by mail. Direct response is direct mail that requests a response from the recipient through the mail. Thus, it is a marketing technique in which the seller sends marketing messages directly to the buyer. Unlike other forms of marketing communications, such as TV advertising or placing articles in newspaper, with direct mail you don't have another medium carrying your message for you.

Direct mail is a unique blend of advertising and sales. With direct mail, you have total control over the presentation of your message, and direct mail allows you to present the product or service, make an offer and try to close the sale. Direct mail is used in many different situations, limited primarily by the imagination of the advertiser. Stores typically use direct mail to advertise new products or to distribute coupons. In addition to the simple goal of creating sales by offering products through the mail, direct mail is a tactic used for other marketing goals, such as exposing your product to a larger geographic market. You might also use direct mail sales results as a way to test new markets for store locations. Furthermore, you can obtain qualified leads for follow up. If your product or service is expensive, direct mail may be a cost-effective way to gather qualified prospects.

Although most people are familiar with direct mail to consumers, many businesses also advertise their products and services to other businesses. Business to business direct mail is a particularly lucrative segment of the market; marketers can target their messages to precisely those recipients that are likely to become customers. In the end, direct mail allows companies to isolate their marketing dollars to high-probability prospects and avoid wasting money on those that are likely to be uninterested. Direct mail experts agree - your sales success with direct mail is directly related to the quality of your mailing list. Even the best product or offer will be wasted if your direct mail is sent to the wrong people. For more information on how to reach the most effective audience, please contact Avalon Communications to learn about their direct mailing services and tips at (310)644-7777, or visit http://www.avalon-communications.com

Los Angeles Direct Mail: Ful Service Direct Mail and Fulfillment Services

2010-01-19T10:12:00.000-08:00

A full service mailing company is one that offers not only mailing services but also other services needed to achieve a successful direct mailing endeavor. For example at Avalon Communications in Los Angeles, we offer additional direct mail services such as Personalized postcards and mailers fold-over mailers, tabbed mailers, personalized letter and envelope mailing, specialty mailers with perforated paper, and membership card mailers. We also provide stationary, envelopes, and document material, and marketing and sales support collateral.

If you are going to employ mailing services effectively, you need to make sure you’re getting the maximum impact for a minimal cost. That means making sure your direct mail goes to a specifically targeted audience and getting any available discounts to reduce your postage costs. With our state-of-the-art mailing software and addressing equipment, we not only save you time and eliminate the production headaches, but we can get your mailing directly to your customers faster and for less money. We can help you construct your optimum marketing mix and design your marketing campaign from concept to completion. Regardless of the scope of work or size of the customer base, our professional staff provides un-paralleled service for every direct mail campaign—including product distribution, data management and regular project reporting.

Whether your goal is to reinforce your customer’s loyalty, promote new products, increase sales or attract new prospects, direct mail can be the most measurable, precise and cost-effective solution to reach your audience. At Avalon Communications in Los Angeles, we offer personalized direct mail, fulfillment and marketing services to help corporations reduce costs, increase revenue, reduce cycle time, and build loyalty. Our goal is to offer comprehensive, informative, and straightforward contact services that are easily assessable and functional for all clients. Staying in contact with current customers and partners across multiple channels with direct enhances communication and is priceless when establishing new business relationships. For more information, please contact out direct mail firm in Los Angeles at (310)644-7777 or visit http://www.avalon-communications.com

Purpose of Los Angeles Direct Mail Marketing

2010-01-12T11:37:00.000-08:00

Direct mail is a way of advertising in which advertisers mail printed ads, letters or other solicitations to large groups of consumers, and it is a marketing technique in which the seller sends marketing messages directly to the buyer. Bulk-mail rates are used to lower the cost of the mailing, and targeted mailing lists are used to maximize potential response. Unlike other forms of marketing communications, such as TV advertising or placing articles in newspapers through media relations in Los Angeles, with direct mail you don't have another medium carrying your message for you. With direct mail, you have total control over the presentation of your message.

Advertisers in Los Angeles have found direct mail and printing appealing for a number of reasons. It takes their message directly to the consumer. While consumers might walk away from a television ad or flip past a newspaper ad, they will eventually open their mailbox. Advertisers also like that they can direct their message as narrowly or broadly as they want, using bulk mailing rates. By receiving the mail at home, direct mail puts the advertiser's message in the hands of the consumer at the time the consumer might be likely to read it, along with the rest of the mail.

In addition to the simple goal of creating sales by offering products through the mail, direct mail is a tactic used for other marketing goals. Direct mail will allow you to expose your product to a larger geographic market, such as Los Angeles. Therefore you could use direct mail sales results as a way to test new markets for store locations. Your business can also obtain qualified leads for follow up. If your product or service is expensive, direct mail may be a cost-effective way to gather prospect customers. Therefore, use direct mail to grow your business and attract customers! Avalon Communications in a Los Angeles direct mailing firm providing full printing services, customizes mailing, and much more. For more information, please contact Avalon Communications at 310-644-7777, or visit http://www.avalon-communications.com

The Many Benefits of Direct Mail Marketing: Therefore Why You Should Let Your Business Grow with Direct Mailing in Los Angeles

2009-12-04T14:35:00.000-08:00

Direct mail is one of the most popular marketing mediums for promotions. Each year, thousands of companies use direct mail promotions to drive web traffic, generate leads, attract new business, sell products and services, and more. Why do so many marketers use direct mail marketing tools?

First of all, direct mailing is very benefit driven—it is an efficient use of advertising dollars, it is highly selective, targeted and personalized, very flexible, insures high quality reproduction, and the response is easily measured. In other words, direct mailing provides timeliness, and depending on the complexity of the mailing, a direct mail promotion can be planned, designed and delivered in a week or two. Therefore, direct mail marketers can be timely with their promotions, sending them in conjunction with other marketing promotions or in response to certain market conditions. You can prepare and mail a small promotion within days or weeks. Direct mail is perfect for quickly testing prices, offers, and potential audiences. You have complete control over the media, the audience, and your sevices. Not only is direct mail quicker to prepare, but response time to direct mail is usually quicker as well. You can project the final results of a mailing quickly and accurately. You can build an advertising campaign with more confidence by testing small lists, then building to larger lists. You can also expect dependability from direct mailing. As with any promotion, the key is to ensure maximum delivery of message. With direct mail promotions, you are working with a fairly predictable delivery tool -- the U.S. mail.

Direct mailing will also be versatile and therefore you can personalize it. Not only can letters be personalized via mail-merging techniques, but you can use more informal language in writing your letter and you can direct your letter to the specific interest of the reader. The mail will come in all shapes and sizes, from simple postcards to multi-dimensional shaped mailers. The versatility of direct mail promotions also translates to affordability. You can adjust the quantity and complexity of a direct mail marketing promotion to fit just about any (realistic) marketing budget. In addition, with banner ads, magazine ads, billboard ads, and other similar types of advertising, you will hardly guaranteed a look by your intended audience in Los Angeles. But with direct mail, you can be nearly certain that people in Los Angeles will see your message because they have to pull it from the mailbox and look through it. This kind of visibility is a big benefit of direct mail promotions. One of direct mail's biggest advantages is its ability to make personal one-to-one contact with your prospect. Using carefully developed lists, you can target your mailings more selectively than you can with most other media. However most importantly, Direct mail allows you to build and maintain a list of prime prospects for your future direct mail campaigns, or in other words, build a loyal customer base.
Therefore consider promoting your business today with direct mail marketing! Avalon Communications in Los Angeles can help you get started and lead you toward success! Give us a call and find out more about our direct mail and printing services! (310) 644-7777 or visit

http://www.avalon-communications.com

Avalon Communications Now Providing Direct Mail and Printing Services in El Segundo

2009-11-24T16:29:00.001-08:00

Avalon Communications would like to announce that it is now offering their direct mail and printing services in El Segundo, CA. Therefore, is you are in El Segundo, do not let the uncertainty of the economy cause you to cut back on your expenses used to promote your business. Direct mail services and direct mail marketing allows companies and other establishments to interact with residents of a certain community in order to call the residents to action in some specific way. You probably know that direct marketing and promotion are vital to the survival of your business. It is vital not just to deliver good service to your existing customers, but to continually promote for new customers. This is especially true if your goal is not just to stay at the same level but to expand your business.

Everyone is a little worried about the economy, and figuring out ways to keep promoting or even increasing your promotion during such a time is not easy. In addition, you have to get your message right, which will often require surveying your target public to know what they need and want and what motivates them. But if you figure out how to keep your promotions on going and on a consistent basis, you’ll survive and thrive. Therefore if you are a business in El Segundo, let Avalon Communications help your business gain presense and customers! Direct mail will allow many people at once in El Segundo to be informed about your business. Companies around El Segundo love this method of marketing because it is easy and effective. Consumers love it because it offers them something that they are likely looking to utilize. Direct mail marketing is most likely the most effective marketing tool, even with the advent of Internet marketing. Marketing through email is usually seen as a nuisance by most consumers, but receiving something in the actual postal mail is much more likely to gain someone’s attention.

Avalon Communications has been providing the best direct mail and printing services in the Los Angeles area, and their successful marketing strategies have allowed many satisfied business owners to regain a presence for their business. Avalon Communications success and and demand for its services has caused the company to expand to many other areas in Los Angeles, including El Segundo.

Let us help you grow your business! Contact Avalon Communications today at (310) 644-7777 or visit http://www.avalon-communications.com

The Fastest Approach to Gain Customers

2009-11-17T13:05:00.000-08:00

It is important to maintain the presence of your business amongst your customers and potential new customers, and reaching out to an existing customer is generally known to be far easier than trying to sell to someone who has never heard of you. However, it would be hard even for your current customers to remember your services or to be kept up to date with your business, especially when they rarely need your product or service everyday, or even every week or month. The possibilty for a customer to forget about your business can impact your business, especially if your competitors are cajoling your same customer base. Therefore, the key to keep your customers is to maintain an ongoing communication with them. A good form of communication will have your name and your value of business to your customer engrained in their business plans and endeavors. It also creates a sense of goodwill and thus a morely likely probablity that he will purchase your service and products when he needs it.

The best method to be consistent with keeping in contact with a large base of customers is direct mailing. Direct mail provides an opportunity to inform the customer of the other products and services you offer. Newsletters that include information of value with regard your industry or the customer’s have been successfully used by many. One important part of the formula for keeping customers is the word “ongoing”. You have to mail more than once, and the more regularly you mail, the better. Direct mail will provide you with the most efficient way to mail out different forms of advertisements to your customers, with the choice of mail all up to you. Direct mailing will also keep you in front of your competitors when it comes to how fast your business can you out to potential customers.

Thus being said, studies have shown that speed of delivery is the chief determining factor in whether or not a customer returns to buy more products from you. Speed of delivery is more important than quality, more important than reliability, even more important than customer service. Therefore, with direct mailing, you can be in contact with your customers in the quickest way possible, and thus guarantee more loyalty and business. For high quality direct mailing services, call Avalon Communications today at (310) 644-7777 or visit http://www.avalon-communications.com

Avalon Communications Now Offering High Quality Direct Mail and Printing Service in Manhattan Beach!

2009-11-10T12:27:00.000-08:00

Avalon Communications will now be catering to your printing and direct mailing needs in Manhattan Beach, CA! Avalon Communication has provided direct mailing and printing services to many satisfied customers and businesses, and their success amongst their local neighborhood has promtped them to expand their services to more areas. The owner of Avalon Communications believes that Manhattan Beach is a great area to expand his business services to due to its distinct neighborhoods, beautiful coastlines, and busy commercial zones. There is a main commercial zone located south of Rosecrans Avenue, north of the border with Hermosa Beach, and along both sides of Sepulveda Boulevard.

The Manhattan Mall is located on the southeast corner of Sepulveda Boulevard and Rosecrans Avenue. In addition, Manhattan Beach is a good location to expand to because of many several other, smaller malls and shopping areas, which include a substantial variety of restaurants, shops, service providers, office buildings and other commercial establishments. Many of these local and commercial businesses in Manhattan Beach can thus take advantage of having the best quality and cost efficient direct print and mailing services right in their locality!

Avalon Communications has strived to provide the best quality prints at the most affordable prices. Their commitment is to help you reach your audience with the highest quality products that will positively reinforce your company’s brand image. Avalon Communications provides proactive, customer-oriented sales staff, highly-competitive pricing, high-quality full-color printing, high-speed personalized digital document printing, and especially, full-service list acquisition to assure your project's success.

Contact Avalon Communications today to set your business off to success! Call for a free quote at (310) 644-7777 or visit http://www.avalon-communications.com

Beat the Recession--Advantages of Advertising Locally in Hawthorne

2009-11-03T13:07:00.000-08:00

The current recession has seemingly created a difficult year for local businesses, and the limited cashflow and resources have compelled many businesses to reduce certain expenditures and to find other ways to atttract consumers. However, customers are increasingly looking for local businesses, and therefore taking initiative to create techniques to advertise locally is crucial for reviving business and staying afloat amid the economical downturn. For example, small business owners in Hawthorne have banded together to urge consumers to spend their money closer to home, and many small business owners have stated that these buy-local efforts have helped to insulate them from experiencing the worst of the recession. Spending at local Hawthorne businesses, rather than at chain stores or online, helps the local economies because those firms are more likely to buy from local suppliers and hire local service providers for needs such as accounting.

The success of local campaigns typically relies on three key elements. The first step is to educate consumers about the value of independent businesses in the community. Next, these campaigns give independent business owners a voice in the government and media. Lastly, the campaigns promote shopping at these businesses through advertising. The last factor is key to the success of increasing the customer base of a business. One method is to advertise locally. Local advertising is still powerful because it is focused on the community and has a higher customer conversion rate. In other words, it is well-targeted and is still the strongest way to brand your business. In addition, it is wise to advertise to those who are nearby and ready to convert as new customers or just to remind your loyal customers that you are still in the market.

One of the most efficient way of advertising to a targeted local audience is through direct mail. Mass advertising such as TV, print, and radio can be expensive and is not always an option for small businesses. However, direct mail can focus on a smaller group of individuals who are more likely to respond to your offer, giving you more bang for your buck. Direct mailing is also easy and cost effective, measurable, flexible, and can reach a large audience. You don’t need a big budget to advertise with the mail, and with the help of direct mail experts such as Avalon Communications in Hawthorne, you can easily have your mail designed to your liking. Avalon Communications offers personalized direct mail, fulfillment and marketing services to help corporations reduce costs, increase revenue, reduce cycle time, and build loyalty. Whether your goal is to reinforce your customer’s loyalty, promote new products, increase sales or attract new prospects, direct mail can be the most measurable, precise and cost-effective solution to reach your audience. With the recession, focus on your local market and how to increase local consumer consumption.

You cannot afford to spend your advertising dollars on programs that are not trackable and are not delivering results. Contact Avalon Communications in Hawthorne, CA to request a quote and start building a successful advertisement and direct mailing campaign today!

Call (310) 644-7777, or visit http://www.avalon-communications.com

Choosing the Right Direct Mail Printing Company in Los Angeles

2009-10-26T12:44:00.000-07:00

When it comes to choosing which direct mail printing company to use, it can be quite a predicament to select one out of the myriad of services that each different company offers that would best suit your business needs. Direct mailing companies generally offer a wide range of services, but it is surprsing how much the services vary between each different company. Some companies specialize in a specific aspect of printing, such as postcard printing, while others offer full service printing options. Depending on what kinds of services your business needs, it is best to understand what full-service printing and fulfillment services actually means. Typically, a direct mailing company that offers full-service printing must provide everything needed to create and manage a complete mailing campaign. For example, at Avalon Communications, we offer full service printing options that include:

Direct Mail:
Personalized postcards and mailers, Fold-over mailers, Tabbed mailers, Personalized letter and envelope mailings, Specialty mailers with perforated paper, Membership card mailers

Marketing and Sales Support Collateral:
Brochures, Presentation folders, Kits, Binders, Newsletters

Stationery & Envelopes:
Letterhead, All size envelopes, Business cards, Invitations & announcements

Documents:
Manuals, Conference material, Surveys

We offer everything you need in order to create and deliver successful mailing. We take full responsibility for your projects, from art files on disc and full color printing to completely processing your direct mail packages, all under one roof. In addition, our professional staff provides un-paralleled service for every direct mail campaign—including product distribution, data management and regular project reporting.

As experts in the cost-effective Direct Mail services, we offer timely delivery, the lowest postage rate with a full-service mailing facility in house, allowing your job to be mailed immediately after printing, resulting in faster and more accurate delivery at lower costs.

By doing the research and comparing the services and prices that different companies offer to everything you need from a direct mailer, you will realize that it is difficult to find a company that would actually provide every service that would characterize it as a full service printing firm. At Avalon Communications we offer personalized direct mail, fulfillment and marketing services to help corporations reduce costs, increase revenue, reduce cycle time, and build loyalty. Whether your goal is to reinforce your customer’s loyalty, promote new products, increase sales or attract new prospects, direct mail can be the most measurable, precise and cost-effective solution to reach your audience.

For more information about our services, please visit:

http://www.avalon-communications.com/
1-310-644-7777 (phone)
1-310-973-8928 (fax)

Our new blog!

2009-08-19T17:12:00.000-07:00

Welcome to our new blog! We hope you find it useful and interesting...

Avalon Communications has the best direct mail professionals in the business. We are ready to serve you with your company’s printing, fulfillment and direct mail requirements. We partner with you, working to ensure your success. We specialize in printing, direct mail, and fulfillment in Los Angeles and have been doing it for years.

Feel free to contact us at (310) 644-7777 or visit http://www.avalon-communications.com.