Why Outsource Direct Mail?

Effective donor mail requires knowledge & skill

Direct mail fundraising is a powerful tool to raise money. But it can be tough for your small, in-house team to manage all the moving parts of an integrated campaign. Here’s why. 

Direct mail fundraising is a science.

 

You need to know a number of principles to make donor mail truly profitable. This includes things like how to:

  • Market to people older than the 18-54 Key Demographic

  • Analyze your data to ask each donor for the right amount

  • Design pieces that printers and the USPS can efficiently process

  • Track current paper and postage prices so you get the best deal

It’s a number game that demands the right audience, right time, right message, and right format.

 If you’re blessed with an in-house direct mail specialist who can do that math, please give them a shout-out right now!

 If you’re not, explore our Basic Appeal Letter service.

Donor mail is also an art.

 

It takes daily practice of basic techniques to become a master painter. When it comes to donation letters, these are the four areas that require regular practice and maintenance: 

Writing

Design

Data

Production

 

Like art, donor mail also tends to buck the status quo. It’s common for nonprofits to think that facts, big words, fancy design, and one-size-fits-all ask strings will sway donors.

But experts know that short emotional copy, simple design, and custom ask amounts – plus a printer experienced in variable data – will bring in the most dollars.

Get to know our expert team, the perfect mix of science and art.

You have “other duties as assigned.”

 

Few nonprofits have the luxury of a dedicated direct response professional or team. You have “other duties as assigned,” from serving your organization’s clients and managing the board to writing grants and stewarding major donors. It’s a lot! And you’re likely going to do those things first before you ever sit down to think about your next donor appeal.

When you outsource direct mail you not only buy expertise, you also buy stability and consistent donor relationships for your organization. Here’s how to convince your boss you need some outside muscle.

“When I need solid, smart, data driven solutions, I contact Abeja.”

— Kate Thoene, Executive Director

 Ready to get your appeal letter done?

Want to do your own donor mail?

Visit our Resources page for helpful tips and guides.