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Brown Knight & Truscott Blog

Self Mailers explained ...

Apr 29, 2021 4:25:40 PM / by Wendy Barton

Letterbox_SelfMailer

Do you ever feel like you need to ditch the envelope entirely?  Maybe your campaign demands to be seen right out of the mailbox.  When you’re looking to design a direct mail campaign that functions out-of-the-box, a self mailer is one of the most effective options.


 

As its name implies, a self mailer refers to any piece of direct mail that does not require any envelopes.  In lieu of the envelope, this item of marketing material is designed so that the address information and postage can be printed (or affixed) directly onto it.  Self mailers offer a cost effective method of direct mail marketing, with the vast majority being distributed to consumer households. 

 

BKT Logo crop 2 When to consider using a Self Mailer

A self mailer, by its very nature, demands high-quality design to be an effective part of your campaign strategy. While the cost of sending a folded one-page brochure is low, the cost of designing and printing that piece can often off-set those savings.

Harrods_Self_Mailer

You would be surprised what you can do with a single piece of paper when you fold it and print it on both sides!  A folded self mailer is a cost-effective piece of direct mail that can be sophisticated, colorful, and incredibly engaging to your audience.  Once folded, they effectively offer 4 pages of content.

 

Folded self mailers are a great way to maximize your message with a minimum of paper. They’re lightweight, stand out in your audience’s mailbox, and can feature eye-catching designs.

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You probably find self mailers in your mailbox almost every day, but you may not realise what a powerful and cost-effective marketing tool they can be.

 

 

BKT Logo crop 2What are the different types of Self Mailers?

Common folding configurations for a self-mailer include the bi-fold, tri-fold, and four-panel fold. A multi-page document, such as a saddle-stitched newsletter or small booklet, can also be designed as a self-mailer. Technically, a postcard is a self-mailer but is rarely referred to as such.

Paper_Fold-Halfpaper-fold-triPaper_Fold-Roll

BKT Logo crop 2A Money-Saving Alternative

A benefit of self mailers is that they are cheaper than preparing and sending a traditional sales letter or packet. In addition to forgoing the cost of the envelope and the expense of printing multiple pieces, labour time is eliminated to insert contents into an envelope. Also, if your mail piece should require a supplemental component, such as a reply card or coupon, these can be incorporated directly into the self-mailer using easy-to-remove perforations.

 

BKT Logo crop 2Perfect for Mass Marketing

Self mailers have a definite place in the world of direct mail and that is mass marketing a simple message to consumers. Because a self mailer offers immediate visual impact, it is an ideal format for delivering a concise marketing message directly to households. Self mailers are particularly effective when sent to an existing customer base or to those who are already familiar with your brand or offerings.

 

Designing a self mailer can be complicated however BKT has a team of designers that can work one-on-one with you to create a self mailer of any type that will truly stand out from the crowd.  If a self Mailer sounds like something you would like to incorporate into your marketing plan, then contact our Client Services team for more information.

 

Tags: Digital Print, Print, Litho Print, Direct Mail

Wendy Barton

Written by Wendy Barton

Wendy Barton, Marketing Manager at BKT – Brown Knight & Truscott, is a results-oriented leader with 25+ years of experience in driving demand, branding, and thought-leadership strategies for high-growth printing companies.