Posted by Michelle/AL on 5/10/07 4:12pm
Msg #189735

Just another Gimmick?

I'm always looking for new marketing ideas and I came across one today that I wanted to share. It may sound hokey to some of you but here it goes anyway. A consulting firm sent its client a letter with twenty 2-cent stamps enclosed. The letter was addressed to the decision-maker at the company it it said (more or less) that "we know you are busy and we also know how important it is for us to stay current with the newest postal rates...here are some 2-cent stamps to smooth the transition and save you time..." Do any of you do mailers to your customers?

Reply by MikeC/NY on 5/10/07 4:38pm
Msg #189745

I don't currently do mailings, but this sounds like a fairly creative way to get their attention. Anything that makes you stand out from the crowd is a good thing.

Reply by Laura Vestanen on 5/10/07 6:40pm
Msg #189782

Hi, Michelle

Nice to be writing to you again.

Whenever considering a new marketing technique or tool, always place your mind inside that of the client you want to hire you.

The trick is to be very specific about the client you want to attract.
Loan originators who treat you like gold & makes certain the TC pays you $200 and up?
Boat dealers who need you to do title transfer work at the marina?

For loan work -
What does a LO or a scheduler at a TC think about when looking for an NSA?
*Someone they already used who is professional in work and demeanor.
*If they don't know someone for that coverage area, what directories do they use and what do they want to see on the NSA's profile?
*Someone they have a partnership relationship who has saved their bacon on past occasions. This works especially well with LOs and local TCs.

For non-loan work -
People who need notary services usually need them within a few hours or a day. We are like taxi drivers: no one thinks of us until they suddenly need us.
*Where do these people go when looking for a notary? Yellow pages? Google? Mailbox rental / paycheck advance stores? Banks?
*If they look in banks (or whatever) and general notary services aren't offered, what do they do? (Ask for a referral, of course!)
*If your potential clients use Google to find a notary, what search words do they use? What do they want to see in the results page so they know YOU are the notary they want?

So, finally, my short answer to your question -
Gimmicks don't tend to work in our industry. There are a few exceptions, of course. But your time and money should focus on what will get you top-paying clients who treat you well.

Good luck!

Reply by Michelle_KY on 5/10/07 7:27pm
Msg #189801

Honestly? It does seem pretty cheesy. (Sorry.)

Reply by Michelle/AL on 5/10/07 9:02pm
Msg #189807

Thanks for the input

I appreciate your comments - all of them. I have been in this business for only ten months so I am still figuring out my target market and most effective marketing tools to reach them. I did a mailer about 1-2 months ago and while I haven't received any direct business from them, my phone has been ringing off the hook. (No, I didn't include any stamps, magnets or anything cute. Just the facts: who I am, what I do and how to contact me.)

Reply by MelissaCT on 5/11/07 8:01am
Msg #189835

Most large companies use postage meter so why send stamps n/m

Reply by aatatusko on 5/11/07 11:22am
Msg #189857

I think it is kind of cute, I would add something to the effect, if your company uses a postage meter, please use these for your personal mail. I've never done a mailer but am considering
it as it has slowed down around here.