Digital marketing isn’t the only way to reach the Millennial generation. Discover how direct mail plays into the equation.
To drive action among Millennials, companies must learn how to create campaigns that resonate with this demographic.
U.S. Millennial consumers engage with brands via social media follows, website browsing, mobile app usage and text message subscriptions more than their Gen X and baby boomer counterparts—and, in fact, even more than their Gen Z counterparts. [1] It’s natural to assume that this generation is only susceptible to digital media. After all, they were born and raised on the internet.
In this article, we’ll dispel some of the biggest misconceptions about Millennials and their relationship with mail while providing some helpful tips for building a Millennial‑friendly omnichannel campaign.
Millennials are not nearly as print-averse as people may think: One study shows that 74% of them read print books. [2] Research also shows that these digitally engaged consumers are suffering from digital fatigue. In fact, in one survey of Americans, 37% of Millennial respondents said they received marketing emails “way too often,” and 22% said they received “a few too many”. [3]
Print marketing, on the other hand, has the ability to stand out. While Millennials receive hundreds of emails every week, mail comes less frequently. As a result, this age group doesn’t feel the need to tune out the messaging. In one survey of Millennials, 62% of respondents said they had visited a store in the past month based on information received in the mail—more often than Gen Xers or boomers had. [4]
Ideas Worth Implementing: Studies show that Millennials spent more time with physical ads than digital ads. [5] Take advantage of this, and use your mailpieces to create memorable, visually appealing content.
Millennials may be digital natives, but it’s not the only medium they consume. One study shows that 33% of Millennials have an active subscription to a newspaper or magazine. [6] And when they are online, they’re not always responding to digital marketing. Millennials are twice as likely as boomers to use ad blockers. [7] In addition, only 19% of Millennials report opening marketing emails “always” or “frequently”. [8]
Ideas Worth Implementing: Send consumers customized mailpieces. In one study, it was shown that targeting on a 1:1 level increases response rates by 50%. [9]
Though this demographic has grown up in a digital media landscape, they still interact with and enjoy direct mail. In one survey of Millennials, 75% of respondents said receiving personal mail makes them feel special. [10] So opt for a cohesive omnichannel experience. By mentioning social media in direct mail copy, brands can bridge the gap between the print and digital worlds.
Ideas Worth Implementing: Amplify your direct mail by tying in your social media accounts. Simply including a QR Code ® leading customers to one of your social channels can provide an engaging omnichannel experience. [11]
Research has shown the opposite to be true. In one study, it was found that 58% of Millennials worry less about direct mail privacy than digital communications privacy. [12] And Millennials value direct mail in general: 69% of Millennials said they “somewhat” or “very much” like coupons for restaurants, and 65% said they like coupons for retail businesses. [13]
Ideas Worth Implementing: Use direct mail in conjunction with your digital marketing to highlight the most important product information and promotions associated with your campaign.
Wrong. Direct mail has actually been a successful sales driver for this demographic, and studies show that physical ads leave a lasting impression on both younger and older demographics. [14] A truly potent marketing campaign incorporates both digital and print tactics, allowing mail to garner interest and move consumers closer to purchase, be it in-store or online.
Ideas Worth Implementing: Give customers the opportunity to engage with your brand by allowing them to respond to mail via digital channels.
Informed Delivery ® campaigns, for example, not only provide customers with digital previews of their physical mail, but can also include complementary digital offers such as an internet promo code for an item being advertised in your mailpiece.
