Know-How Exchange : Advertising/PR

Maybe skip the flyer and just send a short letter with the pictures. The more personalized and specific to your prospects' needs you can be, the more likely they will be to accept your call and engage with you. A one-size-fits-all flyer is just disposable advertising.

Better if you can use a rifle instead of a shotgun. Do your research and send 10 letters in hopes of closing 2, rather than 1,000 letters and closing none.

I would also go with a personalized letter. The friendlier and more detailed, the better. And yes, visuals will go a long way toward a possible sale.

Try doing a personalized letter on the front side, keep it clear, concise, and easy to read with bullet points for your services and value you offer the clients. Put pictures and testimonials from happy customers on the back.....it's the best of both worlds, saves paper, and saves you money.

Lots of answers above - both pro and con.

If the piece you are developing is made to go into an envelope, then a cover letter would be good. Particularly if you can get good names and then address the letter directly to a person. Then again, the suggestion above of skipping the flier and just putting that info and the photo and all right into the letter.

If the flier you are developing is made to be a stand alone mailer (so not put in an envelope), then a cover letter would ad a lot to your costs. A post card is an example of the simplest stand alone mailer, but this category also includes multiple page pieces and more.

The "old" way is new again, or at least returning as a viable marketing option once again as consumers become inundated with computer pixels and wading through facebook, twitter and emails. Stepping out of the "new" norm once in a while can make sense, even as you reference your web presence/capability. Personalized mail says you care enough to take the time to get to prospects, suspects, and/or customers, and can convey the message that says caring, attentive service will continue. As everyone is saying, personalize it, keep it SHORT and full of benefits. Let your flyer/brochure say quality via the photos. And be sure to get in touch with the follow up contact in a speedy manner. Don't send out so many that you'll be floundering to keep up.

Best,
jag
MarketBase

I was thrilled at all of the responses to my question. I learned something helpful in all of the answers!

I am planning to revamp the flyer, making it more of an information sheet to include a personalized letter mailed on a hand-written envelope.

My next project will be with postcards to specific homeowners with hand-written addresses.

Thanks again for all of the helpful answers.