How to Win More Jobs This Fall with EDDM

Every Door Direct Mail (EDDM) helps small businesses win more jobs by targeting specific neighborhoods. This direct mail marketing strategy involves sending promotional materials to potential customers' residential addresses, allowing businesses to build local brand awareness and stand out from crowded digital channels.

While digital marketing continues to gain traction, the direct mail industry has faced challenges. Recent IBISWorld data reveals revenue has declined at a CAGR of 0.3% over the past five years, reaching an estimated $11.3 billion in 2025. However, this market shift creates a unique opportunity for smart businesses.

As more companies chase digital advertising, physical mail faces less competition, often leading to higher attention rates. Read on to discover how you can win over clients who seek services and make purchasing decisions for their year-end projects this fall.

What Is the EDDM Strategy for Landing More Jobs?

The EDDM strategy revolves around saturating specific areas with promotional materials that showcase your services to potential customers. This approach works well for roofing contractors, medical practices, and real estate professionals who serve local communities.

EDDM allows businesses to select carrier routes based on demographics, income levels, and home values. This targeting ensures your marketing dollars reach the most qualified prospects. For example, a roofing contractor can target neighborhoods with homes built 15-20 years ago. This is when roofs typically need replacement.

Key components of an effective EDDM strategy include:

• Compelling design that immediately communicates your value proposition
• Clear call-to-action with multiple contact methods
• Special offers that create urgency and encourage immediate response
• Professional photography showcasing your best work
• Customer testimonials build trust and credibility

The strategy works because it creates consistent brand exposure within target markets. When prospects need your services, your business name will be familiar and trusted. This recognition factor works better than cold outreach methods, boosting conversion rates.

How Do You Prepare for EDDM Success?

Proper preparation separates successful EDDM campaigns from wasteful spending. Start by analyzing your ideal customer demographics, and then map them to postal carrier routes. The USPS provides detailed demographic information for each route, including average income, home values, and age ranges.

Design preparation requires careful attention to your target audience's needs and preferences. Medical practices might emphasize convenience and expertise, while roofing contractors should showcase before-and-after project photos. Real estate professionals often succeed with market statistics and recent sales data.

Your preparation checklist should include:

• Market research to identify the most promising carrier routes
• Compelling copy that speaks directly to customer pain points
• High-quality images that represent your brand professionally
• Contact information prominently displayed and easy to read
• Tracking mechanisms to measure campaign effectiveness

Timing your EDDM preparation is crucial for fall success. Plan campaigns 4-6 weeks in advance. This allows time for design, printing, and USPS scheduling.

Fall campaigns work best when they arrive just before peak season demands. The timing positions your business as the solution when customers need services most.

Budget preparation involves understanding both direct costs and expected returns. Factor in design, printing, postage, and any special offers you'll include.

Design Tips for Effective EDDM Campaigns

Your EDDM mail pieces should grab attention instantly while clearly communicating your message. Use high-contrast colors and bold headlines that stand out in crowded mailboxes.

Contact information and call-to-action placement are critical for easy response. Place your phone number, website, and primary offer prominently on the front panel. Make sure recipients see how to contact you without searching through cluttered text.

Size and format recommendations help your mail pieces stand out. Choose larger formats like 8.5" x 11" when budget allows, as they create more visual impact than standard postcards. Consider unique shapes or finishes that feel different from typical mail to increase engagement rates.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to see employment growth results from EDDM campaigns?

Most businesses see initial responses within 3-7 days of mail delivery. Peak response occurs in the first two weeks. However, EDDM also creates long-term brand awareness effects that can generate leads months later.

Service businesses often report customers mentioning they "kept the postcard" when calling weeks or months after the initial mailing. This shows the lasting impact of physical marketing materials.

Do I need a permit to send EDDM mail?

No special permit is required for EDDM. However, you must work with a USPS-approved mailing service or handle the process through your local post office. You'll need to complete USPS Form 3587, pay applicable postage fees, and meet specific size and design requirements set by USPS standards.

What's the difference between EDDM and traditional direct mail?

Traditional direct mail requires purchasing mailing lists and addressing each piece individually. EDDM sends to every address on selected carrier routes without needing specific addresses. EDDM costs less per piece but offers less precise targeting.

Traditional direct mail allows personalization and exact demographic targeting. However, it costs significantly more and requires list management and address verification.

Can I track which neighborhoods respond best to my EDDM campaigns?

Yes, you can track neighborhood performance by using unique phone numbers, promo codes, or landing pages for different carrier routes. Many businesses use call tracking numbers or specific URLs for each area to measure response rates. This data helps identify your best-performing demographics and geographical locations.

How often should I send EDDM campaigns to the same area?

Most successful businesses send EDDM campaigns to the same high-performing areas every 6-8 weeks during peak seasons. Consistency builds brand recognition and keeps your business top-of-mind when prospects need your products or services. However, avoid over-mailing, which can annoy recipients and create negative brand impressions.

Ready to Transform Your Fall Business Growth with EDDM? Taradel Can Help

Implementing EDDM campaigns this fall positions your business to capture more jobs during one of the year's most profitable seasons. The combination of targeted reach, cost-effectiveness, and measurable results makes every door direct mail an essential tool for business expansion.

Taradel makes small business marketing easy with budget-friendly direct mail and digital ads solutions. We reach your best prospects through multiple channels, giving you a significant advantage in capturing market share. Start your campaign and discover how our proven multichannel approach can help you design, launch, and track campaigns that deliver real results.