More Businesses Are Choosing Direct Mail… Here’s Why You Should Too

More businesses are turning to direct mail—and for good reason. Direct mail has proven to be a highly effective channel, and the numbers back it up. 

A recent survey revealed that 81% of SMBs plan to maintain or increase their direct mail usage in 2025 (Taradel 2025 Small Business Marketing Survey), continuing a steady trend from 2022 where over 80% of businesses increased or maintained their direct mail efforts each year. The direct mail industry is projected to hit a market value of $73.57 billion by 2026, with 59.4 billion pieces of marketing mail sent in 2023 alone. 

Simply put, direct mail is a reliable, tangible, and profitable marketing tool that businesses of all sizes can leverage.

Why Direct Mail is on the Rise

The growing popularity of direct mail isn’t just a passing trend. There are solid reasons behind its effectiveness, and they all tie into measurable success for businesses:

Direct Mail Leaves a Lasting Impression

Direct mail offers one of the highest returns on investment (ROI) for both big and small businesses. Its tangibility and personal nature make it stick. Unlike digital ads that can be forgotten with a swipe, 36% of people have a designated place at home where they save print ads, making them hard to ignore. This means your direct mail piece has a much longer lifespan compared to a fleeting digital ad.

Additionally, 75% of business mail remains in the home for over four weeks and is revisited an average of five times. That’s five additional opportunities to grab your customer’s attention—an effect you just can’t replicate with digital alone.

Direct Mail Drives Action

It’s not just about being seen; direct mail spurs real, measurable action. Here’s what people have done after receiving direct mail:

• 57% visited the brand’s website
• 53% searched for the brand online
• 46% looked for online reviews
• 38% visited a retail location
• 36% made a purchase

These numbers show that direct mail does more than make an impression—it actively drives customer engagement and conversion, which can lead directly to increased sales.

It Cuts Through the Noise

In today’s digital landscape, consumers are bombarded with ads—the average household receives 157 emails a day, but only 2 pieces of direct mail. This means that your message is far less likely to get lost in a sea of communication when delivered physically. The competition for attention in the mailbox is significantly lower, giving your marketing piece a better chance to stand out.

Direct Mail Holds Attention Longer

When it comes to holding attention, direct mail beats digital by a long shot. Studies show that people spend 108% more time reading direct mail compared to digital ads. Many Americans even dedicate up to 30 minutes to reviewing their mail in one sitting, giving your brand the time it needs to make a lasting impact.

It Builds Trust

Trust is key in marketing, and direct mail naturally fosters it. A whopping 82% of Millennials find print ads more trustworthy than digital ones. Furthermore, 75% say that receiving personal mail makes them feel valued. This personal connection is becoming even more important for younger generations, like Gen Z, who rarely experience the joy of receiving physical mail in our digital-first world.

Easier to Process and Remember

Direct mail requires 21% less cognitive effort to process than digital ads. This means that not only is your message easier to understand, but it’s also more likely to be remembered. In fact, consumers are 70% more likely to recall a brand from a direct mail piece compared to a digital ad, which is a huge advantage when trying to make a lasting impression.

Complements Digital Marketing

The beauty of direct mail is that it doesn’t need to work in isolation. In fact, it amplifies your digital marketing efforts. A study found that consumers spend 30% longer looking at social media ads after being primed by direct mail. This powerful synergy means that your direct mail can act as the perfect springboard for your broader marketing strategy, creating a seamless customer experience across multiple channels.

Conclusion

The numbers don’t lie—direct mail is one of the most effective marketing tools available today. Its ability to drive action, build trust, and complement digital strategies makes it a must-have in your marketing mix. As more businesses recognize the power of direct mail, now is the time to integrate it into your strategy and watch your business soar.

Let’s get started—your next best customer is just a mailbox away!