It's funny how personal this world is becoming. Social media has made it easier to connect with one another, including complete strangers. All we have to do is browse a web page to learn more about what people have to say to the world. And then we can interact with them through posts on a Wall, email, blogs, etc. At Darwill, we like to think that direct marketing is simply social media, v1.0. A sender sends a message to the world via the mail, a recipient learns what they have to say, and if interested, interacts with the sender via a phone call visit to a web site or an email. The funny thing is, whether we're talking social media or direct marketing, some very important things have to happen in order for any interaction to take place and results to happen:

1. The connection needs to be made; sender and receiver need to "find" one another


2. The receiver has to be interested in what the sender has to say


3. The receiver has to respond in some way to the sender-they have to "buy" the message and request some type of response.

1. Evaluate Your Current Process and Procedures
   We're people of action, and our first action is always to sit. And listen. We want to hear how you currently develop your direct marketing and what your goals are so we can develop the right ideas to make your process more efficient and save you time and money. We'll also make sure to cover where your current audience data is coming from.


2. Integrate Proven Workflows that Save Time and Money
   Now that we know you a bit better, we can blend the appropriate workflows experience and customer service to do things such as:
   
   
   • Reduce the time, effort and expense that Prepress often sucks up. We can shorten the approval process, ensure proper file prep, reduce the use of costly physical proofs, get rid of rounds and rounds of expensive color correction, and so much more.
   
   
   • Reduce resources spent chasing assets Whether you have thousands of photos, files or other assets we can make accessing them easier. We put them in one centralized, web-based location to provide efficient access and ensure tight control over file usage.
   
   
   • Provide Centralized, On-line Direct Marketing Ordering and Customization Our web-based "shopping" system makes print-on-demand intuitive, easy, and allows you greater brand control while saving you money. You'll gain a clearer picture of your total print expenditures, while allowing your stakeholders to use templates to create effective, targeted direct marketing campaigns.
   
   


3. Review and Enhance Data
   We're data experts. We have dedicated staff that will critically evaluate your current data against your goals for ways to make your data more effective and take the steps to "clean" your information. We also have tremendous list acquisition abilities that we can bring to bear if you don't have data, or to enhance your current information. In our minds, this is a critical step, especially if you want to persuade the right minds to buy your messages.
   
   Through our approach, which results in higher-quality information, we can help you shape an analytics program that helps you measure, evaluate and even quantify the success of your direct marketing initiatives. We'll also take what we learn to shape and tweak ongoing efforts for increased success.


4. Execute a 1:1 Approach Via Online/Offline Integration
   Here's where the direct marketing/social media analogy gets even closer. Through the use of variable data and personalized URLs (purls) we can help your direct marketing become even more personally relevant AND drive recipients to the web for immediate and measurable interaction/action.


5. Leverage Ways to Make Your Creative Work Harder
   You spend a lot of time developing your direct marketing that is intended to get that all-important recipient to open their eyes, minds and wallets. Make sure it's time well spent by inviting us along early in the creative development phase. Not only can we help ensure what's produced meets and exceeds your vision, we can find the ways to do so efficiently and cost effectively.
   
   But that's only the half of it: we have a lot of experience in helping shape the creative to lift results and drive action, including the effective use of variable data. You get beautiful pieces that beautifully deliver on your goals.


6. Pop Your Products; Lift Your Brand
   We've appealed to your left brain, now let's talk to that right brain. True brand and product representation in your direct marketing are key. Color accuracy is critical, photography must sing, event the tactile nature of your pieces must be right. We excel at delivering high-quality printing in order to elevate your brand and maximize the appeal of your products and services.