The world of real estate marketing can be overwhelming, and with so many online options available today, some methods tend to get overlooked. I’m here to help you revive a classic: direct mail. Yes, you heard it right—something tangible that people can hold in their hands. No endless scrolling right past your digital design. I’ve compiled a list of the six best real estate direct mail companies to help you spice up your network’s mailboxes.
- Best for prospecting options: ProspectsPLUS!
- Best for graphic design services: PostcardMania
- Best for building mailing lists: Wise Pelican
- Best for MLS integration: Quantum Digital
- Best for branded templates: Primoprint
- Best for handwritten mailers: Ballpoint Marketing
The Close’s Top Picks for Direct Mail Marketing Services
| Direct Mail Company | Starting Price | Lead Purchasing | Address Verification | The Close Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ProspectsPLUS! | $0.96 per piece |  |  | 4.97 |
| PostcardMania | $0.18 per piece |  |  | 4.96 |
| Wise Pelican | $0.82 per piece |  |  | 4.91 |
| Quantum Digital | $0.13 per piece |  |  | 4.09 |
| Primoprint | $33 for 100 |  |  | 4.07 |
| Ballpoint Marketing | $0.88 per piece |  |  | 3.93 |
ProspectsPLUS!: Best for Prospecting Options
Why I Chose ProspectsPLUS!
ProspectsPLUS! is a one-stop shop for all your real estate direct mailing needs, securing a spot as one of the top lead generation companies for direct mail. It offers training resources to help you get the most out of your prospecting efforts, and you can use its ROI and SOI calculators to plan and budget before creating your real estate mailers. If you don’t have a mailing list, don’t worry—you can create one using its MapMyMail system. This platform sets you up with everything you need for prospecting to reach new clients, stay connected with past clients, and take your real estate business to the next level.
- Mailer selections: You can select from a variety of direct mailers for real estate, such as postcards, flyers, brochures, and door hangers. You also have the option to schedule your campaigns for the entire year, ensuring that you remain top of mind and provide valuable information.
- ROI and SOI calculators: These tools can be super helpful for a better understanding of the scope of the direct mail marketing campaign and proper budgeting.
Example of the ROI Calculator (Source: ProspectsPLUS!)
What I Think Would Improve ProspectsPLUS!
The resources available on ProspectsPLUS! are great for agents who want to thrive with direct mail marketing in real estate. However, integration with CRMs would be a great value-added feature to help agents streamline client communication and outreach. If CRM integration is important to you, check out Quantum Digital.
PostcardMania: Best for Graphic Design Services
Why I Chose PostcardMania
Creating effective direct mail marketing campaigns for real estate can be daunting. But with PostcardMania’s professional graphic design assistance, real estate agents can breathe a sigh of relief. This platform takes the burden off of coming up with ideas every month. Leverage proven strategies from experts and maximize your investment in business growth with a more personalized experience.
- Graphic design services: The design team can create personalized templates or unique designs for your postcard campaign.
- Matching ads for social media: Automatically display matching Google, Facebook, and Instagram ads for the same targeted prospects you mail your postcards to.
Example of a custom real estate agent postcard (Source: PostcardMania)
What I Think Would Improve PostcardMania
Many agents want to avoid fuss with the design process. However, to stay competitive with other direct mail marketing companies, PostcardMania should provide the option for online ordering. Some agents might hesitate to use this service if they can’t place orders quickly and easily without communicating directly with the company. If you prefer ordering online, just head over to Wise Pelican.
Wise Pelican: Best for Building Mailing Lists
Why I Chose Wise Pelican
Founded by real estate agents who understand the importance of standing out in a crowded market, Wise Pelican makes direct mail marketing for real estate easy-breezy. The mailing list system saves time by targeting the right audience and boosting response rates. This gives you a higher chance of securing more seller leads. Whether you sign up for a subscription to take advantage of the additional features or use the platform as needed, you’ll have access to premade and customizable templates that will help you create eye-catching mailers in no time.
- Premade templates: Although there may be fewer options, these templates are specifically designed to be high-converting mailers.
- Mailing lists: Each mailing list is carefully checked against the National Change of Address (NCOA) database and the Coding Accuracy Support System (CASS), certified by the USPS. This ensures accurate addresses for maximum deliverability.
Example of a mailing list platform (Source: Wise Pelican)
What I Think Would Improve Wise Pelican
Real estate agents have a lot on their plate, and sometimes less is more. However, additional direct mail marketing support may benefit agents who are not well-versed in digital design. Whether it be graphic design help or training videos, I think these features could really personalize the experience for some agents. For a more full-service option, visit PostcardMania.
Quantum Digital: Best for MLS Integration
Why I Chose Quantum Digital
If you’re looking for a hassle-free way to manage your real estate mail campaigns, Quantum Digital has what you need. One of the coolest features it offers is the integration with your MLS. This tool automatically pulls all property information, and postcard designs are created for you to order whenever you list or sell a property. It’s almost like having a personal assistant manage your mail campaigns! Although the selection of premade templates may be limited, Quantum Digital’s design tool makes it super easy to create custom templates.
- Automated farming and follow-up: AutoMail enables you to send postcards to your chosen mailing lists effortlessly. Schedule multiple months of postcards to stay top of mind and maintain a great relationship with your clients.
- Synced to MLS: Each postcard also comes with social ads that make it easy for people to respond. And the moment someone interacts with your marketing, you get an email with their info.
Example of Postcard Mailer Process (Source: Quantum Digital)
What I Think Would Improve Quantum Digital
Quantum Digital is best suited for agents who don’t mind custom design; however, some may find it a bit technical. To make things even easier, it could benefit from more predesigned template options. For more template options, visit Primoprint.
Primoprint: Best for Branded Templates
Why I Chose Primoprint
Another one of my picks for the best direct mail companies for real estate is Primoprint. It is sleek and modern and offers various marketing materials such as postcards, flyers, brochures, door hangers, and sell sheets. But what really makes it stand out is its ability to collaborate with your brand. Use this platform as your very own custom marketing portal. Create templates and save them to use whenever you need to mail them. Plus, with its Every Door Direct Mail® program, you won’t even need your own mailing list.
- Business automated platform: This simplifies your order process so you can quickly and easily access your branded templates.
- Advanced mapping tool: Select your exact mail routes and delivery dates, ensuring that you reach your target audience.
Example of Door Hangers (Source: Primoprint)
What I Think Would Improve Primoprint
Since Primoprint is more of a full-service print company, the ordering process requires a bit more attention to detail. This extra step can be tricky for some real estate agents who are unfamiliar with the different paper styles and finishes. If you want a more user-friendly online ordering experience, check out ProspectsPLUS!
Ballpoint Marketing: Best for Handwritten Mailers
Why I Chose Ballpoint Marketing
In this fast-paced digital world, sometimes it’s tough to add a personal touch to your client communications. With Ballpoint Marketing’s direct mail approach, you can combine the convenience of AI with the warmth of a handwritten note. Create a personalized message that connects with your clients with just a few clicks. This unique approach bridges the gap between digital and personal and allows you to use a timeless marketing method.
- Unique marketing: Sending handwritten messages to clients without physically writing them saves time and boosts productivity.
- Tested method: Ballpoint Marketing tested its digital handwritten method in some of the most competitive markets in the US for three years, so agents can rest assured that it works.
Example of an AI-generated handwritten postcard (Source: Ballpoint Marketing)
What I Think Would Improve Ballpoint Marketing
While Ballpoint Marketing has proven to be one of the best direct mail companies for real estate, it does have a limited selection of mailers to choose from. If you’re an agent who wants to combine handwritten notes with other types of digital mailers, you may need to explore other options. For more design options that still have a personal touch, check out Quantum Digital.
FAQs
Is direct mail effective in real estate?
Direct mail can be very effective, but it is a long game. When done consistently, it can increase business. Stay the course, and don’t be afraid to try new content on your mailers. You can use direct mail tools in your real estate farming when canvassing neighborhoods for new leads.
What should I send as a direct mail campaign?
It’s always nice to send seasonal mailers, but I recommend mixing them up with ones that show your value, such as market and neighborhood stats or community news. You can also offer free home valuations to try and secure an appointment.
What is a major disadvantage of direct mail?
Sending mailers can become costly, cutting into consistency. To stay on track, try budgeting and setting money aside to allocate to your marketing efforts.
Methodology: How I Chose the Best Direct Mail Marketing Services
Regarding our methodology at The Close, our team of licensed real estate professionals, writers, and editors created a weighted rubric that evaluates each direct mail marketing service company. Our experts have done hours of research to analyze dozens of direct mail marketing companies to determine the best for our readers. The features we explored are essential for real estate agents to choose the right real estate mailing services for their business.
Our detailed criteria included:
- Advanced Features 25%
- Features include turnaround time, real estate-specific print options, no minimum order quantity, lead purchasing, tracking and analytics, NCOA list cleaning, campaign management, and mail merge options.
- Pricing 20%
- The pricing of any service is an important factor to assess. This metric accounts for volume discounts, pricing transparency, cost per mail piece, customization options, and rush orders.
- General Features 20%
- This metric comprises various mail formats, design services, targeting capabilities, print quality, mailing list services, delivery tracking, integration with CRM, and environmental considerations.
- Ease of Use 10%
- This metric examines the technical skills required to set up and operate, template availability, and user-friendliness of the interface.
- Customer Rating 10%
- This evaluation examines each company’s reputation through the lens of current and past users, reviewing customer reviews and the popularity of each service.
- Expert Rating 10%
- The Close closely reviews each company for stand-out features, details, ease of use, and the value for money spent from a real estate expert’s perspective.
- Customer Service 5%
- If real estate agents need additional support, they must be aware of the customer service options available through phone, email, live chat, and the ticket system.
Your Take
When it comes to direct mail marketing, being consistent is crucial. Finding the right marketing company to help you connect with your clients can be a game-changer. I hope the companies we discussed today have given you some great ideas to craft your message and drive your business growth. Do you have a favorite real estate direct mail marketing company that you love working with?
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