Tuesday, December 9, 2014

What’s Trending for Direct Mail in 2015?

 No matter what industry you’re in, December marks the start of some deep thinking over the same question – what does the year ahead look like? We look back at the months long gone, we rattle our brains over what it all means for the future, but it’s not always easy to read the signs. So, in this blog post, we’re going to take the guesswork out of it for you and break down 2015’s direct mail trends. Happy reading!


Trend #1: You Are Here
Directions are a lot easier to understand if you know exactly where you’re beginning. In the case of a potential customer, that would be their home. Cue the individualized maps! If you’ve planned to include a map in your DM pieces to show a particular end point, why not go the extra mile and show just how to get there, too? Variable data can be used to create a detailed “You Are Here” map that can be tailored to each prospects whereabouts. Just imagine the foot traffic that extra step could drive!

Trend #2: Seek Out the Ladies
This is the new golden rule for non-profits, in particular. Earlier this year, data was released showing that 64% of all charitable gifts are made by women. Not only are they more likely to donate, the data also revealed that women are more likely to make larger donations than their male counterparts, as well. That doesn’t mean you should tailor your whole campaign to appeal to a female audience, but just keep the ladies in mind. They’re going to be your friends in 2015.

Trend #3: Multiply Your Efforts
There are some things in life that are just better when there’s more.  Marketing is one of those things, and this year we can expect to see more businesses combiningdigital and traditional marketing efforts to make a greater impact on their prospects. It’s easy enough to do with the quick addition of QR codes or PURLs, so do yourself a favor and give it a chance. We’re guessing you’ll be happy with the results.

Trend #4: Look Pretty
Yep, it’s as easy as that – beautify your DM pieces. Now, that doesn’t mean you have to add flowery elements or swap your typeface out for something long and curvy. Think clean, classy and visually appealing. For a more subtle change, a simple colorswap could make your message more powerful. Most things in modern life are cluttered enough, do yourself (and your prospects) a favor by de-cluttering your mailer and putting the emphasis on simplicity.

 Trend #5: Adding In the Icons

When we say icons, we of course mean the modern pictograms representing Facebook, Twitter, and other social channels. In the digital age, those little icons have become powerful tools of communication. Their presence is a call-to-action in a sense. It says quickly and quietly to a prospect that they can still find your business on X,Y, and Z networks if they toss your mailer. That’s one more way to grab the attention of potential customers without compromising much space, so why wouldn’t you add your icons?


So, how will you use these trending tactics? Share your thoughts with us in the comments! 

Monday, December 8, 2014

University of Oregon's Marcus Mariota Wins The 2014 Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award®

Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award
University of Oregon quarterback Marcus Mariota has won The Johnny Unitas Golden Arm AwardÒ, presented annually by the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Educational Foundation, Inc. and Transamerica to the nation’s top quarterback who best exemplifies character, scholastic and athletic achievement.

After 14 weeks of play, Mariota has completed 229 of 334 passes for 3,470 yards (69% completion rate) throwing for 48 touchdowns with just 2 interceptions and a QB rating of 190.2. The Honolulu native led the Pac-12 quarterbacks in rushing yards with 636. Mariota ranks fifth in the nation in total offense, averaging 342.2 yards per game and he has been selected as the Pac-12 offensive player of the year.

“Marcus is as humble and gracious off the field as he is poised and electrifying on it,” said Andy McNamara, Assistant Athletic Director for the University of Oregon. “He is an exceptional ambassador for not just the football program, but the University of Oregon as a whole.”

Candidates for the Golden Arm Award – which has been presented at the end of each college football season since 1987 – must be college seniors or fourth-year juniors on schedule to graduate with their class. In addition to the accomplishments on the field, candidates are judged on their character, citizenship, scholastic achievement, and leadership qualities.

With the season coming to an end, the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Educational Foundation, Inc. would like to thank longtime partner Transamerica, as well as 120 Sports, a first-of-its-kind live-streaming digital sports video programming network, in promoting this prestigious honor. As the media partner, the goal at 120 Sports will be to tell the stories that surround the selection of candidates, profiling their football career and community involvement as a member of their football program.

Mariota’s achievements will be honored on Friday, December 12, in Baltimore, MD. For the 2014 Golden Arm Award ceremony, The Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Educational Foundation, Inc. and Transamerica are happy to be returning to The Embassy Suites Baltimore Inner Harbor Hotel and Grand Historic Venue. NFL Hall of Famer, former Baltimore Colt, and the great Johnny Unitas’ favorite target – Raymond Berry – will deliver the keynote remarks at this year’s event.

Past Golden Arm Award winners include: Peyton Manning (Tennessee, 1997); Carson Palmer (USC, 2002); Eli Manning (Ole Miss, 2003); Matt Ryan (Boston College, 2007); Colt McCoy (Texas, 2009); and Andrew Luck (Stanford, 2011).

Proceeds from the event help support the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Educational Foundation, Inc. The Foundation provides financial assistance to underprivileged and deserving young scholar-athletes throughout Maryland and Kentucky.

In addition to Transamerica, sponsors of the Golden Arm Award include: Andretti Sports Marketing, Athlon Sports, 120 Sports, The Babe Ruth and Sports Legends Museum, Baltimore Sun Media Group, Bloomberg Television, Century Engineering, Coach for America, Comcast, Dunbar Armored and Dunbar Cybersecurity, The Embassy Suites Baltimore Inner Harbor Hotel and Grand Historic Venue, Haddock Investments, HMS Insurance Associates, Inc., Metropolis Funding, PSAV, Panini, SILKS, Tray Inc., The Scott Garceau Show, MedStar Union Memorial Sports Medicine, VPC Inc., Weiss PR, Woodberry Kitchen, Wilson Sporting Goods, and ZBest Executive & Global Transportation Services.

To learn more about The Johnny Unitas Golden Arm AwardÒ visit:


Additionally, please follow the conversation on Twitter: @GoldenArmAward or use the hashtag, #GoldenArmAward.