VO-BB - 19 YEARS OLD!

anthonyVO · 14th Avenue Joined: 09 Aug 2005 Posts: 1470 Location: NYC

As anyone that knows me can tell you - I'm a firm believer in mailing postcards (can't remember the last time I sent out a CD) - they're cheaper than CD's and straight to the point... plus they don't have to be played or opened Wink

My first postcard mailing got me signed to my first exclusive NY agent (now former agent) and generated more calls and leads than any CD mailings EVER did.

Anyway - my usual mailing counts used to be in the 100-350's but a few weeks ago, I decided to step it up "a bit" and send out 1,000 of them! Maybe some of you (in the US) might find this helpful if you decided to do bulk mailings.
I could've spent less money if I had read this prior to mailing, but I'm glad I decided to pay the full postage ($0.43) since I did not have to Pre-Sort it:

http://www.usps.com/businessmail101/

PEACE,,, now I have to get some coffee - in the studio early for something due at 9AM - I think I'll visit that "new coffee shop" across the street right next to the "new jewelry store." I swear their Java is spiked!

PEACE!

Rognog · Posted: Wed Jul 25, 2007 7:27 am Post subject:

Hey Anthony,

I agree that postcards are cheaper to send and more likely to be looked at. I never had much luck with them, though. I did send out a batch to talent agents, casting directors, managers, and audio book publishers to announce the Danielle Steel and Cartoon Network gigs. Hopefully it will raise some eyebrows...

What's your success rate with postcards?
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jrodriguez315 · Posted: Wed Jul 25, 2007 7:45 am Post subject:

In a newsletter I receive from Dan Duckworth over at Voiceovers Unlimited, he describes a card-sending service that he is affiliated with. Maybe you'll find it of interest. Take a look here.

Hey! I hit 500!!
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Joe Rodriguez, Bilingual Voice Actor | The Voiceover Thespian Blog

scottnilsen · Posted: Wed Jul 25, 2007 7:57 am Post subject:

It's funny that this should come up now. I had some postcards created over the weekend, and almost as an afterthought I asked if she could format one to be sent out as an email attachment. It's the first time I would have sent out a postcard.
Well, I wound up only sending out the email version (thought I'd try the free mailing first), and after 4 days have had a response rate of about 3%, resulting in 2 actual auditions and a few "I may be contacting you for a project I've got in the next week or so".
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TC · Posted: Wed Jul 25, 2007 9:44 am Post subject:

I just did a job this morning that came as a result of a big postcard mailing I did about a month ago.

I hand-stamp all of my postcards. I didn't realize there was any other way to do it.

SoundsGreat-Elaine Singer · Posted: Wed Jul 25, 2007 11:43 am Post subject:

I used to send out post cards on a regular basis but got nary a nibble. Perhaps I should try again.
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The Youthful Mature Voice (Emeritus)
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imaginator · Posted: Thu Jul 26, 2007 10:24 am Post subject:

postcards are really the only advertising element i've ever tried that has generated jobs. the links provided in this post are of great help, as up to now i have created my own cards (and yes, i hand-stamped them as well). using the service, or one like it, will probably make what i put together look more professional.

if nothing else, a card says to my clients "oh...he's still working"...or at the very least, "oh...he's not dead after all!"
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todd ellis · Posted: Thu Jul 26, 2007 10:34 am Post subject:

does anybody know anything about "postage paid" cards? as i understand it, you only pay for the cards that are actually sent back to you. any info / vendors would be appreciated.
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"i know philip banks": todd ellis
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Diane Maggipinto · Posted: Thu Jul 26, 2007 10:40 am Post subject:

here's a start, ellis:

http://www.usps.com/replymail/welcome.htm
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todd ellis · Posted: Thu Jul 26, 2007 10:52 am Post subject:

ok, miss smarty-pants. apparently my google search turned up more obtuse results than YOUR google search.

i DID find out that my post office does not accept business reply mail ... so step one is to get a p.o. box at one that does.

road trip!
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who's/on/1st?

CarynClark · Posted: Thu Jul 26, 2007 11:15 am Post subject:

I didn't check the link that Diane placed in her thread...

But, from my marketing days, I do know you need to get a postage paid permit and the indicia to put on your envelope/postcard (where the stamp would go). I don't know what it costs.

But why would you use business reply? Are you saying you'd send these out and say, "Send this postage paid postcard back to get my demo CD"?

C.
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Caryn Clark... The Hip Chick Voice!

"A positive mental attitude and having faith in your ability is quite different from being irresponsible and downright stupid." - Dave

todd ellis · Posted: Thu Jul 26, 2007 11:18 am Post subject:

they are for the (mentioned in another thread) convention. either for bags - or just to hand out. the actual audio for this company is very limited due to corporate guidelines - so much so that i don't think a demo would be effective ... or necessary.
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"i know philip banks": todd ellis
who's/on/1st?

Hart · Posted: Thu Jul 26, 2007 11:24 am Post subject:

CarynClark · Posted: Thu Jul 26, 2007 11:28 am Post subject:

Oh, I see Todd... yup, that makes sense to do a little brochure with a postage paid postcard inside. Good thinkin!
_________________
Caryn Clark... The Hip Chick Voice!

"A positive mental attitude and having faith in your ability is quite different from being irresponsible and downright stupid." - Dave

scottnilsen · Posted: Thu Jul 26, 2007 12:15 pm Post subject:

[quote]scottnilsen wrote:
after 4 days have had a response rate of about 3%

It's good that you track this. If I recall correctly, they the average response rate to a postcard campaign is roughly 1%. I believe it's the same for email as well.

By response, I just mean acknowledgement - something like "thanks for keeping us informed," etc.. If that translated to actual cash-paying jobs, that'd be fabulous.
_________________
We have nothing to fear but fear itself.

Well, that and mimes.

(714)408-6405 www.scottnilsen.com