Tag Archives: Postcards

HVAC, Plumbing, & Electrical: Does Direct Mail Marketing Actually Work?

You run a great local service company, and you’re thinking about starting a direct mail marketing strategy for your HVAC, plumbing, or electrical business. That’s a smart idea for HVAC marketing or plumbing advertising! But before you spend a dollar on stamps and printing, you need to understand one simple rule about getting customers from the mail. The most important question is: Are you truly ready to send mail more than once? Why a “One-and-Done” Postcard Campaign Fails Your Service Business We talk to owners of HVAC, plumbing, and electrical companies all the time who say, “I just want to send one postcard to see if it works. If I get calls, I’ll send more later.” Here’s the honest truth: Sending only one piece of direct mail is almost always a waste of your money. People don’t call you right away just because they saw your name once. They need to see your company’s name several times before they trust you enough to call you for an important repair or service. A single flyer is easy to ignore, forget, or toss out with the junk mail. If you try it once and don’t get calls, you’ll walk away thinking postcard marketing “doesn’t work,” when the real problem was the plan! The Secret to Success for Direct Mail Marketing HVAC Plumbing Electrical. The only way to make direct mail marketing successful for your business is through repetition and consistency. You need a plan that ensures local homeowners see your company’s name again and again. Why does this work so well for home service businesses? They Need to Remember You: When their furnace breaks, the toilet overflows, or they need an electrician, you want your company to be the first name they remember. Seeing your mail multiple times builds that memory and trust. You Hit Perfect Timing: Most people don’t need a plumber right now. But if you send mail four or six times over a year, you drastically increase the chances that one of your postcards will land in their hands the exact week they do need your service. To see real results and make direct mail profitable, you should plan to send something to the same potential customers at least 3 times, but ideally 6 times or more over a set period. Postcard Marketing: Tips for Stand-Out Design & Simple Messaging It’s not just about how often you mail; it’s also about what you mail and what you say. 1. Change Up the Look Don’t send the same boring piece every time. Keep it fresh by using different kinds of mail: Send a simple paper postcard with a big discount. Send a magnet that they can stick right on the fridge. (Now your number is always visible!) Send a plastic postcard that feels important and is harder to throw away. Using a mix ensures your ads get noticed and aren’t immediately mistaken for the same old junk mail. 2. Keep Your Message Simple When you write your ad, remember that most homeowners aren’t experts. If you use confusing technical words, they might just stop reading. Don’t talk about specs or ratings. Do talk about simple benefits: Focus on what they care about, like “Save Money on Your Electric Bill,” “Fast, Friendly Emergency Plumbing,” or “Reliable HVAC Service.” The clearer your message and the more you focus on helping them, the more calls you’ll get. The Final Verdict on Direct Mail Postcards are a fantastic tool for your HVAC, Plumbing, or Electrical business—but only if you commit to sending them consistently. If you are ready to put a simple, multi-touch plan on the calendar to mail the same homes 3 to 6 times, this direct mail marketing strategy will be a great investment. If you only plan to try it once, save your money!