How to Buy a Great Mailing List

Great Mailing Listsmulti-use arrangements have been negotiated
How to Buy a Great Mailing Listbeforehand) your list from. The most important
1. Before you go about finding that great mailing listcriteria is to make sure that they are a member in
for your marketing campaign, you need to definegood standing with the DMA (Direct Marketing
your audience. Precisely who is your market? TheAssociation). If you don't see the DMA logo displayed
more precisely you can define your perfect targeton their site, don't assume it is safe to use them.
audience, the better you'll be able to segment yourYou can contact the DMA online at:
mailing, and the better your response will be.4. Select a list that most closely mirrors your target
2. It is an accepted axiom in direct marketing thataudience. For example, if you are trying to sell gym
the closer to a consumers' last purchase you canmemberships in your local area, make sure you target
reach them, the more apt they are to be responsivepeople who have demonstrated an interest in
to your offer. Therefore, try to find a list that isphysical fitness and fall within any specific age,
updated and cleaned on a regular basis. An old list isgender or income parameters you may have. Don't
more likely to have invalid records on it than a freshexpect to appeal to just anyone.
one.5. Buy only what you can afford. It is important to
3. Select a reputable vendor to purchase (remembertest with direct mail. Your first try might not work,
that lists are "bought" for one-time use only, unlessdon't put all of your eggs in one basket.