A Beginner’s Guide To Direct Response Marketing

Convincing your target audience to take action quickly can be a challenge. Maybe they are still shopping around, or unsure if they need what you are offering. Direct response marketing (DRM) is a tactic used to help drive growth and encourage your audience to take initiative.

What Is Direct Response Marketing?

Direct response marketing, sometimes called push marketing, is a tactic used to help encourage your audience to take immediate action. This can be making a purchase, joining your email list, or downloading an e-book- whatever your call-to-action is prompting them to do! Direct response marketing is a popular tactic because it helps you get results quickly when done correctly. For a successful direct response marketing campaign, you will need to package your pitch, call-to-action, and value proposition in a way that draws your audience in.

Direct Response Marketing Strategies:

There are several strategies you should incorporate when planning your direct response marketing campaign.

The first is making your DRM targeted. Not everyone in your audience is going to have the same needs, so focus on a specific subgroup to really grab their attention. Personalize your message to your audience, so that it speaks to them and they are encouraged to follow through with your CTA.

Urgency is important when creating your DRM. Think of a time a store you were looking at had a limited time sale. Chances are, you went ahead and bought the product while you were getting a great deal on it. Customers often justify purchases that they want or need when they feel that they are getting a good bargain, and giving them a short time frame encourages them to follow through.

Make your DRM customer-centric. Inform the customer why they would benefit by following though with your desired action. Tell them what they have to gain, without being unrealistic or over-the-top. For example, if you want them to sign up for your newsletter, briefly explain how it would help them gain knowledge or stay up-to-date in your industry. If you are encouraging them to make a purchase, share some glowing reviews or list some of the ways that your product will help make their life easier. The better you know your audience, the more effective this approach is!

Lastly, your DRM should be offer-centric. Prompt your audience to take action by giving them a clear picture of what you are offering them. Use language that resonates with them, and pictures or videos that will catch their eye.

Direct Response Marketing Campaign Platforms:

Once you have the basis for your DRM campaign, it is time to choose a platform. Referral programs can be a great tool for your DRM campaign. Offer referral links to your current customers, and give them (and whoever they refer) a small discount code to use. Not only does this encourage them to continue shopping with you, it gives their friends incentive to as well.

Email is a classic way to share your DRM campaign. Through email, you can alert your audience to flash sales, abandoned carts, or upcoming events. Make sure that you only send emails to customers that have agreed to receive them, and give them the option to unsubscribe whenever they would like.

Social media ads are another popular platform for DRM campaigns, and can be a great way to reach your target audience. Many people have some form of social media, so strategic planning allows you to expand your audience and alert them to any exciting news that you have.

Direct response marketing is a great way to help you get quick results. There are many different channels and methods you can use, so don’t be afraid to branch out and get creative! Have you ever run a DRM campaign? What is the best one you’ve seen as a customer? Let us know in the comments!