Direct Mail Isn’t Dead – In Fact, It’s More Alive Than Ever

You might be surprised to hear this… but direct mail is actually super popular with younger people. Yeah, really.

We’re so used to thinking social media is the be-all and end-all for reaching Gen Z and millennials, but recent research paints a different picture. A 2024 survey showed that 92% of millennials said direct mail influenced a purchase decision – and 72% of Gen Z said they’d actually miss getting physical mail if it stopped showing up. That’s kind of wild when you think about how digital their world is, right?

The truth is, people still love getting mail. Not junk – but real, relevant, well-designed mail. And when you combine that with your digital efforts (like Google ads, Facebook, etc.), it becomes a powerhouse strategy. More on that in a second.

Why Direct Mail Still Works (Even in 2025)

Let’s be real – trying to reach your audience through digital alone feels like trying to catch a fly with chopsticks. Are they on TikTok today? YouTube? Instagram? Who knows! And even if they are, you’re competing with a nonstop scroll of ads, distractions, and shiny objects.

But your customer’s mailbox? That’s still a guaranteed way to get in front of them.

Direct mail gets opened.

According to Lob’s 2024 report, 84% of marketers said direct mail gives them the best ROI out of all the channels they use. Plus, over half of consumers visit a brand’s website after receiving a piece of mail. That’s huge.

And get this – 82% of marketers said they’re actually increasing their direct mail budgets in 2024 because it just works.

You Can Laser-Target Who Gets Your Mail

One of the biggest strengths of direct mail is the ability to get hyper-specific about who you send to. You can target by demographics, interests, behaviors, and even exact locations. That means your message goes to the people who are most likely to care – and buy.

No more spraying and praying like with some digital campaigns. This is sniper-level targeting.

Print Still Has a Place in a Digital World

Here’s something kind of refreshing – holding something in your hands matters. Especially now, when everything’s digital, physical mail stands out even more. It has staying power. People pin postcards on fridges. They save coupons on the counter. It doesn’t disappear into a browser tab or get lost in an inbox.

In fact, print mail is easier to understand and remember than digital content. A Canada Post study found it takes 21% less brainpower to process. Plus, 70% of people say they find mail more personal than email or online ads.

Postcards, Brochures, and Letters – Oh My

There are so many ways to do direct mail. Some favorites:

• Postcards – affordable, quick to read, and they pop visually.
• Self-mailers/brochures – more space to tell your story, without the cost of envelopes.
• Sales letters – perfect for more personalized B2B or consumer messages.
• Check mailers, envelope mailers, catalogs – all still relevant and useful depending on your audience.

No matter the format, design and message matter. Make it personal. Make it stand out.

Pro Tip: Combine Direct Mail With Digital

Want to supercharge your results? Pair your direct mail with your digital efforts.

A coordinated campaign that includes both email, social, and direct mail can increase your response rate by 63%, and boost website visits by nearly 70%. You’re literally hitting from all sides – and it works.

Bottom Line: Direct Mail Is Back (But Smarter This Time)

If you’ve been ignoring direct mail because it felt “old school,” now’s the time to give it another look. Today’s direct mail isn’t about stuffing a bunch of flyers in envelopes. It’s strategic, data-driven, and designed to get noticed.

So yeah – direct mail isn’t dead. It’s actually smarter, stronger, and more effective than ever. Especially when paired with the rest of your marketing efforts.

Need help getting started with postcards, sales letters, or designing something eye-catching? We’ve got your back.