Frequently Asked Questions

Direct Mail and Mailing Lists

Q: The Continuum Express/ExpressCopy templates are great but I would like more customization. Can you help me?
A:
Absolutely! Continuum Express can help you customize an existing template or develop a custom card or template for you.

Q: Continuum Express's online provider ExpressCopy offers mailing lists and MyDMPro offers postcard printing and mailing services. Why shouldn’t I do the entire mailing through one or the other?
A:
Great question! Essentially you will get more by using the best tool for each job.

  1. The Continuum Express/MyDMPro portal gives you access to more powerful tools for selecting the most likely homeowners to respond to your mailing. By fine-tuning your list and not printing and mailing cards to low probability households, you save money.
  2. You have to relicense the list you get from ExpressCopy each time you do a mailing. If you are doing a jobsite mailing, you are likely to need to mail to that home two to three times.
  3. The post card and mailing services from MyDMPro are not as robust and flexible for remodelers as ExpressCopy’s. We suggest you use the best each has to offer.

Q: You mentioned training. If the systems are so easy, why do I need training?
A:
You don’t need training to use either of the portals and their websites. But a little training can help get you up to speed faster, help you use the tools more effectively and save you time and money in the long run.

Our training for mailing list selection with our Continuum Express/MyDMPro portal will help you make better list selections and bring you up to speed on what you should pay attention to and what you don’t have to learn. This training is recommended.

With ExpressCopy you can get free training directly from ExpressCopy on how to use their system once you sign up through our portal. Our training will be more focused on just what you need to know, your options and will include tips on how to make the best use of the system for your purposes.

SEND US YOUR QUESTION about direct mail and mailing lists.


Newsletters and e-newsletters

Q: What is the primary purpose of a newsletter or e-newsletter?
A:
To increase leads and sales.

Q: What is the essence of how a newsletter or e-newsletter works?
A:
For remodelers, the primary way a newsletter or an e-newsletter works is to maintain and strengthen the connection and/or relationship you have with those most likely to become clients, repeat clients or refer business to you.

People tend to buy from those they feel comfortable with and/or have a relationship with. Referrals from past clients generally come within a year or two of having worked for them. After that your relationship with them fades and so do their referrals. Newsletters and e-newsletters can help extend the time those getting them have a relationship with you and feel comfortable referring you. Plus newsletters can give them ideas and let them know what new things you can do or have accomplished.

Q: Should I use a print newsletter or an e-newsletter?
A:
While both types of newsletters have the same function, like a nail vs. a screw, each is better suited for a different situation. Depending on your particular circumstances, one or both will serve you best and most cost effectively. We can help you determine which approach would be best for your company.

Q: I hear from people who track their leads they don't get many leads from their newsletters and e-newsletters. Is this true?
A:
Yes and No. It is possible that a poorly executed newsletter will have no effect on your leads or even have a negative effect.

If you have a newsletter or e-newsletter that is well done and working properly, the increase you will see will likely show up in your tracking system as repeat or referral leads. In a poor market, a newsletter or e-newsletter might be the only thing generating any level of repeat or referral leads.

Q: What makes Continuum's newsletter and e-newsletter programs different and effective?
A:
Options, customization and cost effectiveness. If you agree with the premise that you should use the right tool for the job and that your marketing needs and situation are not necessarily the same as another remodeler’s, then you understand our approach.

We offer many options so you can select the solution best for you:

  1. Print newsletter, e-newsletter and hybrid programs
  2. A variety of programs at a variety of price levels starting at $89.95.
  3. Almost all our programs allow for a certain level of customization; some are highly customized.
  4. With almost all our programs, your editorial schedule is strategically determined based on your company's specific needs. You won't have newsletters with articles that are not relevant to your readers and your company.
  5. We offer 6 different e-newsletter programs. Each one with a different amount of customization. You can select the right amount for your business.
  6. We can integrate your newsletter or e-newsletter into your overall marketing program/effort.
  7. Our approach to editorial development allows us to provide you effective articles cost efficiently.

We can help you determine which type(s) and level of program(s) would be most appropriate for your situation and budget.

SEND US YOUR QUESTION about newsletters and e-newsletters.

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Continuum Express      [a division of Continuum Marketing Group LLC]
PO Box 684    Great Falls, Virginia 22066     PH: [703] 759-0106     FX: [703] 759-0512

www.continuumexpress.com         info@continuumexpress.com         
© 2009 Continuum Marketing Group LLC