2/20/2024 0 Comments Direct mail designer![]() The production worksheet is built after the kick-off meeting (where your specifications are confirmed). Details about samples needed once the project is completed.Package summary outlining which version of each element that package receives.Postage type (1st class, 1st class presort, nonprofit, stamp or meter or indicia).Specs for each piece in the package (carrier env, return env, letter, reply, insert).Target in-home date(s) – This helps the production vendor to know how to approach postal commingling, co-pal, etc.Here are the essentials you need to include in your direct mail print production worksheet: To make sure you have everything covered, you need a detailed print production worksheet. DesignerĪ primary role of your direct mail designer is to ensure that all design files are ready to go to the printer. INTERNAL REVIEW: Work through any copy edits needed after internal review. Including interviewing the letter signer as needed. MEETINGS: Participate in campaign kick-off meetings.ĬREATIVE BRIEF: Populate the offer and messaging sections.ĬOPYWRITING: Write all copy, including all versions, for each direct mail project. What do I get out of it? (Donor benefits)Įssential Tasks of a Direct Mail Fundraising WriterĪNNUAL PLAN: Participate in annual planning process related to offers and themes.Does this all really make sense? (Context to make a decision).Is it a good deal? (Specific costs and leveraging opportunity, if any).What do you want me to do? (Make a donation, complete a survey, pray).How are you solving the problem or leveraging the opportunity? (Programs and activities).Why are you writing me today? (Problem or opportunity).These 8 questions will help your direct mail writer communicate an effective value proposition and donation offer to your donor: ![]() Our friends at NextAfter have a lot of great research around developing your nonprofit value proposition as it relates to digital fundraising.Īnd the same core principles of a value proposition are true in direct mail fundraising. The writer for your direct mail fundraising letter has 8 questions they have to answer in their copy. to ensure partner and vendor invoices are paid. INVOICING: Manage the invoice process with the internal finance dept. MULTI-CHANNEL: Partnering with the digital team as needed on multi-channel campaign planning and execution. SAMPLES: Ensure package samples are filed for every project. PRINT PRODUCTION: Manage the print production process with the vendors: quotes with vendor, providing print-ready files to vendor, reviewing proofs.ĭATA SELECTS: Manage the data select process with the data team, including outlining the audience for each select, coding to use. INTERNAL REVIEW: Facilitate the internal review of creative proofreading process ensuring all changes get made. SCHEDULES: Manage all project schedules, including start/due dates, staff assignments. Take notes in all of those meetings.ĬREATIVE BRIEF: Populate all tactical details, then provide to writer (who will populate the creative talking points). MEETINGS: Schedule all planning meetings (both annual planning, and project kick-offs). MARKETING CALENDAR: Ensure calendar stays updated with all pertinent information.īUDGET: Once annual plan budget is finalized, manage the budget vs actuals to ensure the program stays within budget. This system can be as simple as a combination of a reference number followed by the month and year (ie: ACQ-1020 or NWS-1120) or whatever naming convention you choose.Īt Mile19 we’ve found that ProWorkflow is a great program, that’s easy to use and is also inexpensive! Essential Tasks of a Direct Mail Project ManagerĪNNUAL PLAN: Ensure the annual plan, including marketing calendar and budget, is drafted, and then finalized. This makes finding, sorting, and referencing the project much easier. This job number follows the project everywhere it goes and should be used in every communication. We also recommend having a job numbering system to help the team keep track of projects. If your organization wants to track hours against projects, then the tool should have that capability as well. It’s incredibly important that whatever tool you choose, it can set schedules and manage resources. Some organizations use Basecamp, Slack, or other project tools. Good input keeps the project on the path for success.Ī successful project management system includes finding the right tool to manage your direct mail projects. When a project goes sideways or mistakes are found in production (or worse–after it mails!) it almost always comes back to an issue that started at the beginning. A solid project management system, along with a rock star project manager, will ensure that your direct mail fundraising projects run smoothly, on time, and on budget. The project manager is a central role in the direct mail program.
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