Last week we started a discussion on getting your direct mail past the gatekeeper.  The first thing I suggested you do is to actually enlist the help of the gatekeeper, which can be a very successful strategy.  To read my thoughts, visit my blog here.  Today we’ll move on to some other strategies you can use.

One way to be sure your package gets past the gatekeeper is fear.  The gatekeeper must fear blocking you and your information from their boss.  If they do intercept it you want to send something that has the boss storming out of their office demanding where their package is. 

3D Mail does a wonderful job in getting this reaction.  I often encourage my clients to make follow up phone calls whenever possible after sending out eye-catching 3D Mail.  When you get the decision maker on the phone and ask, “Did you get my bank bag, or pill bottle, or treasure chest…” you better believe if they didn’t get it they’ll be asking questions.

If you can’t make follow up phone calls, you’ll certainly want to send follow up direct mail, referencing the past messages you sent.  Again, when you get through to the decision maker, and tell him you previously sent a bank bag, a message in a bottle, etc you can bet they will be asking around.

Of course I’m biased towards using 3D Mail to get past gatekeepers.  But there are some other ways as well.  In most offices, FedEx and UPS packages go directly to the decision maker.  The same with personal courier services who drop off your material.  However these can expensive and cost prohibitive.  That’s another reason why I prefer using 3D Mail.

Finally, you can use fake priority envelopes.  These are envelopes that look and feel like real express envelopes by the USPS, FedEx or UPS, but they are much cheaper to mail.  They go directly through the USPS and the postage rate is the same as sending a “regular” 1st class letter. 

We have a handful of these kinds of envelopes at our website here.  They come in two sizes, 6 x 9 and 9 x 12, with six different looks.  Check them out.  You may want to give them a test in your next direct mail campaign.