What you’re about to read was first published in my monthly newsletter, The Copywriter’s Corner, to get more information on it, visit this link.  When it comes to direct mail Dr. Nielsen is a legend. Over the years, I doubt anyone has been featured in the Glazer-Kennedy Insider’s Circle Newsletter more than Dr. Nielsen (which you should be subscribed to, in addition to the Copywriter’s Corner: http://www.nobsfreegift.com/lee).

The Doc has graciously let me feature him in this series of emails.  The first thing you’ll want to do is download a copy of his letter right here.  It’s a PDF that’s about 1 MB, so it may take a moment or two to download.  On Tuesday we’ll really dive in and dissect this B-I-G winner for the Doc.

One of the first items he used from 3D Mail was our message in a bottle mailer.  If you’ve followed Dr. Nielsen you know that when it comes to direct mail he’s tried just about everything and invented a number of Outrageous Advertising direct mail campaigns passed down and used by hundreds, if not thousands, of direct mail advertisers.   He is an extraordinary marketer who you should be studying and taking ideas from.

That’s why I had huge smiles when Dr. Nielsen sent us this email:

“Please send me another 300 of the Message in a Bottles (or whatever comes near 300+).  You should have my credit card info.  Thanks!  Doc Nielsen

P.S.: Of all the grabbers and mailers, the bottle has, without a doubt, received the most positive feedback. Hence, my re-order.”

After he measured his response Doc Nielsen sent us this email about his Message in a Bottle Promotion.

"...we make $2,055 for every $100 invested in this promotion.  And that buys some serious grilled cheese sandwiches for the family.”  Doc Nielsen, Waterford Chiropractic Office.  I should note that the Doc lives in Wisconsin, thus the reference to grilled cheese sandwiches

Let’s dissect Doc Nielsen’s letter:

It’s a message in a bottle.  Who’s not going to open it?   But I’ll tell you Doc Nielsen is the master of getting everything right, crossing his T’s and dotting his I’s.  Doc Nielsen used live stamps.  I always love using live stamps whenever possible, even when using bulk-rate letters (Yes, you can use stamps for “bulk” rate, just about any mail house can do this.  Ask yours or ask me for a referral to one that can).  See the image below to geta better idea of what the Doc did:

The bottom on the bottle twists off so you and your client can open it easily.  Be sure to put “Twist to Open” or “Open Here” on the label with an arrow pointing down:

The prescription forms included in the mailing are also great.  Doc Nielsen does the little things extremely well.  Both prescriptions are done with a marbled type paper. One is an off white.  One is a muted yellow.  This is great for showing that there is a difference in the two prescriptions, and in thiscase there is a big difference - one is for the recipient, one is for a referral:

Look closely at closely at the picture.  Notice that Doc Nielsen actually burned the edge of the prescription.  It was sent from a deserted island!  Also be sure the check out the upper right.  An offer without a deadline is not an offer.  The expiration date is stamped in red on the prescription form!

Lastly, the letter itself.  It’s hard to see on the PDF version, but it’s lined notebook type paper that is 3-hole punched.  It looks nothing like any “advertisement” they might be getting. 

The letter is part of Doc Nielsen’s continuing marketing.  Most, if not all, of the marketing Doc Nielsen does “comes” from the office ladies and they’ve created quite the personalities.  Read the letter.  It’s part of the Doc Nielsen Marketing Genius.  Doc tested this mailing with 200-300 mailings and when that worked he sent out 300 more.  The lesson?  Test, when it works, roll it out.  To learn more about Doc Nielsen, visit:  http://www.docnielsenlist.com/ 

Marketing Tip Reader’s Only Special:  Get 20% off The Message in a Bottle Now Through Sep. 30th, one of our best sellers!

One item that is becoming increasingly popular lately is our message-in-a-bottle mailer.  If you’re looking for a way to cut the clutter, this is definitely one way to go. 
 
The bottom of the plastic bottle comes off for easy access.  Simply remove the bottom, roll up your letter and insert it!  Put the bottom back on, slap the address label on, add postage and drop it in the mail.  It’s that simple.  Or, we can do it all for you!  Just give me a call about complete implementation for you.

Your letter has to end up on the top of your customer’s stack of mail, and who could possibly resist opening the bottle and reading your letter?

A few tips when using this item.  First, you don’t need to put this bottle into a box; you simply mail the bottle “as is.”  You’ll want to use a 2” x 4” mailing label or smaller for the recipient’s address, and add your postage stamps or metered tape to the bottle as well.  We’re finding that response is not affected when using
a metered stamp, so use whichever one is easier for you to implement.

Second, your prospect will be opening the bottom of the bottle, NOT the top.  I always like to put a message on label that reads, “Twist Bottom to Open.”  It may be obvious to you, but not to your prospect!

Check out the discounted pricing here, and be sure to check out the video on that page for more tips on using the message in a bottle for maximum success.

To Your Direct Mail Success,
Travis Lee