Okay….you’ve determined that an EDDM Mailer is a cost-effective means of getting the word out to your target market. Now, you’ll want to design a piece that not only effectively communicates your message, but also stands out from the other mail. You’ll also want to make sure it adheres to and takes full advantage of USPS guidelines. Here are a few tips for getting the most out of your next EDDM Design––

Fulfilling USPS Size Requirements

Before designing your piece, you need to be aware of the  Postal Department’s guidelines regarding EDDM Mailers.  Standard Mail® flats are the only type of mailpiece that can be used with EDDM retail mailers.  They must be rectangular, with four square corners or finished corners that do not exceed a radius of 1/8 inch.

USPS Size Requirements for EDDM --

––More than 11.5 inches long, more than 6 1/8 inches high, and more than 1/4 inch thick

––No more than15 inches long, 12 inches high or 3/4 inch thick

For more information on USPS size requirements, visit

www.usps.com/everydoordirectmail


Size Does Matter

Now that you know what the dimension options are for the mailer, you would be wise to go for the maximum size. Keep in mind–– The bigger the mailer, the better the response.

You don’t have to max out on each of the dimensions, but you do want to get as close as possible to the limits (15 inches long, 12 inches high, 3/4 inch thick) so that your piece has plenty of space to clearly state its message while physically standing out.

Grab your audience/Then motivate them

Your mailer should have a defined goal in mind––whether it’s a grand opening invitation, a special coupon offer or an announcement of an upcoming event. It’s all about getting the response you’re after. To get that response, you’ll want to create a compelling headline and give your audience a good reason to respond.

Since you’ll be working with a larger piece, you can get in a lot of information without cluttering the visual impact. You can highlight your hours of operation, including any special hours you’re keeping, and your location with a map, in addition to your main message.

Before all that output, get a little input

You may think you just designed the greatest mailer in the world, but to be sure, do a little testing before you commit to print. Produce a few pieces on your laser printer and conduct some research with a focus group. Even if the group suggests minor tweaks, those could make the difference between an adequate response and a good response.

Hire a Design Pro––They’ll Make a Difference

Sure, it's tempting to design your own mailer, after all, you've got any number of templates available online or within design programs that you can use to put your piece together. Don't give in to that temptation when you can source for the best talent that will give your piece a distinctive look and design it for maximum response. A designer will have a variety of ideas that will make your piece look like one of a kind.

Alta Graphics has many years of experience in working to develop powerful marketing collateral for our clients. This involves understanding the product / service, and the target market. With that, we craft a offer that is compelling AND easy to understand. Armed with this Product & Offer, we work on visual design to craft a final design that delivers results.