Now, more than ever, consumers prefer to support local businesses. Entrepreneurs appreciate this mentality and new, local businesses are springing up all across the country. Unfortunately, statistics show that many of these businesses are doomed to failure. A large part of this is the difficulty finding customers. Businesses are constantly on the look-out for new ways to reach and connect with future customers. The best way to do this is through targeted direct marketing using mailing lists by area code.

Targeted direct marketing means reaching only those customers who are already interested in what your company offers.  The easiest way to do this for a business operating within a specific area is using mailing lists. These mailing lists include the contact information for individuals within a pre-set area in relation to your business. For example, using mailing lists by area code allows you to contact those individuals within a predetermined area code.

This form of marketing puts the business owner in the driver’s seat. You’ll know who you’re targeting, where they live, and you can even filter down the data to align with your target customer profile. Targeting customers in one or more specific area codes ensures you’re reaching individuals within a reasonable distance from your business. This is especially useful for businesses that don’t offer online products or services.

Some of the businesses that benefit from using mailing lists by area code include doctor and dental care offices, child care establishments, restaurants, dry cleaners, delivery services, cleaning companies, repair services, mechanics, and much more. If you have a business that relies on customers walking through your door, this is a great way to market.

Mailing Lists by Area Code and Targeted Direct Marketing

Now you know your business can target future customers by their area code, but is that enough? Depending on your business, just living in a certain area code may not be enough to get them in the door. If your business appeals to a specific demographic beyond home location then you’ll want to add additional filters to your mailing list.

For example, if you are a mechanic who operates primarily on vehicles by a specific manufacturer then target those individuals owning those types of vehicles. Similarly, if you run a day care or pre-school then you’ll want to target individuals with children. Sending advertisements to everyone within a set area code without considering other qualifiers may lower the return on your advertising investment. The goal here is to help your advertising budget stretch as far as possible while getting great results.

To do this, think about the types of customers drawn to your company. Are you a dental office specializing in dentures? You may want to consider advertising to senior citizens because they are more likely to be in the market for the services you provide. If you’re a plumber then you may want to focus your attention on advertising to homeowners. There are a number of ways you can filter your list to ensure you’re reaching the people who will be interested in your company.

Mailing Lists by Area Code and Multiple Locations

If your business has more than one location, each operating within a different area code, then consider requesting mailing lists by area code for each location. You can combine these into one master list, or you can use the lists individually depending on your needs. Using them individually allows you to create select advertisements based on location. Using them together means you can create just one advertisement to cover all areas. The choice is yours to allow you to do what’s best for your business.

Many companies with businesses close together but spanning multiple area codes choose to use just one list encompassing all locations. However, if your businesses are spread across the United States then it’s probably best you use more than one mailing list. This is because preferences vary from region to region across the country. What appeals to an individual in the Deep South may not appeal to customers in the Northwest.

Maximizing the Return on Your Mailing Lists by Area Code

Targeted direct marketing has multiple benefits. Not only can you target customers who are more apt to do business with your company, but you can also create customized advertisements for each list. This is handy for businesses that may have more than one clientele.

For example, if you are a chiropractor you likely have patients of all ages. However, the same advertisement may not appeal to all customers. A little extra thought goes a long way when it comes to advertising effectively. You have the ability to create an advertisement showing senior citizens enjoying life free of back pain. This likely appeals to older customers who experience chronic back and hip pain. You can also advertise your business to families with children and show how chiropractic care is helpful for infants, children, and parents alike.

A big part of maximizing the return on your advertising campaign is understanding what your goals are. If you run a restaurant and your goal is to get people in the door on Thursdays, when you’re normally slow, create a campaign featuring a deal your restaurant runs on Thursdays. You can even take this a step further and advertise a “kids eat free” night on Thursdays then target families with children.

Getting Started with Targeted Direct Marketing

Targeted direct marketing is flexible, affordable, and effective. However, the data in your mailing lists by area codes is only as good as the company where it originates. When looking for a data supplier, it’s important to seek out a company that is fully compliant with all laws. This ensures your company is safe and working within the laws outlined by both the federal and state government.

It’s also important to find a company with current, relevant data. If the data is severely outdated then you aren’t reaching the people you thought you were reaching. This can end up draining your advertising budget with little return.

Here at Mailing List Connection, we pride ourselves on having the most current data available with a 97 percent accuracy rate. We also fully operate within all legal parameters to ensure our clients are advertising legally. We can help your company get the mailing lists by area code that you need for success.

Call Mailing List Connection today at (469) 549-4000 for more information on how to get mailing lists by area code.