Direct Mail & Technology

PURLs make it personalized.

• A URL that is personalized for each user of a website – For example, vote4me.com/joesmith drives “Joe Smith” to his own personalized web page.
• PURLs work for voters with or without smartphones – Connect with the 54 percent of Americans who don’t own smartphones.
• Use PURLs to track and gather data – Prepopulate an online form with the voter’s name and address, and provide a free gift, such as a bumper sticker or a coffee mug, to encourage them to provide data.

A QR Code® turns interest into action.

• A 2-D barcode can be scanned with a smartphone.
• Provides quick access to websites and online media (e.g., a candidate video).
• Much less expensive than broadcast media.
• 26 percent of American adults used their cell phones to learn about or participate in the 2010 election.*

SnapTags™ let you get creative with barcodes.

• SnapTags function much like QR Codes but can be custom-designed.
• They can feature a logo or an image.

Emerging technologies can help you create more dynamic and effective Direct Mail.

Augmented Reality turns information into a virtual experience.

• Lets a consumer interact with information in the surrounding real world.
• For example, your mailpiece can be held up to the recipient’s computer camera to reveal your vision of the future on the screen.
• Extends the use and impact of your mailpiece.

mailPOW™ turns a mailer into a soundbite.

• mailPOW produces Direct Mail with a voice chip.
• Communicate your message in your candidate’s own voice – or create an emotionally stirring message (e.g., child’s voice for a school millage).

Learn more about using Direct Mail for your political mailings.
The Benefits of Direct Mail ›
The Power of Direct Mail ›
Direct Mail Supports Other Media ›
How Direct Mail Can Help ›  

Learn more about Political Mail and how to plan and prepare your mailing.
Political Mail Overview ›
Creating Political Mail ›

* PEW Internet & American Life Project, 2012