Direct Mail Letter Writing – American Express

Copywriter's Guide to Writing Sales Letter for Traveler's Cheques

Aug 27, 2009

This article uses the example of a direct mail letter to explain how this most measurable form of advertising (David Ogilvy's "first love") should be written.

In a typical Direct Mail letter ,certain questions are answered by the copywriter in a sequence known as 'The Logic Track'.:

Logic Track For the Direct Mailer

The last rule – the ‘call to action’ usually asks the recipient to fill in a Response Device and mail it back, in a pre-paid envelope provided for his convenience. Once he does this, he gets something free.

Objective of the American Express Direct Mailer

This promotion for American Express sells American Express Traveler's Cheques to international business travelers.

The Offer

The offer is the second most important factor in any form of Direct Marketing. Here it is a complimentary holiday to Jakarta and Singapore.

The Strategy

Two contests for international business travellers were devised where the target audience had to send in photocopies of American Express traveler's cheques, purchaser's application forms and the first page of his KLM business or first class air ticket.

I prefer buying American Express Traveler's Cheques because ___________________

A memo note on a Post-It was attached to the response device (entry form) for his secretary. Being CEO, he is not expected to fill in the form himself.

This is what the note said in handwritten script (for that personal realistic touch):

2. I would preferably like to fly KLM. Please check their flight schedules and let me know.

Envelope Headline:

After winding up your next business trip, unwind at Jakarta and Singapore!

Imagine opening your mail one day and receiving an invitation to a five-day holiday in Singapore and Jakarta.

This could happen to you if you purchase American Express Traveler's Cheques on any of your business trips between May 30 & August 31 this year.

What's more, if you also fly KLM first or business class during this period, you will be able to take a companion for the holiday as well– for free."

How to Write About Contests in Direct Mail

The next paragraphs in the letter explain the details of the two contests the target audience is invited to enter. Winning the regular contest will ensure a holiday for one, while the special contest offers the same complimentary holiday for two. This section answers "What must I do to get it?"

Notice how the benefits of American Express and KLM are explained in detail towards the end. This will help clinch the deal as the call to action is always last.

"Now let me tell you why carrying American Express Traveler's Cheques and flying KLM make good business sense, not just for winning, but all the time.

American Express Traveler's Cheques are accepted all over the world and also provide you with complete protection in case of loss.

For example, only American Express can hand deliver replacements for lost or stolen cheques to you virtually anywhere in the world. And only American Express offers you the facility to send an emergency telegram to anywhere in the world at no extra charges if your Traveler's Cheques are lost or stolen.

When it comes to flying, KLM is one of the finest choices you can make. You get convenient departures to Amsterdam, Singapore and Jakarta. Many also choose KLM for its pleasant attentive service, great comfort and exquisite cuisine.

Now you can combine good business sense with a fabulous holiday by participating in the two contests which could win you and a companion a well-deserved holiday.

P.S: Do pass on the enclosed Memo Note to your secretary to help you win a complimentary holiday to Jakarta and Singapore.

P.P.S: The closing date for the contest is August 31, 1990. Your entries should reach us by September 10. Also, please pass on photocopies of the entry form to your friends and colleagues so that they can win a super holiday too."

The P.S. in Direct Mail

Research shows the most read part of a letter is the p.s. The p.s. in direct mail is used to remind the target audience of the offer, the action required and the closing date for the offer. This letter required two postscripts that highlighted the most important elements.

The Flow of the Direct Mail Letter

The copywriter must anticipate the questions that occur to the person reading the letter and answer them in sequence. The success of the letter will also depend on devising a strategy and using the correct creative route.

You may want to see another example of a direct mail letter - Copywriting Ideas From Brand Names, and tips on writing ads and direct mail from the former international creative director of Ogilvy & Mather, Drayton Bird - Free Copywriting Tips From Drayton Bird. And here's how to get good ideas for copy from advertising experts like Drayton Bird and J. Walter Thompson - How to Get Good Ideas.

The copyright of the article Direct Mail Letter Writing – American Express in Print Advertising is owned by Anita Saran. Permission to republish Direct Mail Letter Writing – American Express in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.