It is easy for e-commerce brands to only think digital and disregard more traditional marketing activity, such as direct mail. However, direct mail marketing can be an effective way of driving online sales through print media. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about direct mail marketing for e-commerce, its benefits, and how a 360 degree approach can be the most effective.

The Power of Direct Mail in E-commerce

In the digital era, it's easy to overlook traditional marketing methods like direct mail. However, direct mail remains highly effective for e-commerce businesses, driving online sales and engaging customers in a tangible way. JICMAIL reports that in Q2 2025, 9.2% of all mail prompted a website visit and 5.9% triggered an account look-up, showing strong digital engagement via physical mail.

Research shows that campaigns combining direct mail with digital marketing are 52% more likely to achieve ROI growth. With open and engagement rates exceeding 80%, direct mail effectively cuts through digital clutter.

For e-commerce marketers looking to integrate mail with digital strategies, our blog on complementing digital strategy with direct mail explains practical steps for creating a cohesive multi-channel approach.

A 360 Degree Approach

A 360 degree approach focuses on creating a seamless and integrated customer experience across multiple channels and touchpoints. It provides a consistent brand message and cohesive journey across email, social media, digital ads, and direct mail.

Direct mail can work alongside other marketing activity or as a standalone campaign. For example, sending a personalised postcard can be followed by online retargeting through QR codes or unique URLs. Combining physical mail with online channels creates a memorable customer experience.

Using our personalisation expertise and data processing service, businesses can integrate data-driven mail pieces that flow seamlessly into digital campaigns. For tips on designing effective mail pieces, see our blog on designing mail that gets opened.

8 Benefits of Using Direct Mail to Drive Online Sales

1. Stand Out From a Digital World

Digital channels are crowded with emails, social media ads, and online banners. Direct mail provides a refreshing break from the noise. A well-designed direct mail piece, such as our multi-piece campaigns or mailshot service, captures attention and leaves a lasting impression.

2. A Tangible Aspect

Unlike digital-only brands, a physical mailer provides a tangible brand experience. Tangible mail improves brand recall, engagement, and loyalty, allowing the recipient to interact with your brand in a tactile way.

3. Personalisation & Targeted Approach

Direct mail allows for highly personalised campaigns based on customer data, purchase history, and browsing behaviour. This could include tailored offers, product recommendations, or personalised URLs. Personalised mail has higher engagement and conversion rates. Our blog on data segmentation explains how to make targeting more effective.

4. Drive Traffic to Online Platforms

Direct mail can drive traffic to e-commerce sites or social channels. JICMAIL shows 9.2% of mail items triggered website visits in Q2 2025. Adding QR codes, unique URLs, or promo codes increases engagement and allows tracking. This works hand-in-hand with our direct mail production service for optimised campaign delivery.

5. Retargeting Opportunities

Segmenting your audience allows targeted mail to customers who didn’t purchase online, nudging them toward conversion. Layering direct mail with digital retargeting increases overall ROI. Our blog on A/B testing explores techniques for maximising these campaigns.

6. Enhance Customer Engagement & Loyalty

Personalised notes, exclusive offers, or product samples create loyalty and connection. Mail can also promote loyalty programs or referrals, encouraging repeat purchases.

7. Measurable Results

Direct mail campaigns are measurable. JICMAIL’s 2025 data shows warm campaigns achieve 7.2% response rate and £9.00 ROI on average. Our data capture service helps track responses and optimise targeting.

8. Longevity and Multi-Touch Value

Unlike fleeting digital ads, direct mail often stays in homes for days. JICMAIL data shows an average of 4.4 interactions per mail item and 145 seconds of attention per item. This repeated exposure multiplies the impact.

Driving Online Sales Through Print

Direct mail helps e-commerce businesses drive sales, create memorable experiences, foster loyalty, and measure ROI. Integrating mail with digital channels ensures maximum impact. Our survey and questionnaire service shows how to collect insights from mail recipients for better targeting and future campaigns.

Getting Started

If you’re an e-commerce business looking to embrace print and leverage direct mail to boost sales, talk to us. We handle everything from design to printing and delivery, making direct mail simple.

Call today on 01179 341 600 or fill out our online contact form here.