Key Direct Mail Marketing Statistics From 2021

Direct mail marketing may not be as new as modern digital marketing trends, but that doesn’t mean it’s any less effective. Research shows that direct mail marketing recipients are 28% more likely to purchase than consumers who don’t receive a mailer. It’s tried and true!
At Troi Mailing Services, we specialize in direct mail campaigns and services like:
- Printing
- Success measurement
- Data processing
- Mail fulfillment
- Direct mail advertising
As an authority in direct mail marketing across the Greater Toronto Area, Troi has come to learn some interesting facts about mailers and how using direct mail can successfully impact your company. Here, we’ll share some of the key 2021 direct mail stats you should know.
Direct Mail is More Personal to 70% of Consumers
A report by Fundera says direct mailers are considered more personal than other forms of marketing content by 70% of consumers. Direct mail is more personal because it usually:
- Offers a tangible advertisement consumers can hold
- It is addressed to the recipient
- Provides an exclusive offer
- Serves a purpose (invitation, coupon, newsletter, etc.)
Personal connections promote brand loyalty, encouraging one-time customers to become repeat customers and to invite friends and family to do the same.
81% of Canadians Read Mail Right Away
According to Canada Post, you can count on 81% of recipients reading direct mail marketing content the same day it comes in the mail. Research shows that most Canadians read their mail right away and that 74% of consumers take notice of direct mail advertising they receive.
One of the biggest obstacles of any marketing campaign is getting consumers to sit up and take notice. With odds that 81% of recipients will read your mailer the day they get it, you can rest easy knowing half the battle is over.
Half of Your Recipients Are Likely to Buy
Ever wonder how long it takes for direct mail to take effect? Forbes says you can expect results within 6-months of the recipients receiving your mailer. Better yet, you can count on approximately half of your recipients taking action.
The business blog states that 50% of direct mail marketing recipients went on to buy a product or service from a direct mailer within 6-months of receiving it. These are good odds for companies looking to expand markets or create a local identity.
Direct Mail is Read for Longer Than 1-Minute
In an age where time is money and digital content takes seconds to consume, it’s refreshing to learn that 79% of direct mail not only gets read but is read for longer than one minute. This news comes from the printing giant Xerox, and 70% of direct mail materials are opened. Direct mail can be more costly than digital marketing efforts because you create and send tangible correspondence through traditional delivery methods. Seeing these efforts pay off proves the value of traditional marketing in a digitized world.
82% of Consumers Trust Printed Advertisements
Trust is a huge piece of the marketing puzzle when connecting consumers to new brands. The modern customer wants to know they can trust the companies they invest in. Like a faithful Sunday morning newspaper, it appears 82% of consumers trust printed advertisements the most out of all marketing formats.
As you develop your marketing goals for 2021, consider the lasting impact that trust and brand loyalty brings to your business. Connecting with customers on a deeper meaning through your direct mail marketing ensures longevity as a brand.
Direct Mail Leads to Online Activity for 92% of Recipients
Just because you use direct mail as one step in your marketing campaign doesn’t mean your digital game isn’t amazing. One of the reasons so many companies choose direct mail is its potential for online contact.
92% of direct mail recipients will get online and check you out, and 43% will likely download something related to your mailer.
If you’re looking to up your online traffic, direct mail could surprisingly be your door to success. Be sure to include website and social media information to make the most of these direct mail marketing statistics for 2021.
70% Higher Brand Recall Than Digital Marketing
Brand recognition is crucial to the success of any business. Direct mail ensures 70% higher brand recall than digital marketing methods. This means customers who receive your mailer are more likely to remember your brand when looking for similar products or services in the future. Marketing of any kind is good, but if the consumer doesn’t remember which brand sent them an e-mail, what’s the point? Knowing your direct mail is memorable makes the slightly higher price point well worth the spend.
60% of Consumers Love Mail
Who doesn’t love receiving mail? If you’re looking for a reason to invest in direct mail marketing, look no further than the positive reaction of your customers. 60% of Canadian consumers enjoy receiving mail, and 42% will actively collect mail five times a week.
While e-mail is also opened regularly, it is encouraging to know your customers are checking their mailer and meeting your mailer with a positive reaction. Consumers who are happy to see mail are more likely to view your brand favourably and follow through with directions to call, visit you online, or check out your store in person.
To learn more about direct mail marketing and how we can help your brand make a name in the Greater Toronto Area, call Troi Mailing Services at 1-866-486-9350 or contact us here.
About: Seamus Barton
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Seamus Barton joined Troi Mailing Services in 2014 after graduating from York University with a degree in Professional Writing. As a team leader and print enthusiast, he champions the power that words play in driving impact. Seamus’ passion for engaging content motivates him to share direct mail solutions ideas that support each Client’s goals.
Please chat with Seamus about commercial printing, creative direct mail options, and eco-friendly paper strategies for optimal Smartmail Marketing success.
You can connect with Seamus on LinkedIn, or by calling Troi Mailing Services at 1-866-486-9350, or via email at seamus@troimail.com. Learn more about environmental sustainability and direct mail trends in his Two Sides North America article featured on Page 9 of The Page (Spring 2026) Newsletter.
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