What is a Self-Mailer? 9 Self-Mailer Examples
You’ve heard of a direct mailer, but what is a self-mailer? And how do you design and print one that converts target audiences into customers?
As business owners and marketers, you know that when it comes to direct mail, immediate captivation is key. Which makes the self-mailer the perfect print marketing asset. With no need for packaging, your branding and messaging stands out from everything else in your audience’s mailboxes. To get the most bang for your self-mailer buck, let’s look at:
- What is a self-mailer?
- Nine self-mailer examples
- Benefits of using a self-mailer
Explore some of Smartpress’ creative, custom and compelling self-mailers.
What is a Self-Mailer?
A self-mailer is exactly what it sounds like. It’s a direct mail piece that sends your marketing message straight to your target audience’s door, no envelope or packaging needed. No matter the format, self-mailers ensure your message makes an immediate impact.
Most commonly used for marketing campaigns and as informational pieces, self-mailers are essential assets for any brand, business or organization. Plus, they’re cost-effective, which is ideal when you can’t budge on your budget.
9 Self-Mailer Examples
So let’s dive into some examples of effective self-mailers. Our nine different formats make it easy for you to pick and choose the one that’s best for your business or organization. As you consider each one, think about your marketing needs, the content you’d like to include and how your audience will best engage with it.
Get advice on designing creative mailers from Foldfactory founder Trish Witkowski.
Folded Self-Mailers
Folded self-mailers are the ones you probably see most often. With a single fold or as many as four, this format is endlessly customizable and so versatile. Design yours with coated paper stocks and a protective UV coating for a professional look and feel no matter the message. Keep these tips in mind:
- Ensure your content is concise and clear
- Maintain branding throughout (think logos, colors and fonts)
- Take advantage of seasonality with timely campaigns
Coupon Mailers
Coupon mailers are perfect for promotions, showing appreciation for customers and so much more. With three perforated coupons, you could of course offer discounts and product deals. But with Smartpress’ custom printing options, you can also turn those coupons into loyalty punch cards, RSVP cards and even business cards. Other design ideas include:
- Food and drink vouchers
- Passes to workshops or events
- Raffle tickets for fundraisers
- Service reminders
See how coupon advertising continues to be a highly effective marketing tool.
Large T-Cross Mailers
Your message hits the mark with large T-cross mailers. Unfolding to a T-shape with a multi-panel spread, this format is ideal for advertising new products, services and events – they can even be invitations. Design yours with these tips:
- List product benefits down the vertical panels
- Add panoramic photography across the horizontal panels
- Reveal a special offer or discount on the last panel
Small T-Cross Mailers
When you ask yourself what is a self-mailer, it’s crucial to consider the content you want to include. And sometimes, brevity really is the answer. With the small T-cross mailer, you get just enough space for product info, event details and brand promos. Its short panels are perfect for:
- Custom illustrations and icons
- Teaser quotes leading to the T-shaped reveal
- Vertical or horizontal product presentations
Get design inspo for T-cross mailers that engage your clients and your creativity.
Modified Corner Fold Mailers
Sharp and sophisticated, the modified corner fold mailer features a classic corner fold that’s then folded in half to create a rectangle. Since it’s not a square, it saves you the extra postage square mailers require and gives you plenty of space for imagery and messaging. Design yours with:
- Photos on each triangular panel
- Punchy quotes or client testimonials
- An exciting reveal or message in the center
Right Angle Fold Mailers
Smart and stylish, right angle fold mailers open up to six panels perfect for big, bold messaging and imagery. Its classic gate fold ensures an engaging opening experience for recipients, while its expansive format gives you plenty of space for play. Print yours with:
- A map to your business or location
- Product infographics
- Testimonials or graphics that lead to the center reveal
Sleeve Mailers
Interactive and engaging, sleeve mailers feature a convenient thumb-pull that reveals your message on a sliding insert. Promote your business, announce new products or invite guests to fundraisers on the sliding insert, and secure it with a branded sleeve.
- Design the sleeve and slider in contrasting colors
- Choose graphics wisely to not overwhelm the slider
- Keep text simple for the biggest impact on the reveal
Tri-Fold Pocket Mailers
You can’t answer the question what is a self-mailer without including a tri-fold format. Tri-fold pocket mailers are a smart addition to your print marketing strategy because they provide plenty of space for promotional text and imagery, while also offering a convenient pocket for additional materials. What to include in the pocket? Try these:
- Event tickets
- Service or conference brochures
- Educational packets
- Promotional materials like magnets or stickers
Letter Mailers
When communication is key, letter mailers are a go-to. They make it easy to get straight to the point about your business, upcoming events and any important information your clients and customers need. With standard letter mailers, letter mailers with reply envelopes, window mailers and window mailers with reply envelopes, Smartpress has your options covered. Use these for:
- Nonprofit donation requests and remittance
- Customer and client outreach
- Updates to your business or location
Postcards are self-mailers, too – see how to use them to your advantage.
Benefits of Using a Self-Mailer
There are many advantages of using self-mailers in your marketing campaigns and customer communication. One in particular? People still really like getting mail. In a world that’s getting more and more digital, physical self-mailers provide a much-needed break from screen advertisements. They’re also:
- Cost-effective: More often than not, self-mailers are a budget-friendly option because they don’t require envelopes or packaging – which means less handling and postage.
- A win with existing customers: For your existing clientele in particular, self-mailers are a welcomed addition in your mailbox because they’re already familiar with your brand.
- A creative asset: Graphic designers love self-mailers because of their design flexibility. You can design them with graphics, text and calls to action any which way you like (and the way that works best for your biz).
- Immediately impactful: Recipients don’t have to open an envelope or other packaging, so your self-mailer messaging makes a strong, unencumbered first impression.
Print Your Self-Mailers with Smartpress
What is a self-mailer? Well, now you have nine ideas of formats to choose from for your marketing and messaging. From simple folds to engaging and interactive ones, our self-mailers give you the options (and creative freedom) to secure any sale.
When you print self-mailers with Smartpress, your design ideas are backed by a team of print experts to help you along the way – and are happy to do so. Explore our formats, make your design specifications and upload your print-ready file today.
