Direct Mail Research: 2026 Direct Mail Marketing Benchmark Report

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn., March 2026 – As marketers navigate fluctuating digital costs and crowded online environments, new industry research shows direct mail standing out for its consistency, engagement, and ability to drive measurable action. 

Commissioned by Franklin Madison Direct and conducted by research firm Circlebox, the 2026 Direct Mail Marketing Benchmark Report analyzes national survey data from U.S. marketers and consumers to assess direct mail performance and its role within today’s omnichannel strategies. 

The findings highlight a channel evolving beyond performance validation, with marketers focusing less on volume and more on targeted execution, personalization, and coordinated digital experiences. Key findings from the 2026 report include: 

• Direct mail performance remains strong: 98% of marketers say their direct mail performance improved or held steady over the past 12 months, with more than half reporting gains.
• Consumer engagement is sustained: 79% of consumers engage with the mail they receive.
• Targeting remains a challenge: Marketers cite data access and targeting precision as their most persistent pain points.
• Mail drives real action: About one in five consumers report making a purchase in the past year as a result of receiving relevant direct mail.
• Confidence is growing: 95% of marketers plan to maintain or increase their direct mail investment over the next 12 months, an increase from last year, making it one of the few channels with clear budget momentum.

The 2026 Direct Mail Marketing Benchmark Report is available for download at https://franklinmadisondirect.com/e-books/direct-mail-report/