SUCCESS STORIES

Online retailer taps direct mail to drive incremental sales

consumer/retail

Targeted mail strategy accelerated scale and expanded marketing channel diversification

A newly launched online retailer needed an effective way to increase sales but lacked a critical growth channel: direct mail. Having previously partnered with the client’s leadership team, Franklin Madison Direct was a trusted choice to develop and execute a data-driven direct mail strategy. The campaign started with a small test, using two custom data models to identify high-potential prospects. Encouraged by early success, the client rapidly expanded the program into a monthly initiative, scaling from a limited test to dozens of tailored data models. Along the way, FM Direct helped optimize creative strategies and tested SURROUND™, which resulted in a 20% increase in performance. Through ongoing refinement and strategic adjustments, the campaign successfully scaled while maintaining key performance goals.

The Problem

The online retailer needed to grow rapidly but lacked a proven direct mail channel to diversify acquisition.

The Solution

FM Direct launched a data-driven direct mail test using custom models and creative testing to find top segments.

The Outcome

The program scaled from 50K to 1.77M pieces with consistent KPI success and a 20% performance lift.

consumer/retail

Our Impact

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Pieces Mailed

The campaign scaled from an initial 50K test to 1.77 million mail pieces.

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Performance Lift

FM Direct’s Surround strategy boosted campaign performance by 20% over the control.

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Data Source Growth

Data targeting expanded from 2 sources to over 20, fueling sustained audience scale.

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Success Rate

The campaign consistently achieved the client’s target for incremental Cost per Order.

FMD has a deep knowledge of direct mail and the various components that go into it. This clear subject matter expertise has made us very comfortable with the recommendations they’ve provided.

Ryan Wilder, Sr. Marketing Strategist, SeQuel Response”

paid media lead, retail industry, Franklin Madison Direct Client

Data-driven direct mail optimization

FM Direct’s strategic direct mail testing methodology allows brands to quickly identify high-performing creative, offers, and audience segments. Using FactorTest, we test multiple variables—such as formats, messaging, and targeting models—within a single campaign to accelerate learnings and refine strategy.

By analyzing real-time results and scaling successful test components, FM Direct ensures brands maximize response rates while keeping costs efficient. This approach minimizes guesswork and delivers proven, scalable direct mail programs that drive long-term success.

Test smarter, scale faster

Success Stories

Read our success stories to uncover how we’ve driven results for subscription companies like yours.

Investment brand unlocks high-quality leads with integrated direct response

After a successful launch into the mail channel, this meal delivery service was eager to maximize direct mail’s potential as a high-performing marketing channel. Franklin Madison Direct recommended merging the strengths of direct mail and digital advertising by reaching direct mail recipients through digital impressions before and during the mail delivery process via Surround™.

Read MoreInvestment brand unlocks high-quality leads with integrated direct response

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