NFocus at the National Postal Forum

Knowledgeable people are a big part of what makes NFocus the data company our customers partner with to reach their target audiences. That’s why NFocus sends its employees to national industry conferences to strengthen its knowledge base.

Mike Murphy, NFocus Lead Data Analyst, attended the National Postal Forum in San Antonio completing the Certified Direct Mail Professionals (CDMP) continuing education course.  The CDMP certification further solidifies NFocus’ position as a market leader and trusted partner for direct marketing database management, data processing and postage optimization.

The CDMP certification course is sponsored by the United States Postal Service and was developed by a committee of USPS and mailing industry experts.  The multi-day extensive curriculum included topics in key areas including:

  • Omni-Marketing Mailing
  • List and Database Management
  • Response Rates
  • Technology
  • Testing
  • Media Attribution

About the NPF: The National Postal Forum is the shipping and mailing industry’s premier educational venue, trade show and networking event. The four-day conference is the only event that works directly with the USPS to provide the most comprehensive educational platform possible.

Contact NFocus for more information on direct mail data and processing services.

Postal Facts and Info

Some fascinating facts about the United States Postal Service

The Postal Service processes 5,711 mailpieces every second, 493.4 million each day and 149.5 billion in 2017.

The Postal Service has 6,955 letter carriers who deliver mail entirely on foot.

There are 157.3 million delivery points in the US, up from 149.2 million in 2008.

47% of the world’s mail volume is handled by the USPS.

There are nearly 42,000 ZIP codes in the United States.

The ZIP code with the most street deliveries: 10025 in New York with over 45,000 delivery points.

19 billion postage stamps were printed in 2017.

There are more than 13,000 Main Streets in the US, the most popular street name.  Maple is second with 8,000.

The longest carrier route is in Kansas where the carrier travels 185.4 miles.

The USPS purchased 660 million rubber bands in 2017.

Direct Mail And Automotive Dealers

Direct mail continues to be an important marketing option for new car dealers.

The average new car dealer spent over $575,000 on advertising in 2017 with 7.2% being earmarked for direct mail, according to the recently released NADA Data report.

NFocus offers several data solutions to maximize any automotive direct mail campaign.

* Automotive Direct – Comprehensive database of automotive owners available with over 150 million records.  Selection options include Make/Model/Year and households In-Market to purchase a new vehicle in the next 60 days.  Access the Automotive Direct database 24/7 on the Listcounts data portal.

* Buy Back Campaigns – Append trade-in values to lift engagement with your print campaign.

* Complete Data Options – Choose from household demographics, financial selects, or saturation to build the right list for the right audience.

* Postal Optimization – Our postal processing experts are here to help you maximize your postal savings.

* Match Back Analysis – Review engagement to improve future campaigns with custom match back reporting.

Contact your Account Manager today for more information on the NFocus automotive data opportunities.  Or login to your Listcounts account to access the Automotive Direct data file.

Anniversary of the Forever Stamp

April 12th marks the anniversary of the first United States Postal Service “Forever Stamp”.

The first Forever Stamp in the US went on sale on April 12, 2007 featuring the Liberty Bell and sold for 41 cents.  Forever Stamps can be used to mail a one-once letter regardless of when the stamps were purchased no matter how postage prices change in the future.  Forever Stamps are always sold at the same price as a regular first-class mail stamp.

The USPS applied to begin developing the Forever Stamp program in 2006, it was a concept similar to the United Kingdom’s practice of issuing non-denominated stamps.

The Liberty Bell design was the only Forever Stamp in circulation until October 2010 when the second design was released featuring pine cones and evergreen trees.  All first-class stamps became Forever Stamps in 2011, with the exception of coils of 500, 3,000 and 10,000.  In 2015 the USPS expanded the concept to incorporate several other categories including postcard, additional ounce, and two and three ounce stamps. 

 

Source: USPS

NFocus Announces Expansion of Business Development Team

NFocus is excited to announce several changes to the Office of Business Development.

Michael Gregory joins NFocus in the role of Sales Executive focusing on strategic new business development.  As Sales Executive Michael will be responsible for creating custom data solutions for a wide variety of market segments.

Michael’s background includes 14 years of direct data marketing sales and management experience.

“We are thrilled to have Michael join the NFocus family,” said Tim Giese, Director of Business Development.  “The addition of Michael to the Business Development staff helps strengthen our position as the premier data agency in the marketplace.”

Michael earned his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Central Michigan University and his Master of Business Administration from Walsh College.  Michael lives in Michigan with his wife and two children.

James Vitela is also joining the NFocus family as a Sales Executive.
In the role of Sales Executive, James is responsible for growing and developing new business with printers, publishers and marketing agencies.  James’ background includes more than 15 years of sales and management experience in the financial, media and data industries.

“James is a great addition to our staff,” said Tim Giese.  “James’ varied background and experience is beneficial in helping to build partnerships across all of our key segments.”

James currently lives in Lancaster with his wife and is active in several community organizations including Big Brothers Big Sisters, The Decorative Arts Center, and the Fairfield Heritage Association.  James studied Business Administration at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and Austin Community College.

Tiffani Rossi, who has been with NFocus for three years, is moving into the role of Client Growth Specialist.

As Client Growth Specialist Tiffani is focused on strategically growing our current partnerships.  She will help our clients improve their marketing efforts through optimizing campaign targeting, improving data quality, and analyzing results.

Tiffani earned a Bachelor’s degree from Park University and an Associate’s degree from Hocking College.  Tiffani was born and raised in Lancaster, Ohio where she currently lives with her husband, two kids, three dogs, two cats, a turtle, and a hamster.

“It is a very exciting time here at NFocus,” said Doug Cronin, Owner and President.  “With the addition of James and Michael, plus Tiffani’s new focus, we’re positioned to create long term success for our clients and develop new, exciting partnerships.”

NFocus Business Development Team (left to right) Tim Giese, James Vitela, Michael Gregory, Tiffani Rossi

NFocus is a company rooted in strong data, supported by knowledgeable people and strengthened by innovative solutions to accelerate customer success.  Founded in 1989, NFocus has grown to process billions of postal addresses annually and work with publishers, printers and direct marketers across the country helping them understand and target their prospects.

Target Power Sports & Recreational Enthusiasts

NFocus can help you find the best prospects in the passionate market of motorcycle, boat and RV owners.

The power sports and recreational vehicle market continues to thrive and grow in the US.  The Motorcycle, Boats & RV database will help your clients tap into this great opportunity.

Use the demographics available in the NFocus Consumer Household File to target a stronger prospect by adding selects like Household Income, Target Value Score or Net Worth.

The Motorcycles, Boats & RV data file can be used for service, insurance, aftermarket and buy-back campaigns.

Additional options include a purchase predictor for households more likely to buy a recreational vehicle in the near future and All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) owners.

Contact your Account Manager for more information on the Motorcycle, Boats and RV database.

Local Advertising Expected to Grow in 2018

Traditional advertising expected to nearly double digital advertising spend in 2018.

Local advertising spend is predicted to reach $151.2 billion in 2018, a 5.2% increase over 2017, according to a recent report by research group BIA/Kelsey.  Digital ad spend is expected to take 35.3% of the overall share while traditional channels represent 64.7%.

The main driver of local ad spend is direct mail, responsible for $39.5 billion (25.4%) with local TV (13.8%) and mobile (12.6%) filling out the top 3 channels.

NFocus is your direct mail data partner.  We are here to help guide you through the process from selecting the right targeted list, maximizing your postage savings, and analyzing your results to improve your next campaign.

The Listcounts data portal and ResQue software platform are NFocus developed solutions that give you 24/7 access to the top direct mail databases along with extensive reporting and mapping functionality.  Our team of Account Managers are also here to help you select the right list to meet your target audience.

The NFocus Data Processing department is on-site and provides complete mail data processing services.  From list hygiene to complex presort processing, the Data Processing team is your experienced resource to help you minimize waste and maximize postage savings.

NFocus also gives you access to powerful resources that help you measure the success of your direct mail campaign and improve future campaigns.  The Data Processing team can provide match-back reporting to give you an accurate look at what campaigns are driving engagement.  The proprietary NSight report identifies the demographic profile of your best customer helping you make better targeting options.

For nearly 30 years NFocus has been helping our customers navigate their complex direct mail data options.  Contact us today for more information on how we can help your next campaign.