Lyons Direct Communications

New: Improving Response: Relationship Building

Our Services Lyons Direct is committed to developing customized, results-oriented direct mail donor and member programs for our clients, delivering them with the best possible customer service.

Our services include:

Strategic Planning and Management

At Lyons Direct Communications, we work with our clients to develop an understanding of their organization, its mission, goals and donors/members. A complete analysis is conducted of past campaigns to determine trends, messages, concepts and design, and how they impact results. This is an invaluable tool in preparing a marketing plan. Evaluations of current campaigns are updated and adjusted as necessary
To maintain a healthy donor or member base, new members and donors must be acquired. Understanding your donor/member, their giving history, demographic profile, and giving trends will provide the necessary tools to perform a successful acquisition or appeal. Lyons Direct has the ability to analyze your donor profile by segmenting your donors/members and providing a predictive modeling tool. The knowledge you receive from a Donor Profile or Giving History Profile will help you get the most out of your donor base while guiding you to future success.
Donor and Member Profiles/Demographics

Profiling your donor/member takes the guesswork out of list selection. A summary of the demographic data of your donor/member database is summarized generating a comprehensive profile report that will assist in planning and supporting campaign decision-making. A model report will be generated that will identify the attributes that make someone more likely to respond. This model can be applied to build a target list. In addition, we can examine your donor's financial status and create a wealth overlay model. This will help us determine which donors have the means to make increased donations.
Award-Winning Creative

Lyons Direct Communications' creative staff have been honored with many awards of excellence including the prestigious New England Direct Marketing Association's 2002 Bullseye Award. With more than 75 years of combined experience, our creative staff uses response driven approaches to develop the most effective and efficient direct marketing design. Working as a team with our clients, we identify themes and messages while carefully considering such creative elements as copy, color, and graphics. The final result is a comprehensive package that grabs attention, drives response, and produces revenue.
Targeted and Segmented Copy

As with all good direct mail programs, copy, timing, and asks can greatly enhance success. While the goal is clearly to raise response and additional revenue, Lyons Direct works with our clients to develop a program that is mission-related and takes into consideration all aspects necessary to make a compelling case for your organization.
Lyons Direct can also develop wealth overlay model for current donors and past donors who have enough discretionary income to make increased donations. By understanding the wealth capacity of donors we are able to develop a gift table that increases average gifts.
List Assessment and Purchasing

Proper list selection is essential to the success of a good acquisition program. A review of past list performance including house lists, rented lists, and exchanged files will help identify the best sources for targeting donors and members. A comprehensive recommendation based on a donor/member profile will take into consideration all aspects of the package including copy, design, and theme. Lyons Direct will produce targeted mailing lists that will drive response and generate income for current and future mailings.
Through our list brokers, Lyons Direct has access to a database of over 3,000 lists and 120 million households. Using both list purchasing methods and modeling we are able to develop a highly-targeted acquisition program. Modeled lists produce a predictive model of targeted prospect
Data Processing

Lyons Direct manages all file processing requirements for our clients. We work with our clients to develop the specific parameters needed to complete a successful merge/purge based on program goals and institutional requirements. Using sophisticated information technology we can assure the message reaches the intended audience. We can accept files via e-mail, tape, or disk. We are able to personalize each package, integrating sophisticated details, and providing a person-to-person interaction with prospects.
From ink jet technology to cheshire addressing to high resolution lasering, our services are individualized to meet our clients needs. All production processes include maximizing automation discounts. From pre- and post-bar coding, along with presorting, our clients receive significant savings. In addition, all mail is reviewed by a certified postal employee prior to post office delivery to ensure it is receiving the highest possible discount and meets all postal regulations.
Printing and Mailing Services

Lyons Direct prides itself on providing the best possible price and service. We work closely with our clients to manage all aspects of printing, data processing, and lettershop coordination. Each process requires a signature of approval from both Lyons Direct and the client (unless otherwise specified) to eliminate possible errors.
Knowing timing is critical to the success of a program, we leave nothing to chance. We meet our deadlines with fast turnaround and dependable delivery. Lyons Direct produces highly customized and responsive pieces including personalized messages, letters, and reply devices.
Comprehensive Results Analysis
At the completion of each mailing an analysis is performed to determine your mailing results. Each mailing is coded to ensure all parameters tested can be analyzed. Reports are used to evaluate and develop new strategies for upcoming mailings. This invaluable tool provides the following information:
- Average response rate
- Average gift amount
- Number of responses
- Cost per piece
- Cost per response
- Income per name
- Earned income
- Comparison vs. other mailings
- ROI (return on investment)
- Zip Code Analysis
Direct mail is a measurable tool if performed correctly. Not analyzing results defeats the purpose and invalidates the expense.
Database Design, Management and Consulting

We all know that the key to a good fundraising program is the data. Without proper input, configuration and reporting the data cannot be utilized properly therefore effecting results and analysis. Lyons Direct has extensive knowledge with a variety of data bases including Raiser's Edge. We have helped dozens of clients with data base conversions, data clean-up, assessment, report creation, and database training.