IgnitePOST’s NCOA Service Ensures Your Mail Reaches the Right Audience

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Why Accurate Address Data is Critical for Mail Success

In today’s fast-paced world, people move frequently. Businesses relying on direct mail marketing must ensure their messages reach the right recipients. IgnitePOST’s new National Change of Address (NCOA) service is designed to help businesses maintain accurate address data, ensuring that handwritten mail campaigns remain highly effective.

What is the National Change of Address (NCOA) Service?

The National Change of Address (NCOA) service is a system maintained by the United States Postal Service (USPS) that helps businesses update mailing addresses based on permanent change-of-address records filed with the USPS. This database contains approximately 160 million address changes from the past 48 months. Businesses that use the NCOA service can significantly reduce undelivered mail, ensuring their messages reach the intended recipients. 

Understanding the Frequency of Address Changes in the U.S.

Each year, millions of Americans change addresses. Keeping up with these changes is essential for businesses that use mail as part of their marketing strategy. Consider these statistics:

• In 2023, the U.S. Postal Service processed 28.3 million address changes (USPS).
• The U.S. moving rate was 8.7% last year, meaning nearly one in ten Americans relocated (ConsumerAffairs).
• Over 40 million Americans move annually, making outdated mailing lists a major concern for businesses.

These statistics highlight how crucial it is for businesses to maintain up-to-date customer and prospect mailing lists to maximize the impact of their mail campaigns.

The Power of Handwritten Mail & Why Address Accuracy Matters

Handwritten mail is one of the most effective outreach methods, significantly outperforming other forms of communication:

• 99% open rate – Almost every handwritten mailpiece is opened.
• 30x better response rate than email – Unlike emails that often get lost in inboxes, handwritten notes command attention.
• 11.2x better performance than direct mail – The personal touch of handwritten notes generates a stronger emotional connection and higher engagement.

However, none of these benefits matter if your mail doesn’t reach the intended recipient. That’s where IgnitePOST’s NCOA service comes in.

Benefits of Running a Cold Prospect List Through IgnitePOST’s NCOA Service

Cold outreach is only as effective as the quality of your contact list. Running your cold prospect list through IgnitePOST’s NCOA service ensures that your mail is delivered to the correct addresses, increasing engagement and ROI.

1. Enhanced Deliverability & Higher Open Rates

A prospect list riddled with outdated addresses leads to undelivered mail. Using IgnitePOST’s NCOA service, businesses can verify addresses before sending handwritten mail, significantly improving delivery rates and ensuring that their messages reach the intended audience.

Example: Imagine a real estate agency sending handwritten notes to homeowners in a targeted neighborhood. Without NCOA verification, many letters might go to outdated addresses, leading to wasted marketing dollars. With NCOA, the agency ensures their messages reach homeowners who actually reside at those addresses, increasing engagement and lead conversion.

2. Cost Savings on Postage & Printing

Sending mail to outdated addresses wastes resources. By running your list through IgnitePOST’s NCOA service, businesses can cut down on unnecessary printing and postage costs, ensuring that every mailpiece is delivered effectively.

Example: A financial services firm sending handwritten birthday cards to potential clients would lose money if 10-20% of their mail was undeliverable. By verifying addresses in advance, they reduce waste and improve their campaign’s efficiency.

3. Improved ROI on Direct Mail Campaigns

Direct mail campaigns are an investment. By using IgnitePOST’s NCOA service, businesses increase the likelihood of mail reaching the right people, leading to higher engagement, response rates, and conversions.

Example: A luxury brand launching a handwritten VIP invitation campaign ensures that only valid addresses receive the exclusive invites, increasing event attendance and customer loyalty.

Benefits of Running an Existing Customer Mailing List Through IgnitePOST’s NCOA Service

Maintaining an up-to-date customer mailing list is just as important as ensuring new prospects receive your messages. Using IgnitePOST’s NCOA service on existing customer lists keeps businesses connected with their audience.

1. Maintain Customer Relationships & Retention

Customers appreciate brands that make the effort to stay in touch. If a customer moves and you continue sending mail to their old address, you risk losing the relationship. Updating addresses through IgnitePOST’s NCOA service ensures you stay connected.

Example: A subscription box company sending personalized renewal reminders ensures that customers who have moved continue to receive their mail, reducing churn and increasing retention rates.

2. Keep Customer Data Clean & Accurate

Businesses that maintain accurate records demonstrate professionalism and reliability. Running existing customer lists through NCOA regularly keeps databases clean, ensuring efficient communication.

Example: A nonprofit organization sending handwritten thank-you notes to donors verifies addresses to ensure appreciation messages reach supporters, strengthening donor relationships.

3. Regulatory Compliance & Data Integrity

Some industries require businesses to keep customer contact information updated to comply with regulations. Using IgnitePOST’s NCOA service helps businesses meet compliance standards while maintaining high data integrity.

Example: A healthcare provider using direct mail for patient appointment reminders ensures that crucial information reaches the right individuals, helping them comply with healthcare communication regulations.

Activate IgnitePOST’s NCOA Service Today

Accurate address data is essential for maximizing the impact of your direct mail campaigns. Whether you’re reaching out to new prospects or maintaining relationships with existing customers, IgnitePOST’s NCOA service ensures that your handwritten mail arrives at the correct address, improving engagement and driving revenue.

Ready to enhance your direct mail strategy? Contact IgnitePOST today to activate the NCOA feature for your account and ensure your messages reach the right audience every time!

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