If you use direct mail to promote your business, you’ve probably seen the headlines: starting July 13, 2025, the USPS is planning to raise the price of a First-Class Mail Forever stamp from 73 cents to 78 cents. And this isn’t the first bump this year. Back in January, the USPS raised shipping rates for Priority Mail and other services by around 3.2–3.9%.
If you’re wondering what that means for your marketing budget, you’re not alone.
For small businesses, nonprofits, and marketers who rely on mail, these rate changes can feel like a punch to the budget. But direct mail still works. The key is making it work smarter. Let’s look at a few real-world ways you can adjust, save money, and still get results from every piece of mail you send.
- Stop Mailing to Everyone. Start Mailing to the Right People.
This one’s big. If you’re sending to a huge list just because it’s what you’ve always done, it might be time to reconsider your strategy.
Instead, ask yourself:
- Who actually responds to our mail?
- Are there segments we could trim or target better?
- Do we have outdated or duplicate addresses?
You don’t need a massive list. You need the right list. Clean data and smart segmentation can help you send fewer pieces and get better results. Try mailing to a smaller, more qualified group, like repeat customers or leads who’ve engaged recently, and test your message with them first.
- Save Postage by Designing Smarter Mail Pieces
Postage isn’t just about how much you mail. It’s also about what you mail.
The shape, size, and weight of your piece can all impact how much you pay. For example:
- Stick to standard postcard sizes (like 6″ x 9″) to avoid surcharges
- Square cards? Cool-looking, but they cost more
- Thicker paper? Also pricier to mail
Even a simple change, like trimming the size of a flyer or using thinner stock, can shave off cents per piece. Over a few thousand pieces, that adds up.
If you’re not sure what qualifies for the lowest rates, just ask. We’re happy to walk through the options before you print.
- Get More from Every Mail Piece with a Digital Boost
Direct mail on its own is powerful. But when you connect it to digital tools, you get even more traction.
Here are a few simple ways to do that:
- Add a QR code that links to a video, promo code, or sign-up form
- Create a special landing page just for people who received your mailer
- Follow up your mailing with an email reminder or social post
Why does this work? Because it gives people an easy way to respond, and it helps you track what’s working. (And what’s not.)
- Work with a Printer Who Knows the Postal System
Look, navigating postal rates, mail classes, and delivery timelines isn’t exactly most people’s idea of fun.
But it’s our thing — and we’ve helped a lot of businesses get better results while spending less. Here’s what that looks like:
- Choosing formats that qualify for discounts
- Timing your mail drops to hit mail boxes just right
- Cleaning your list so you’re not paying for undeliverable addresses
- Helping you decide if options like EDDM make sense
When postage prices go up, it pays (literally) to work with someone who knows the ins and outs of the system.
Why Direct Mail Still Belongs in Your Marketing Plan
Postage rates are changing, but it’s not the end of direct mail — not even close. With the right strategy, you can master how to save on direct mail postage and keep your campaigns effective and affordable.
If you’re thoughtful about your list, design, and strategy, you can keep mailing, stay on budget, and still get results. You just need the right approach and the right support.
Want help adjusting your next mailing before the new rates kick in? Let’s connect. We’ll walk you through the options, help you find ways to save, and make sure your message still lands where it matters — in the hands of your next customer.
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