Do you need a mailing list for your business but you don’t know where to start? We’ll go over the basics of getting mailing lists and how to maintain your data. At DatabaseUSA.com, we understand the importance of having access accurate and up-to-date mailing lists to effectively market your products or services. That’s why our direct mail address database of over 270 million consumers and 15 million businesses is trusted by businesses across the country.

House Lists or Broker Lists: Which One is Right for You?

Reaching your target audience effectively is a critical part of any marketing strategy, and mailing lists are a powerful tool to help you do just that. But how do you decide which type of list to use? There are two main categories: house lists and broker lists. Let’s explore both to help you determine which is the best fit for your business needs.

House Mailing Lists

A house mailing list consists of the names and addresses of customers who have already engaged with your business. If you don’t have such a list yet, now is the time to start gathering contact information.

Since these customers have shown prior interest in your brand, house lists are particularly effective for building loyalty, announcing new products, or promoting special offers.

Here are a few ways to expand your house list:

• Existing Customers: Regularly update your database to ensure you’re reaching active customers.
• Email Subscribers: REncourage your online audience to share their mailing addresses for exclusive content and promotions.
• Website Visitors: Offer incentives for visitors to provide their contact details.
• Social Media Follers: Encourage customers to join your loyalty program by offering rewards for signing up with their phone numbers.

Segmenting your house list by demographics, interests, and behaviors allows you to tailor your messages more effectively, increasing engagement and response rates.

Bought or Rented Mailing Lists

If your goal is to expand your reach and attract new customers, you may need to rent or buy a mailing list. Purchasing a list from a data compiler like DatabaseUSA.com will provide you with the most accurate data from the source. List brokers or resellers, who buy data from data compilers, also can help connect businesses with curated lists. Data providers, whether they are a compiler or a reseller, allow you to match specific audience demographics to your mailing list, such as homeowners, travelers, or tech enthusiasts. Data compilers like DatabaseUSA.com collect and aggregate vast amounts of data from public records, opt-in lists, and other sources to create direct mail lists that you can purchase.

Before purchasing a list, consider the following:

• When was the list last updated?
• How was the data collected and verified?
• Has the list been used in the past 12–24 months?
• Is the broker reputable? Check reviews and ratings, such as those from the Better Business Bureau.

A well-chosen brokered list can be a valuable tool, but it’s essential to vet the source thoroughly to ensure high-quality contacts.

Keeping Your Lists Clean and Up to Date

Regardless of whether you use a house list or a brokered list from a data reseller, maintaining accurate and up-to-date contact information is crucial for success.

Here are some best practices for list maintenance:

• Assign a Dedicated Person to Manage: Having one person oversee the process prevents confusion and ensures consistency.
• Update Addresses Regularly: Use services like NCOALink® to keep mailing addresses current.
• Remove Duplicates: Eliminate duplicate entries to avoid unnecessary costs and customer frustration.
• Use Software Solutions: There are many tools, including CASS-certified options, that can help automate list management and ensure accuracy.
• Perform Routine Scrubbing: Clean your list before each campaign and update it after every mailing to maintain data integrity.

Learn about DatabaseUSA’s Data Scrubbing services here.

The Bottom Line

Whether you build your own house list or purchase one through a compiler or reseller, mailing lists can be a game-changer for your business. The key to success lies in choosing the right type of list for your campaign, keeping your data clean, and targeting the right audience with the right message. By leveraging these strategies, you’ll be well on your way to increasing engagement and driving better results from your marketing efforts.

Complete the form or call us at 877-831-0101 for more information about our Mailing Lists.