Marketing has gone digital — but not everything should. While social media ads and email campaigns have their place, there's one highly effective marketing method that continues to deliver impressive ROI, especially for local businesses: Every Door Direct Mail (EDDM).

Created by the United States Postal Service (USPS), EDDM allows businesses to send promotional mail to every home or business on a specific route — without needing a mailing list. Whether you’re a restaurant, real estate agent, fitness center, or local contractor, EDDM is one of the most affordable and effective ways to get noticed.

What Exactly Is EDDM?

Every Door Direct Mail (EDDM) is a simplified mailing program by USPS that lets businesses target specific geographic areas. Instead of buying or building a mailing list, you choose the neighborhoods or ZIP codes you want to reach, and your marketing materials are delivered to every mailbox on that route.

EDDM mailers are usually oversized postcards, flyers, or brochures — which helps them stand out in the mailbox and instantly catch attention. From a local pizza place announcing a discount to a political campaign looking to reach voters, EDDM is flexible, powerful, and easy to use.

How EDDM Works

Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how EDDM typically works:

1. Design Your Mail Piece
   Create a postcard, flyer, or brochure that meets USPS size guidelines for EDDM.

2. Choose Your Target Area
   Use USPS’s EDDM online tool to select ZIP codes, neighborhoods, or delivery routes.

3. Print & Prepare Mailers
   Print your materials in bulk and bundle them according to USPS requirements.

4. Drop Off at Local USPS
   Submit your mailers to the post office(s) serving your target area.

5. Delivery Begins
   Your mail is delivered to every address in the chosen area — residential or business.

You can do it yourself, or work with a full-service provider like Mail Pros USA, who handles everything from design and printing to USPS delivery.

Benefits of Every Door Direct Mail

EDDM stands out from other marketing methods due to its simplicity and cost-effectiveness. Here's why businesses love it:

✅ No Mailing List Needed

Forget purchasing expensive data — you can target every address on a route automatically.

✅ Affordable Rates

USPS offers discounted postage rates for EDDM, making it much cheaper than traditional direct mail.

✅ Hyperlocal Targeting

Focus on very specific areas where your potential customers live, shop, or work.

✅ High Visibility

Large-format mailers stand out — no envelope means your message gets seen right away.

✅ Easy to Launch

With the right partner, an EDDM campaign can be planned, designed, and mailed in just days.

Best Types of Businesses for EDDM

While EDDM can work for almost any industry, it's especially effective for:

• Restaurants & Cafes: Promote new menu items, discounts, or grand openings.

• Real Estate Agents: Showcase listings, sold properties, or your services.

• Gyms & Fitness Studios: Share class schedules or membership deals.

• Retail Stores: Announce sales, product launches, or loyalty programs.

• Contractors & Home Services: Reach homeowners with seasonal offers or maintenance reminders.

• Medical & Dental Clinics: Introduce new practices or promote health checkup offers.

If your business depends on local foot traffic or community visibility — EDDM is your secret weapon.

EDDM vs. Other Marketing Channels

Let’s compare EDDM to other common marketing tactics:

Method	Targeting	Cost	Lifespan	Personal Touch
Social Media Ads	Great (interest-based)	Medium to High	Short-lived	Low
Email Marketing	Medium (opt-in list)	Low	Very Short	Low
EDDM	Geographic (ZIP, route)	Low	Longer Shelf Life	High

 

The takeaway? EDDM provides tangible, lasting visibility at a surprisingly low cost.

Tips for a Successful EDDM Campaign

To make the most of your EDDM effort, keep these best practices in mind:

• ????️ Design for Impact – Use bold headlines, strong visuals, and a clear call-to-action.

• ???? Choose the Right Routes – Focus on areas that match your ideal customer base.

• ✂️ Include an Offer – Coupons or discounts increase response rates.

• ???? Send at the Right Time – Align your campaign with seasonal trends or sales cycles.

• ???? Track Response – Use unique codes, URLs, or phone numbers to measure ROI.

Why Work with a Professional EDDM Provider

Managing an EDDM campaign involves design, printing, sorting, bundling, and paperwork — it can get overwhelming fast.

That’s why many businesses choose to partner with a service provider like Mail Pros USA — who handles the entire process end-to-end. This ensures compliance with USPS guidelines, faster delivery, and better campaign results.

Conclusion

In a digital world full of distractions, Every Door Direct Mail offers a simple, affordable, and effective way to make real connections with local customers. Whether you're launching a new business, promoting a service, or running a seasonal sale, EDDM delivers your message directly into the hands (and homes) of your audience.

Don’t underestimate the power of print. Sometimes, the most effective way to be noticed — is to show up right at the door.