1. Unusual colours
Keep your direct mail envelopes the same size and weight, just change the colour from white to something different or more daring.

2. Odd size or shape
Send your message in a jumbo-size envelope. Or in a square envelope. Or send your message in a tiny envelope. Just remember that your envelope has to conform to postal regulations for size and shape, and fit through a normal mailbox.

3. Personalization
Put your prospect's name right on the front of the envelope, perhaps in the form of a question: "Hey, Alan, know who offers the lowest interest rates?"

4. Cartoon
Speaking of personalization, put a cartoon on the front of your direct mailing envelope, and put your prospect's name in the caption (so that one of the cartoon characters is using your prospect's name in what they are saying).

5. Teaser
Ask a provocative question, give a compelling statistic, feature a gripping photo or use another device that intrigues your prospect and motivates them to open your envelope to satisfy their curiosity.

6. Go plain
Sometimes just a plain old #10 envelope works as well as anything else. IBM discovered in tests that they increased their response dramatically just by putting their logo in the top left hand corner of the envelope. You may increase the number of people who open your envelope by not using your logo, or not mentioning your company name, just your return address.
The secret to irresistible envelopes is creativity and testing. Be as imaginative as you can, and then test your hunches in the marketplace. May you discover many winners!

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Alan Sharpe is a business-to-business direct mail copywriter and lead generation consultant who helps high-tech firms attract new clients using creative, cost-effective direct mail.

Subscribe to "Sharpe & Direct," his weekly newsletter, at www.sharpecopy.com