Author Archives: SeQuel Response

Direct Mail Benchmark Report 2024 reveals 61% of marketers have increased direct mail investments in the last year

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. /ScoopCloud/ -- New industry research commissioned by SeQuel Response and conducted by ISG Research shows 61% of marketers have increased direct mail investments in the last year, up 12% from 2023 data.

The 2024 Direct Mail Marketing Benchmark Report provides an analysis of the current direct mail marketing landscape and its effectiveness, showcasing data collected from both B2B and B2C marketing leaders and consumers.

The full report is available at: https://www.sequeldm.com/directmailreport/.

Pouring dollars into channels lacking clear targeting and messaging leads to flat results. Marketers are now focusing on direct response strategies proven to effectively reach audiences through personalized and impactful interactions. Direct mail, with its track record of delivering high response rates and conversions, continues to be a reliable and high-performing marketing channel.

Insights from the report indicate that both marketers and consumers continue to view direct mail as a potent tool for fostering deeper connections and enriching experiences:

* Despite a drop in 2023 volumes, confidence in direct mail remains: direct mail is showing greater growth investments than all other direct response advertising channels.

* Even in a digital world, direct mail remains both relevant and impactful: 96% of respondents have experienced improved or consistent direct mail performance over the last year.

* Marketers are increasingly weaving direct mail into their omnichannel strategies: 90% of respondents report that integration positively impacts campaign performance.

* Direct mail fights digital ad fatigue: 72% of consumers engage with mail each week - up 3% from last year.

* The mail channel is a firm consumer favorite: direct mail is the second most enjoyable form of advertising (second only to TV/video streaming).

About SeQuel Response:

SeQuel Response is the go-to direct response advertising agency for growth-oriented consumer brands looking to launch and rapidly scale their direct mail and digital marketing campaigns. SeQuel's commitment to investing in clients' success and shaping the future of direct response marketing continues to deliver exceptional results and position the agency as an industry leader. SeQuel is ranked as a top marketing agency in Minneapolis, Minnesota and has been named to the Inc. 5000 list of fastest growing private companies in the U.S.

Learn more at: https://www.sequeldm.com/.

MULTIMEDIA:

Image link for media: https://www.sequeldm.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/2024-Report-Cover-Image.png

Image caption: 2024 Direct Mail Marketing Benchmark Report.

New industry research commissioned by SeQuel Response and conducted by ISG Research shows 61% of marketers have increased direct mail investments in the last year, up 12% from 2023 data. The 2024 Direct Mail Marketing Benchmark Report provides an analysis of the current direct mail marketing landscape.

Related link: https://www.sequeldm.com/

Direct Mail Benchmark Report reveals 89% of marketers have increased or maintained direct mail investments in the last year

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. /ScoopCloud/ -- New industry research commissioned by SeQuel Response and conducted by ISG Research shows 89% of marketers have increased or maintained direct mail investments in the last year, up 3% from 2022 data.

The 2023 Direct Mail Marketing Benchmark Report provides an analysis of the current direct mail marketing landscape and its effectiveness, showcasing data collected from both B2B and B2C marketing leaders and consumers. The full report is available at https://www.sequeldm.com/directmailreport.

In challenging environments, marketers are expected to demonstrate increased faith in the marketing channels that reliably deliver measurable response rates and conversions. Looking at direct mail specifically, strong channel performance continues to justify consistent spend year over year. Additional findings from the report indicate marketers aren't the only ones who trust direct mail to reach their audience. Consumers of all ages are embracing the offline channel to engage with new brands and services.

* Despite a digital world, direct mail remains both relevant and impactful: 70% of marketers report that direct mail performance has improved, up 5% from 2022.

* Marketers are increasingly weaving direct mail into their omnichannel strategies: 91% of respondents report that integration positively impacts campaign performance.

* Direct mail fights digital ad fatigue: 69% of consumers engage with mail each week.

* Audience targeting and data access limitations are top on the list of challenges for mailers: 50% of marketers are concerned about reaching their audiences due to increased data security regulations.

About SeQuel Response:

SeQuel Response has quickly become the go-to direct response advertising agency for growth-oriented consumer brands looking to launch and rapidly scale their direct mail and digital marketing campaigns. SeQuel's commitment to investing in clients' success and shaping the future of direct response marketing continues to deliver exceptional results and position the agency as an industry leader. SeQuel is ranked as a top marketing agency in Minneapolis, Minnesota and has been named to the Inc. 5000 list of fastest growing private companies in the U.S.

Learn more at: https://www.sequeldm.com/.

New industry research commissioned by SeQuel Response and conducted by ISG Research shows 89% of marketers have increased or maintained direct mail investments in the last year, up 3% from 2022 data. The 2023 Direct Mail Marketing Benchmark Report provides an analysis of the current direct mail marketing landscape.

Related link: https://www.sequeldm.com/

Direct Mail Benchmark Report: 86% of marketers have increased or maintained direct mail use in the last twelve months

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. /ScoopCloud/ -- New industry research commissioned by SeQuel Response and conducted by NAPCO Research, shows 86% of marketers have increased or maintained direct mail use in the last twelve months.

The research report titled, "Direct Mail: Signed, Sealed, and Still Delivering Results," surveyed B2B and B2C marketing leaders to gain insights into how today's brands are using mail, channel performance, digital integration strategies, and challenges. The full report is available at https://www.sequeldm.com/directmailreport/.

The direct mail channel has been on a steady rebound since the initial plunge of 2020 as volumes routinely increase and consumer adoration for print remains. Additional key findings from the research show that although brands will maintain digital marketing investments, the longevity and sustainability of direct mail continues to rank it among the top channels in current and future marketing strategies.

* 97% of respondents report steady direct mail performance.

* 90% or more have integrated or plan to integrate digital marketing channels into their direct mail strategy.

* Over half of respondents entered the mail channel to escape the rising CAC costs of digital channels.

* Reaching audiences due to increased data security regulations for offline data/modeling data is a top concern for marketers.

The report also features interviews with data security and paper industry experts, discussing current market trends and 2023 predictions.

About SeQuel Response:

SeQuel Response has quickly become the go-to direct response advertising agency for growth-oriented consumer brands looking to launch and rapidly scale their direct mail and digital marketing campaigns. In five consecutive years, Inc. Magazine has named SeQuel to its Inc. 5000 list of the fastest-growing private companies in the U.S.

Learn more at: https://www.sequeldm.com/

New industry research commissioned by SeQuel Response and conducted by NAPCO Research, shows 86% of marketers have increased or maintained direct mail use in the last twelve months. The research report is titled, "Direct Mail: Signed, Sealed, and Still Delivering Results."

Related link: https://www.sequeldm.com/

SeQuel’s Jody Johnson Selected as 2021 Women in Business Honoree by Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. /ScoopCloud/ -- SeQuel Response is pleased to announce that Jody Johnson, CFO/COO, was selected for the 2021 Women in Business award by the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal. After receiving hundreds of nominations, the Business Journal recognizes just 50 women who have demonstrated outstanding professional achievements, leadership qualities and community contributions throughout the Twin Cities.

"I'm humbled to be chosen as a Women in Business honoree," said Johnson. "I feel quite lucky to be a part of SeQuel where I get to be intimately involved in building out the larger team, solving complex problems and identifying opportunities, all while working with people whom I genuinely like and whose abilities I have the utmost confidence in."

Throughout her career Jody has thrived in rapid growth environments. As a fast-paced and evolving agency, SeQuel was looking for a financial leader to establish business process solutions focused on scalability and rapid revenue growth. In August 2018, Jody Johnson joined SeQuel as Vice President of Finance and in only 14 months was promoted to the inaugural position of Chief Financial Officer. In late 2020, she added Chief Operating Officer to her resume. In addition to her career accomplishments, Jody actively supports her professional community and a variety of philanthropic programs.

"In Jody's short tenure with SeQuel Response, her unique leadership style generated a compelling sense of discipline and responsibility company-wide, to calmly inspire the transition of our financial culture into one of purpose and accountability," explained SeQuel Co-founder and CEO Jay Carroll. "Her persistence and thoroughness also successfully guided us through the COVID-19 pandemic to position the agency for stability during a challenging time for so many. We are proud of Jody's recognition and more than thankful for her significant contribution to SeQuel."

The 2021 honorees were featured in the Business Journal's special Women in Business publication on October 15, and celebrated during a luncheon event on October 18 in Minneapolis.

About SeQuel Response

SeQuel Response has quickly become the go-to direct response advertising agency for growth-oriented consumer brands looking to launch and rapidly scale their direct mail and digital marketing campaigns. In five consecutive years, Inc. Magazine has named SeQuel to its Inc. 5000 list of the fastest growing private companies in the U.S.

Learn more at: https://www.sequeldm.com/

For any business and/or media inquiries, please contact Jacqueline Johnson-Leister at 952-208-1314, or email her at jacquelinej@sequeldm.com.

MULTIMEDIA:

*VIDEO (YouTube): https://youtu.be/FWtVR2-19Es

SeQuel Response is pleased to announce that Jody Johnson, CFO/COO, was selected for the 2021 Women in Business award by the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal. After receiving hundreds of nominations, the Business Journal recognizes just 50 women who have demonstrated outstanding professional achievements, leadership qualities and community contributions throughout the Twin Cities.

Related link: https://www.sequeldm.com/

SeQuel Response Announces New Equity Partner

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. /ScoopCloud/ -- SeQuel Response is pleased to announce that its recently promoted President & Chief Strategist, Erik Koenig, is now an official equity partner in the agency. Effective April 1, 2021, Koenig joins founding partners Jay Carroll, Co-Founder & CEO and Tom Rothstein, Co-Founder.

"Erik has operated as a 'business partner' to Tom and me throughout his career at SeQuel," explained Carroll. "I've always valued his perspective, the questions he asks, and his commitment to doing what's best for our people and our clients. It is with great pride that we are able to formalize this alliance and recognize Erik for his tenure of service, expertise, dedication, leadership, strategic thinking, and authentic influence on our agency."

As a SeQuel pioneer, Koenig has ascended from Director of Business Development to Vice President of Marketing & Sales, and then from Chief Marketing Strategist to now SeQuel's President, all within a decade. Under his leadership, Koenig has tirelessly worked to develop SeQuel's most critical departments and many of the agency's key differentiators. Koenig's steady guidance has secured client performance and financial stability for future business success, both in times of adversity and exponential growth.

"Having been with Jay and Tom my entire career, and with SeQuel since they opened its doors, I've always felt a level of personal accountability for the growth of the agency and the success of our clients," shared Koenig. "Officially becoming an equity partner in the agency cements that mindset and further emboldens my commitment to the success of our teammates, clients and the community. Jay and Tom have truly built something special here at SeQuel, and I'm honored to play a role in an even better future."

SeQuel Co-Founder Tom Rothstein stated that although Koenig has experienced notable career accomplishments, he has remained genuinely humble.

"For as talented as Erik is, he is an even better person," described Rothstein. "As a direct marketer, he has tremendous insight into understanding what our clients want to accomplish and then building a program to make it possible. As a growing business, we try our best to identify top talent and hire the right people. Erik exemplifies all the characteristics we look for and value in our employees, and now value in him as a partner."

"It's been Tom's and my dream to see SeQuel continue its growth by focusing on our values, serving efforts, giving initiatives, and positive culture for decades to come. We are thrilled to continue to invest in SeQuel's future with an individual who has more than earned a stake in the business," said Carroll.

About SeQuel Response

SeQuel Response has quickly become the go-to direct response advertising agency for growth-oriented consumer brands eager to launch and rapidly scale their direct mail and digital marketing campaigns. In five consecutive years, Inc. Magazine has named SeQuel to its Inc. 5000 list of the fastest growing private companies in the U.S.

For any business and/or media inquiries, please contact Jacqueline Johnson-Leister at 952-208-1314, or email her at jacquelinej@sequeldm.com.

MULTIMEDIA

VIDEO (YouTube): https://youtu.be/FWtVR2-19Es

IMAGE LINKS FOR MEDIA:
[1] https://www.send2press.com/300dpi/20-1215s2p-sequel-logo-300dpi.jpg
[2] https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/21-0126s2p-erik-koenig-300dpi.jpg

SeQuel Response is pleased to announce that its recently promoted President & Chief Strategist, Erik Koenig, is now an official equity partner in the agency. Effective April 1, 2021, Koenig joins founding partners Jay Carroll, Co-Founder & CEO and Tom Rothstein, Co-Founder.

Related link: https://www.sequeldm.com/

Erik Koenig Promoted to SeQuel Response President

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. /ScoopCloud/ -- SeQuel Response is pleased to announce the promotion of Erik Koenig to President/Chief Strategist. In his new role as President, Koenig will work to further cement SeQuel as the go-to direct response agency for growth-oriented brands; enhancing alignment between the agency's direct mail and digital marketing strategy to maximize client results.

"We would not be the agency we are today without Erik's persistence, devotion, unlimited talent, and natural management skills," explained Jay Carroll, SeQuel Response Co-Founder/CEO. "He continues to demonstrate himself as an expert growth marketer and influential, yet humble, leader. Erik's promotion to President recognizes the valuable contributions he has made to SeQuel and its customers. It also positions him as the long-term future leader of this organization."

As a SeQuel pioneer, Koenig joined the agency at its inception in January 2010. Throughout his tenure with SeQuel, he has established and refined three of the agency's most critical departments: Strategy, Data/Analytics and Sales. He has also played a lead role in developing many of SeQuel's key differentiators, including its hybrid multivariate test methodology, FaQtor Test, as well as SeQuel Surround, an effective strategy for boosting direct mail performance through digital integration.

"SeQuel has been blessed with great clients, a strong track record, and an incredibly driven team of achievers. We have tremendous momentum and talent," said Koenig. "I consider myself fortunate to be in a position to help lead SeQuel into our next chapter of growth. I have never been more confident or more passionate about our future."

SeQuel congratulates Erik on his new role and wishes him continued success!

About SeQuel Response

SeQuel Response has quickly become the go-to direct response advertising agency for growth-oriented consumer brands looking to launch and rapidly scale their direct mail and digital marketing campaigns. In five consecutive years, Inc. Magazine has named SeQuel to its Inc. 5000 list of the fastest growing private companies in the U.S.

Learn more: https://www.sequeldm.com/

For any business and/or media inquiries, please contact Jacqueline Johnson-Leister at 952-208-1314, or email her at jacquelinej@sequeldm.com.

VIDEO (YouTube): https://youtu.be/FWtVR2-19Es

IMAGE LINKS FOR MEDIA:

[1] https://www.send2press.com/300dpi/20-1215s2p-sequel-logo-300dpi.jpg

[2] https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/21-0126s2p-erik-koenig-300dpi.jpg

SeQuel Response is pleased to announce the promotion of Erik Koenig to President/Chief Strategist. In his new role as President, Koenig will work to further cement SeQuel as the go-to direct response agency for growth-oriented brands; enhancing alignment between the agency's direct mail and digital marketing strategy to maximize client results.

Related link: https://www.sequeldm.com/

SeQuel Response Announces Two Key Leadership Promotions

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. /ScoopCloud/ -- Direct response marketing agency SeQuel Response is pleased to announce the promotions of Jody Johnson to CFO/COO and Jacqueline Johnson-Leister to VP of Marketing & Client Services.

Jody Johnson joined SeQuel Response in August 2018 and in late 2019 became the organization's CFO. She now adds new operational leadership duties as SeQuel's first acting COO. Johnson's 15 years of accounting and finance expertise, along with her skillset as a solutions-oriented leader, has strengthened the direct marketing agency's financial operations and business processes.

"Jody is a go-getter who possesses tremendous leadership skills and the personal drive to match her talent," said CEO, Jay Carroll. "Expanding Jody's responsibilities makes sense at this juncture as we are confident that the great impact she's had in our finance area will translate to further enhancements in our agency operations."

"I'm thrilled to pioneer the role of COO at SeQuel Response," said Johnson. "We have an incredible operations team at our agency and the opportunity to lead and nurture this team is as exciting as it gets."

Jacqueline Johnson-Leister joined the organization in July 2019 as Marketing Director and was promoted to VP of Marketing in November 2020. She will now oversee the agency's marketing, creative and client services departments in her promotion as VP of Marketing & Client Services. Johnson-Leister has 12 years of marketing leadership experience and possesses an early track record of success in escalating SeQuel's branding, marketing, and sales initiatives.

"With Jacqueline's recent promotion to VP of Marketing, it's obvious that we have great confidence in her to also take on Client Services," said Carroll. "She is a people person who genuinely cares about her team and she will demonstrate that attribute very naturally with our clients. She also brings a wealth of creative experience to the table that will only enhance our deliverables going forward."

"I'm honored to continue my career growth with such an incredible values-driven company like SeQuel Response," said Johnson-Leister. "Our marketing, creative and client services teams are comprised of the industry's finest talent, and it's my mission to support that talent in continuing to grow the brand while providing the best possible service to our clients."

SeQuel congratulates Jody Johnson and Jacqueline Johnson-Leister on their new responsibilities and wishes both leaders continued success!

About SeQuel Response

SeQuel Response has quickly become the go-to direct response advertising agency for growth-oriented consumer brands looking to launch and rapidly scale their direct mail and digital marketing campaigns. In five consecutive years, Inc. Magazine has named SeQuel to its Inc. 5000 list of the fastest growing private companies in the U.S.

Learn more at: https://www.sequeldm.com/

IMAGE Links for Media:

[1] https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/20-1215s2p-sequel-logo-300dpi.jpg

{2] https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/20-1215s2l-jody-jacqueline-300dpi.jpg

Caption: Congratulations to Jody Johnson (left) and Jacqueline Johnson-Leister (right).

Direct response marketing agency SeQuel Response is pleased to announce the promotions of Jody Johnson to CFO/COO and Jacqueline Johnson-Leister to VP of Marketing & Client Services. SeQuel Response has quickly become the go-to direct response advertising agency for growth-oriented consumer brands.

Related link: https://www.sequeldm.com/

SeQuel Welcomes New Executive Vice President of Sales

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. /ScoopCloud/ -- SeQuel Response is excited to announce the arrival of a new Executive Vice President of Sales, Chris Bixler. In this new role, Bixler will lead our sales team and training initiatives, enhance our lead generation and prospect engagement approach, and collaborate with SeQuel's leadership team to develop and execute short- and long-term business strategy.

"The addition of Chris and this new role for SeQuel aligns well with our overall growth strategy in our key markets. His strong background in building top performing sales teams will be a valuable asset to SeQuel's sales and marketing efforts," said SeQuel CEO and Co-Founder, Jay Carroll. "I believe Chris is an optimal fit for SeQuel's culture and he is the right leader for our well-established sales team."

As a print industry veteran, Bixler is an experienced sales executive recognized for his contributions in strategic sales planning, account management, new client acquisition and team development. He takes pride in nurturing collaborative, trusting relationships to identify client needs and launching customized ideas to fulfill those needs. Bixler has established a proven track record of business growth and client satisfaction for top brands and Fortune 100 retailers across print, technology, design, and retail marketing industries.

"After watching SeQuel's impressive success over the past ten years from afar, I'm grateful to be joining this strong team," said Bixler. "The SeQuel culture, values and people made the decision very easy. I'm looking forward to working with this talented group of people and leveraging my experience to strengthen the sales program as we continue to grow our client base."

Passionate about the success of others, Bixler has sought to fulfill this desire through servant-leadership roles throughout his career. Most recently, Bixler led the sales team and account acquisition strategy at Meyers Printing Companies. During his time there he helped to elevate the customer base, identify new business opportunities, and develop a new strategic sales approach for major accounts.

Bixler holds a B.S. in Communications from Western Illinois University, where he was a collegiate rugby player. When he is not cheering on his favorite college football teams, you will find Chris playing tennis, snow skiing, or traveling the coasts to visit his children.

About SeQuel Response

SeQuel Response has quickly become the go-to direct response advertising agency for growth-oriented consumer brands looking to launch and rapidly scale their direct mail and digital marketing campaigns.

In five consecutive years, Inc. Magazine has named SeQuel to its Inc. 5000 list of the fastest growing private companies in the U.S., and the reason for the sharp growth is simple.

SeQuel's direct marketing experts and data scientists have developed a proprietary testing methodology called FaQtor Test, which utilizes predictive analytics to quickly uncover hidden performance insights, saving clients millions and optimizing response 400 percent faster than A/B testing.

Visit https://www.sequeldm.com/ to watch a short animation that explains how FaQtor Test is dramatically accelerating growth for many of the nation's leading consumer brands.

VIDEO (YouTube): https://youtu.be/FWtVR2-19Es

MEDIA CONTACT:

For any business and/or media inquiries, please contact Jacqueline Johnson-Leister at 952-208-1314, or email her at jacquelinej@sequeldm.com.

IMAGE LINKS FOR MEDIA:
[1] https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/20-0721s2p-chris-bixler-300dpi.jpg
*Photo caption: Chris Bixler joins SeQuel Response.

[2] https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/20-0721s2p-SeQuel-Response-logo-300dpi.jpg

SeQuel Response is excited to announce the arrival of a new Executive Vice President of Sales, Chris Bixler. In this new role, Bixler will lead our sales team and training initiatives, enhance our lead generation and prospect engagement approach, and collaborate with SeQuel's leadership team to develop and execute short- and long-term business strategy.

Related link: https://www.sequeldm.com/