What this is
This guide provides best practices and design requirements for Direct Mail campaigns in Propensity.
It includes:
- Design guidelines
- Export requirements
- QR code setup instructions
- Launch timing considerations
- Printing specifications
- Additional delivery and pricing information
When to use this
Use this guide when:
- Preparing Direct Mail creatives
- Uploading Direct Mail assets into Propensity
- Configuring a Direct Mail Play
- Generating QR codes for mail pieces
- Planning Direct Mail launch timing
- Reviewing print requirements before upload
Preparing your Direct Mail design
Need a Direct Mail template?
We recommend searching Canva for postcard or direct mail templates and adapting them to your campaign requirements.
Before uploading your final design into Propensity:
- Navigate to the Direct Mail Play inside your ABM Campaign Playbook
- Edit the Play
- Add your QR Code URL
- Click Generate QR Code
- Add the generated QR code to your design
- Upload the final asset into Propensity
Design instructions
Safe zones and edges
Keep important content inside the safe zone of the template.
Background graphics and non-essential visual elements may extend beyond the safe zone into the trim and bleed areas.
However:
- Text should remain inside the safe zone
- Logos should remain inside the safe zone
- QR codes should remain clearly visible and unobstructed
Export requirements
File format
Direct Mail assets must be exported as:
- JPEG (.jpeg)
For print processing purposes, JPEG is the only accepted file format.
Orientation
- Keep the design horizontal
Required dimensions
Required postcard size:
- 6 × 9 in
- 228.6 mm × 152.4 mm + 3 mm bleed margins
Required export resolution:
- 300 DPI
Required pixel dimensions:
- 2771 × 1871 px
Important:
- The uploaded file must be exactly 2771 × 1871 px
- Incorrect dimensions may prevent upload or impact print quality
Direct Mail Example
Front:
Back:
Launch timing and delivery expectations
Direct Mail campaigns require processing and delivery time after launch.
When scheduling a Direct Mail campaign:
- The launch date represents the date the mail piece begins processing for delivery
- Direct Mail campaigns should generally be launched at least 1 business day in advance
- Saturdays are excluded from processing timelines
- Delivery timing may vary depending on the destination address and mailing region
After processing, delivery may take several additional days depending on postal routing and recipient location.
QR code best practices
When using QR codes:
- Ensure the QR code remains fully visible
- Avoid placing QR codes near trim edges
- Test the QR code before exporting the final asset
- Ensure the QR destination URL matches the campaign experience and landing page
Direct Mail analytics
Undelivered mail pieces are returned to the mail house.
The mail house tracks and monitors returned mail activity, and Propensity can provide updates upon request.
Pricing
Direct Mail pricing varies depending on the number of contacts targeted within the campaign.
Pricing can be estimated using the Direct Mail pricing calculator.
Paper quality and weight
Standard stock for postcards and greeting cards uses:
- 300gsm coated silk card
Important notes
- Direct Mail assets must be uploaded as JPEG files
- Uploaded assets must match the required dimensions exactly
- Launch dates should account for processing and delivery time
- Delivery timelines may vary depending on recipient address
- QR codes should be generated through the Direct Mail Play before final export