If you’re mailing postcards, you’re probably wondering one thing: Is it worth it?
The good news? Every Door Direct Mail (EDDM) campaigns are built to deliver results—especially when you know how to track and measure what success looks like. In this post, we’ll show you exactly how to calculate Return on Investment (ROI) for your EDDM campaign, with real-life small business examples to help you along the way.
What Is ROI (Return on Investment)?
ROI measures how much profit you make compared to how much you spend.
The formula is simple: ROI = (Revenue – Cost) ÷ Cost × 100
This gives you a percentage that helps you understand whether your campaign generated a worthwhile return.
Step-by-Step: How to Calculate Your EDDM ROI
Let’s walk through a real-world example.
Example: A Local Pizzeria Campaign
Let’s say you mailed 5,000 postcards offering 20% off any large pizza.
- Cost of campaign: $2,150 (includes design, printing, postage, and tracking tools)
- Number of redemptions: 180
- Average order value: $28
- Revenue generated: 180 x $28 = $5,040
ROI Calculation:
ROI = ($5,040 – $2,150) ÷ $2,150 × 100
ROI = (2,890 ÷ 2,150) × 100
ROI ≈ 134%
That means for every $1 spent, the pizzeria made $2.34 back. That’s a win—and that doesn’t even account for repeat business from new customers.
Trackable Metrics That Matter
Here’s what you should track to calculate ROI more precisely:
- Total cost of your campaign (design, printing, postage, etc.)
- Number of redemptions, sales, or inquiries (QR codes and promo codes help here)
- Average order value
- Repeat business (bonus ROI for customer lifetime value)
Need help tracking? Use QR codes, custom URLs, unique phone numbers, or even simple coupon codes to measure response.
Take Your ROI to the Next Level: Tips & Tricks
Don’t Stop at One Mailer
Most small businesses see higher ROI with repeat mailings over time. Why?
Because response rates increase with frequency.
On average, it takes 3+ impressions for a customer to act (source: Taradel Reach & Frequency Guide).
That’s why consistent campaigns outperform one-time blasts.
Go Multichannel
Want to turn a good campaign into a great one?
Combine EDDM postcards with digital ads on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Google.
Here’s why it works:
When businesses used direct mail plus digital ads, they saw (on average):
- +68% increase in website visits
- +63% lift in response rates
- +40% improvement in conversion rates
This is called multichannel marketing—and it works because your audience sees your brand in multiple places, reinforcing your message.
Make ROI Easier with Us
When you run your EDDM campaign with Taradel, you don’t have to guess.
You get:
- Built-in tracking tools
- Interactive map targeting
- Real-time campaign insights
- Expert support every step of the way
Ready to See Your ROI Grow?
With smart planning and simple tracking, you can transform every postcard into measurable profit. Whether your goal is more calls, more visits, or more sales—EDDM makes it easy to get your message in the right hands.
Start building your campaign today and let’s make your ROI one to brag about.
