Direct mail advertising - a good option?

[Jeff Young]

Hi,

I own a coffee shop in Toronto, Canada. For the last two months, customers are less when compared to the other months. So, we are planning to change our advertising strategies a bit. How about direct mail advertising to gain more local customers? Is it an effective way? I came to know about this through a friend of mine in Ontario. He told that he used a direct mail advertising service and was able to attract more customers. As I have not heard it before, I would like to get few suggestions about it.

Would appreciate advice from those with experience.

Thanks in advance

[Matt Faix]

@Jeff Young You could try blanketing the surrounding area with postcards, flyers, or an ad in the local paper. I don't think I would do direct letters for a coffee shop though. 

I would also take into consideration your social media activity. Do you have a Facebook page for your coffee shop? Or an Instagram account? If not, you should get them and be posting daily. Take pictures, post promotions, highlight events such as an acoustic night, etc - all of this will drive interest and traffic to your store. Best part is that they're free!