When a new business opens its doors, one thing is guaranteed – they’ll need suppliers, services, and support. Whether you’re a web designer, stationery supplier, accountant, IT provider, or marketing consultant, these businesses are actively looking for solutions to get off the ground. The question is: will they find you first, or your competitors?
One of the most effective and often overlooked ways to make sure you’re at the front of the queue is through direct mail marketing. Sending a personalised letter or postcard to newly registered businesses puts your brand in their hands at exactly the right time – before they’ve committed to anyone else.
At Selectabase, we’ve specialised in helping UK businesses connect with this valuable audience for over 25 years. From supplying fresh, accurate new business data lists to printing and posting your letters or postcards each month, we make it simple to win new clients before your competitors even know they exist.
Why Direct Mail Works So Well for New Business Marketing
1. You get in first
Most new businesses register their company and immediately need suppliers. A new café needs a coffee supplier, point-of-sale system, and an accountant. A new consultancy needs IT support, stationery, and marketing help. By sending a professional letter or postcard right away, you’re making contact before they’ve had the chance to research alternatives – putting you top of mind.
2. Tangible and trusted
Unlike emails that can be lost in overflowing inboxes, direct mail is physical. A letter in a crisp envelope or a colourful postcard lands directly on the decision-maker’s desk. It feels more credible and more personal – perfect when a business is making important first supplier decisions.
3. High response rates
Studies consistently show that direct mail response rates are higher than email or online ads, especially when targeted correctly. For new businesses, relevance is everything – and receiving a timely introduction by post can often lead to immediate enquiries.
4. Builds brand recognition quickly
Even if the recipient doesn’t need your service that very day, a well-designed letter or postcard ensures your name is remembered. When the need arises – and it will, sooner rather than later – they’ll already know who to contact.
Why New Businesses Are the Perfect Audience
When you target established companies, you’re often trying to persuade them to switch from an existing supplier. That can be difficult and time-consuming. New businesses, however, are a completely different story:
- They don’t have established suppliers yet – so they’re open to offers
- They’re in buying mode – setting up requires everything from accounting to office furniture
- They value relationships – many new business owners actively want a reliable local supplier they can trust
- They make fast decisions – unlike large corporates, small business owners often decide immediately if they like your offer
Put simply, new businesses are low-hanging fruit. By introducing yourself early, you position your company as their go-to provider from day one.
How Selectabase Helps You Reach New Businesses First
At Selectabase, we provide the tools and support you need to make direct mail to new businesses both simple and effective. Here’s how:
Fresh, accurate new business data
Our Startups Mailing List provides you with a steady supply of newly registered businesses in your chosen area.
Tried-and-tested letter templates
We don’t just give you the data – we’ll also help you write your introduction letter. Over the years, we’ve developed proven templates for letters and postcards that get results. From friendly welcomes to strong call-to-actions, you can adapt these templates to suit your brand and industry.
We print and post for you each month
To make things even easier, we’ll print and post your letters or postcards monthly. That means no printers, no stamps, no envelopes – just a reliable way to ensure your message lands in front of the right people.
Example: How This Works in Practice
Let’s say you’re a local accountant. Each month, dozens of new businesses register in your area. Instead of waiting for them to search online and choose another accountant, you could send them a professional letter through Selectabase.
Your letter might include:
- A warm welcome to the local business community
- A clear introduction to your services
- An exclusive offer for new businesses, such as a free initial consultation or discounted first year
- A strong call-to-action: call today, book online, or visit your office
We know from experience that this simple approach consistently generates leads – because you’re speaking to people at the exact moment they’re deciding who to trust.
Tips for Maximising Response from Your Mailings
- Keep it personal – address your letter to the business owner by name
- Be clear and concise – tell them exactly how you can help in plain language
- Use a professional design – a neat letter or high-quality postcard creates the right first impression
- Include a strong offer – give them a reason to contact you now rather than later
- Follow up – a quick phone call after the letter has landed can double your response rate
Why Direct Mail Beats Waiting for Google
Many businesses rely solely on online marketing, but there’s a big problem – by the time a new business searches Google for an accountant, designer, or supplier, they’re already comparing multiple providers. Direct mail gives you a head start – you’re in front of them before they even type a keyword.
And when combined with your digital presence, direct mail amplifies your credibility. A recipient might receive your letter, check your website, and then follow up – meaning your online marketing efforts actually work harder because of your direct mail.
Get Started with Selectabase Today
Reaching new businesses doesn’t need to be complicated or expensive. With Selectabase you get:
- Access to fresh new business data every month
- Ready-to-use letter and postcard templates
- Monthly printing and posting included
- The chance to be first in line when a new business is choosing suppliers
If you want to grow your client base and beat competitors to the best new customers, direct mail is the most effective strategy you can use.
📩 Request your free list of new businesses and sample letter today – simply email [email protected] with the areas you’d like to target (we’ll work to a radius of your business address).
