EDDM vs. Digital Ads: Which Is Better for Your Business?
In a world flooded with digital noise, standing out is becoming increasingly difficult. While businesses pour billions into digital advertising, many are questioning its effectiveness compared to the tried-and-true method of direct mail marketing. Every Door Direct Mail (EDDM) is emerging as a marketing lifeline in 2025, outperforming digital ads in response rates, ROI, and consumer engagement.
Here’s why direct mail, specifically EDDM, is making a major comeback—and why it might just be the better option for your business.
1. Response Rates That Will Shock You
Direct mail’s response rates are 30 times higher than digital ads. Consider this:
- 12.4% response rate for the 18-21 age group compared to a meager 0.12% for digital ads (Sendoso).
- 69% of marketers saw direct mail outperform digital ads, with response rates consistently exceeding 3% (PostcardMania).
For small businesses using EDDM, this means your message isn’t just seen—it’s acted upon.
2. The ROI Revolution: Why Marketers Are Switching
Direct mail doesn’t just capture attention; it drives serious revenue:
- US advertisers spent $167 on direct mail to earn $2,095 in sales, delivering a staggering 1,300% ROI (Postalytics).
- 84% of marketers report that direct mail provides their highest ROI (Mosaic).
- When integrated into broader campaigns, direct mail can deliver an 18% higher ROI compared to digital-only campaigns (HubSpot).
3. Beyond Paper: The Tech-Driven Direct Mail Renaissance
Direct mail in 2025 isn’t just postcards and letters—it’s a tech-driven powerhouse:
- QR code engagement quadrupled globally in 2024, turning static mail into interactive experiences (GoStrata).
- Augmented reality (AR) can boost response rates from 2-3% to as high as 35%. Imagine recipients scanning your mailpiece to explore a 3D tour of your business or product (Sendoso).
- 44% of recipients visit a brand’s website after receiving direct mail.
4. Consumer Behavior: The Surprising Truth
Direct mail resonates with consumers in ways digital ads simply can’t:
- 36% of recipients save print ads they find interesting (PIWorld).
- 57% visit a brand’s website after receiving direct mail.
- 92% of millennials make purchasing decisions influenced by direct mail, debunking the myth that direct mail is outdated (Postalytics).
For businesses using EDDM, this consumer behavior is gold. Your message doesn’t get lost in the clutter—it sticks.
5. Digital Fatigue: Why Consumers Are Tuning Out Online Ads
Consumers are overwhelmed by digital ads:
- The average household receives 157 emails daily but only 2 pieces of direct mail (Sendoso).
- Digital ads have abysmal clickthrough rates of 0.05%, while 90% of direct mail gets opened (JobsInMarketing).
- A staggering 44% of digital ad spend is wasted, with ads failing to reach or engage their intended audience (YouTube).
As digital fatigue sets in, direct mail offers a refreshing, tangible way to connect with consumers.
Why Choose EDDM?
Every Door Direct Mail (EDDM) takes the advantages of direct mail and amplifies them. With EDDM, you can:
- Target specific neighborhoods or demographics without a mailing list.
- Send personalized, tech-enhanced mailpieces like QR code postcards or AR-driven flyers.
- Save costs by participating in shared EDDM campaigns, where multiple businesses split printing and postage expenses.
Conclusion: EDDM is the Future of Marketing
While digital ads will always have a place in marketing, their effectiveness is waning. Direct mail, particularly EDDM, offers a tangible, high-impact alternative with better response rates, higher ROI, and deeper consumer engagement.
In 2025, it’s clear: if you’re looking to make a meaningful connection with your audience, direct mail isn’t just an option—it’s a necessity.
Ready to revitalize your marketing strategy? Contact WaveRIM today to explore how EDDM can transform your business!