Direct Mail on a Limited Budget

Write in everyday language, as though you're speaking with a friend conversationally. Use compact, power words; short, punchy sentences; and words that convey emotions. Avoid foreign phrases or big words; minimize the use of adjectives and adverbs; and avoid abbreviations or acronyms.

Direct-mail letters are never grammatically correct. Depending on your selected audience, you should write at the sixth or eighth grade level. Try to avoid a preachy tone. Instead, tell a compelling story. Also, in keeping with conversational tone, use contractions: I'll, we'll, that's, couldn't, wouldn't, etc.