For those long time readers, you’ll recall that I’ve done John Bethel Tips posts before – here… I don’t really give John an option, I just copy his tweets as he posts them and then publish it as one larger post! So thanks John for these great times and giving me an easy post…

If you are interested – a year ago (via Idea Design) I did 5 really quick video’s about my biggest tips here. Share your own tips and tricks in the comments.

Direct Mail Fundraising Letter Tip: Write about a real live person – NOT just your mission statement or programs

Direct Mail Tip: Sell only 1 thing at a time. If seeking donations for summer kids’ camp, don’t shift to estate planning

Spend extra effort to ensure that a 1-time donor becomes a 2-time donor – it’s KEY to long-term donor relationship #fundraising

Copywriting tip: Read your draft copy ALOUD; anywhere u stumble, revise; smooth it out

Direct mail fundraising ltr tip: Try using “handwritten” marginal notes in blue or red ink

Hook your paragraphs together with “connective” words – ex: And But Then Why – to build; keep reader moving

Longer letters DONE RIGHT kick butt

If using 2 letters in your direct mail package, use a P.S. on only 1 of them

Lift letter should be signed by a different person from the main letter in your direct mail package

Lift letter should use a different typeface from the main letter in your direct mail package

Lift letter should be a different color paper from the main letter in your direct mail package

Lift letter should be a different size from the main letter in your direct mail package

Direct mail tip: Mixing typeset w/handwritten teasers on outer envelope can boost response

Direct marketing letter tip: Occasionally use 1-sentence paragraphs for emphasis. Even 1-word paragraphs are great.

Write to one person, not thousands or millions.