Key Takeaways:

• Direct Mail: Teaser copy = persuasive words on the outside of a direct mail envelope that spark curiosity, compel opens and increase response..
• Why it matters: Properly tested teaser copy has increased response rates by 25–50% across B2C and B2B campaigns.
• How it works: It sets the stage, builds intrigue and curiosity, and psychologically 1) pre-frames the sale before the envelope is even opened and 2) creates the need to immediately open the envelope.
• Proven tactic: Tests of 7,000+ teaser approaches show that adding copy to both the front and back of the envelope outperforms single-side teaser copy.
• Application: Used successfully in investment newsletters, insurance, health products, and even high-ticket B2B offers.
• Best practice: Use curiosity, urgency, or benefit-oriented language. Avoid generic claims—be specific, bold, and compelling.

Ad agencies and executives avoid it.

Prospects love it.

And response rates prove it: well-crafted “teaser copy” on an envelope can boost your direct mail lift by 25–50%.

It’s a small change, big lift in sales.

Why Teaser Copy Works

The job of the envelope is simple: get opened.

It’s the major purpose: rip open the envelope now.

Teaser copy grabs attention before your prospect even sees the letter and envelope content. It works because:

1) It creates powerful tease – curiosity – not to wait, not to toss away the envelope in the trash.

2) It sets the stage. It complements your message and primes the recipient for what’s inside.

3) The copy should be on the front… and yes, back up the envelope.

Without it, your mailer risks blending into the pile. With it, you stand out immediately.

What the Tests Show

Over the years, I’ve personally tested more than 7,000 teaser lines.

For Humana and other clients, we’ve run head-to-head splits: teaser vs. no teaser.

The teaser almost always wins.

And I’ve tested many times front and back of the envelope.

One investment newsletter client saw response climb by up to 50% simply by adding strong teaser copy to both the front and back of the envelope.

Real-World Example

On one campaign, I used the following teaser copy:

• Front: A bold red “stamp” that read:
  “FREE INVESTOR’S ALERT ENCLOSED”
  with a quote:
  “This bargain stock could bring your profits of 50% within 6 months—1,000% over the next 3 years!”
• Back of the envelope: Three simple bullets:
  “Secrets that can help make you a millionaire.”

The result? Prospects couldn’t resist opening. The teaser psychologically framed the offer and doubled the open rate. Sales soared.

When to Use It

• Consumer mail? Absolutely.
• B2B? Yes—we’ve seen it work with service offers, financial products, and professional services.
• Multichannel? Pair teaser-driven mail with digital, email and pre-roll video for exponential impact.

Mistakes to Avoid

•   Being too vague (“Special offer inside”)—fails to intrigue.
•   Overpromising—destroys credibility.
•   Forgetting the back of the envelope—leaving money on the table.

Call-To-Action:

Want higher response on your next mailer?

Call Michael at 615-933-4647 or email [email protected].

We’ll craft, test, and optimize teaser copy that gets your envelope opened—and your sales boosted.

We also create targeted data, marketing lists and marketing pieces. We print it, sync to multi-channel and track and analyze the results.

FAQs:

Q: My management thinks teaser copy looks “too salesy.” Should I still use it?
A: Yes. Prospects—not management—are the real audience. Tests consistently prove higher response when teaser copy is used.

Q: Will it work for B2B?
A: Absolutely. We’ve seen it lift response for parts manufacturers, healthcare providers, and software companies.

Q: Can teaser copy backfire?
A: Only if it’s poorly written or misleading. The key is combining curiosity with credibility.

Q: How does teaser copy fit in a multichannel strategy?
A: Perfectly. It primes mail recipients as they see digital, email and other channels close the loop for maximum ROI.

Unlock Explosive Growth with CDMG, Inc.
Your Partner for Digital Success 

In today’s fast-paced world, you need more than just an agency—you need a partner who drives growth, amplifies your brand, and delivers results that matter. That’s where CDMG comes in. 

We’re not just another ad agency. We are a top advertising and marketing powerhouse that specializes in driving real, measurable results and profits. Our award-winning team, led by marketing veterans Craig and Caleb Huey, is dedicated to supercharging your advertising efforts and transforming your business. 

Why CDMG? 

• Proven Success: 120 prestigious awards in 2024 alone. 

• Data-Driven Strategy: We don’t guess. We know what works. Our campaigns are crafted with precision to deliver maximum ROI. 

• Expertise Across the Board: From media buying to digital copywriting, testing, and direct-to-consumer strategies—we’ve got it all covered. 

• Real Results: We’ve helped launch new products, reposition brands, and turn small businesses into multimillion-dollar success stories. 

Let us help with your video needs!
We produce:
• Pre-roll videos
• Video sales letters (VSLs)
• TV commercials
• Infomercials
• Addressable TV
• Videologs
…and much more! 

Whether you’re looking to launch a new product, reposition your brand, or supercharge your e-commerce growth, CDMG is the partner you need to dominate your market. 

Are you ready to see how we can drive your growth?
Let’s talk. Call Michael Oppenheimer at 615-933-4647 or email [email protected] today. Don’t wait—start transforming your marketing results now with CDMG, Inc. 

Act now, grow faster, and achieve more with CDMG.