Key Takeaways
- A Newsalog can generate extraordinary ROI—here’s a campaign achieving 80 to 1 return on investment.
- A newsalog looks like a real newspaper, lowering resistance and dramatically increasing readership.
- It combines editorial credibility with direct response persuasion.
- Long-form content works—especially with older, high-value audiences like investors.
- A strong USP and consistent messaging across articles drives conversions.
- Multiple CTAs and an irresistible offer are essential for maximum response.
- Transactional Data Modeling (TDM) can identify high-performing audiences with 90%+ accuracy.
- Most ad agencies misunderstand multichannel because direct mail is often the engine that drives results—and they don’t know how to do it right.
80 to 1 ROI.
It’s a marketer’s dream.
And it’s exactly what happened in one multichannel campaign.
It used Meta, google, YouTube, email, addressable TV and direct mail.
The #1 performing element?
A Newsalog.
A newsalog is a little-known… but incredibly powerful… direct mail format.
In today’s digital world, many marketers overlook one critical truth:
Direct mail is still a foundational driver of response.
Especially when integrated into a multichannel campaign.
The Campaign
We created a multichannel campaign for our client,
Wasatch Investment Newsletter.
This included:
• Pre-roll video
• Email conversion series
• Facebook ads
• Google ads
• Native ads
• Paid search
• Addressable TV
• And direct mail
The result?
The highest-performing channel…
The Newsalog.
Delivering an 80 to 1 ROI.
What Is a Newsalog?
A Newsalog is a unique direct mail format.
It looks like a traditional newspaper.
Feels like a newspaper.
Reads like a newspaper.
But…
It’s engineered using direct response principles.
That’s the difference.
Here Are 6 Reasons Why the “Newsalog” Was So Successful:
#1: The Format Was Unique and Disruptive
The Newsalog commanded attention.
It stood out immediately.
Why?
Because it didn’t look like marketing.
It looked like real content.
In this case:
• 20 pages long
• Designed like publications such as
• The Wall Street Journal
• USA Today
• Investor’s Business Daily
The prospect didn’t ignore it.
They had to read it.
#2: It Used Results-Producing Direct Response Copy
This wasn’t general advertising.
It wasn’t “brand awareness.”
It was direct response copy—designed to convert.
Every element had a purpose:
• The main article sold the core idea
• Sidebar articles reinforced the message
• Each section led the reader forward
It looked editorial.
But it performed like a sales machine.
#3: A Powerful Unique Selling Proposition (USP)
The USP was clear.
Immediate.
And repeated throughout.
From the very beginning…
Through every article…
The message stayed consistent.
That’s what separated this offer from every competitor.
And that’s what drove response.
#4: Long-Form Copy That Built Conviction
The main article ran from page 1 to page 18.
Then came the call to action.
Why so long?
Because:
The more you tell, the more you sell.
Especially with this audience.
Investors.
Age 55+.
They evaluate.
They want details.
Proof.
Logic.
Reassurance.
And the Newsalog delivered all of it.
#5: A Powerful Offer and Multiple CTAs
We didn’t rely on one ask.
We created:
• A compelling, irresistible offer
• Multiple calls to action throughout
So no matter where the reader was…
They had a clear next step.
That dramatically increased response.
#6: Transactional Data Modeling (TDM)
This was critical.
We didn’t guess.
We used Transactional Data Modeling (TDM) for the postal lists and digital data..
It identified a “buy-alike” audience:
• People who already responded to direct mail
• People likely to engage and convert
Accuracy?
Over 90%.
That meant we were targeting the right people…
With the right message…
At the right time.
The Result
A direct mail piece so powerful…
So effective…
It won a MarCom Gold Award
from the Association of Marketing and Communication Professionals.
And it delivered:
80 to 1 ROI.
The Bigger Lesson
Most agencies talk about multichannel marketing.
But very few truly understand it.
Especially when it comes to direct mail.
Here’s the reality:
• Digital creates awareness
• Retargeting reinforces the message
• But direct mail often drives the response
It legitimizes your brand.
It commands attention.
It gets read.
Action:
- If you’d like to take a look at the Newsalog or talk about how to use it in your next multichannel campaign…Call Michael Oppenheimer at CDMG at 615-933-4647 or email him at [email protected].
- The CDMG DifferenceMany agencies claim to do multichannel.But they don’t understand:
- How direct mail integrates with digital
- How messaging must work across channels
How to maximize response—not just impressions
At CDMG, we do.
Because we’ve tested thousands of campaigns.
And we know what actually works.
FAQs:
What is a Newsalog in marketing?
A Newsalog is a direct mail piece designed to look like a traditional newspaper while using direct response copy to educate, engage, and convert prospects.
Why do Newsalogs generate high ROI?
They lower resistance by appearing editorial, build credibility through long-form content, and use persuasive copy with strong CTAs to drive response.
Who should use a Newsalog?
They are ideal for financial, investment, healthcare, nonprofit, and high-ticket B2B or B2C campaigns targeting skeptical or high-value audiences.
How long should a Newsalog be?
They are typically long-form (often 12–20 pages) to fully educate and persuade the reader, especially for complex offers.
What role does direct mail play in multichannel marketing?
Direct mail often anchors the campaign by driving attention, credibility, and response, while digital channels support and reinforce messaging.
What is Transactional Data Modeling (TDM)?
TDM uses purchase and behavioral data to identify audiences most likely to respond, often achieving 90%+ accuracy in targeting.
Can Newsalogs be used digitally?
Yes. They can be adapted into landing pages, advertorials, email sequences, and retargeting content for a unified multichannel strategy.
About Craig Huey:
Craig Huey is President of Creative Direct Marketing Group (CDMGinc.com), a 30-year leader in direct response advertising and multi-channel marketing. Under his leadership, CDMG has:
- Tested more than 10,000 digital marketing variables.
- Mailed over 10 million pieces of direct mail in the last year alone.
- Won more than 120 awards for marketing excellence.
Craig is also the publisher of Direct Marketing Update, the trusted newsletter for company presidents and marketing directors looking to maximize ROI with cutting-edge, accountable advertising strategies.
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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.
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We produce:
• Pre-roll videos
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…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.
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