Key Takeaways:

  • Teaser copy can increase direct mail response by 25–50%.
  • It works by creating curiosity and pre-selling the offer.
  • Teaser copy should align with the message inside the envelope.
  • Adding teaser copy to the back of the envelope can boost response by another 5–25%.
  • CDMG has tested over 7,000 teaser approaches for both consumer and B2B campaigns.

 

Savvy marketers use it. Traditional ad agencies hate it. But it works.

What’s the secret?

It’s called teaser copy — and when done right, it can increase your direct mail response by 25%… even 50% or more.

This simple tactic has helped presidents and marketing directors like you generate millions in new revenue — just by changing what’s on the outside of the envelope.

Let’s break it down.

What Is Teaser Copy?

Teaser copy is the message printed on the outside of your direct mail envelope.
It’s the first impression. The trigger. The curiosity spark that makes someone say:

“I’ve got to open this.”

I’ve tested thousands of envelope teasers — including in campaigns for giants like Humana — and consistently found that a strong teaser outperforms a blank or personalized envelope.

Why?

Because teaser copy grabs attention, builds interest, and sets the stage for your offer — before the prospect even reads a word inside.

The 3 Rules of Teaser Copy That Converts

Rule #1: Match the teaser to your message.

The teaser must set up the offer inside. If the teaser promises something the inside copy doesn’t deliver, you lose trust — and sales.

Rule #2: Build curiosity and emotional pull.

A great teaser teases. It creates urgency. It hints at a reward. It pulls the reader toward the open flap.

Think: drama, danger, secrets, shock, or opportunity.

Rule #3: Always test front and back.

Most marketers only use teaser copy on the front. But testing shows that teaser copy on both the front and back can increase response by 5% to 25% more.

Real Example: How I Boosted Response for an Investment Client

We created a direct mail campaign for an investment newsletter client with this winning teaser formula:

Front teaser:

“FREE INVESTOR’S ALERT ENCLOSED”
“This bargain stock could bring you 50% profits in 6 months — 1,000% over the next 3 years!”

Back teaser bullets:

“Secrets that can help make you a millionaire.”

That one-two punch of front-and-back teaser copy psychologically pre-sold the offer before they even opened the envelope.

Result?
Big lift in response. Bigger ROI than digital.
And a client who’s still running direct mail today.

The Lesson for You:

Too many B2B and B2C marketers avoid teaser copy.
They think it’s “too aggressive.”
But it’s not.

It’s a tested tool. And it works.

We’ve created teaser copy for dozens of industries — B2C and B2B — and consistently seen dramatic increases in open rates, conversions, and sales.

If you want help creating a high-response teaser for your next campaign, call Michael at 615-933-4647 or email [email protected].

Let CDMG Be Your Partner in Driving Growth 

Media Help, Copy Help, Testing Help, D2C, and e-Commerce Help 

CDMG is more than an ad agency 

Let us be your second opinion 

CDMG’s award-winning team, run by marketing veterans Craig and Caleb Huey, is dedicated to improving your advertising, marketing, branding, and bottom line with a proven approach that maximizes response rates and ROI. 

With expertise in media, data, digital, and creative strategy, we’ve earned over 120 prestigious awards, in 2024 alone. 

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! 

Our team has launched new products… and helped reposition companies to a higher level. Our strategies and tactics have generated leads, and built powerhouse e-commerce programs that have helped turn small businesses into multimillion dollar success stories and grown large companies. 

Our formula is data driven, accountable advertising that supercharges your growth. Every campaign is crafted precisely, focusing on what matters most to drive your success. 

Let’s discuss your marketing challenges and give you a second opinion. 

Contact Michael Oppenheimer at 615-933-4647 or email him at [email protected]. 

Start transforming your marketing results today with CDMG, Inc.