The Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science

The Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science (Frost Science), a leading science museum in Miami, Florida, partnered with Daniller + Company on a spring direct mail member acquisition package centered around the exciting opening of Sherlock Holmes: The Exhibition. The campaign aimed to re-engage lapsed members and reach new audiences, introducing them to the membership experience and Frost Science’s world-class offerings, educational programs, and important conservation efforts.

The campaign employed a cost-effective #10 package with bold design to stand out in the mail. Compelling descriptions and vivid images helped recipients imagine their families experiencing all that Frost Science has to offer, including Sherlock Holmes. A generous special offer was also included to drive immediate response, with a thank you gift strategically given at select levels to encourage higher-level memberships.

Results

The campaign was a tremendous success, exceeding projections across all metrics. In addition to the number of gifts exceeding projections by 139%, the average gift was 34% above projected goals, indicating that the design and strategy successfully moved members to higher levels. The combination of a higher number of gifts and higher average gift led total income to exceed projections by a whopping 220%.

Beyond new memberships, Frost Science sought to understand how the direct mail campaign impacted ticket revenue and attendance. Daniller + Company completed a ticket buyer matchback to determine how many direct mail package recipients purchased a ticket to Frost Science within the campaign lifecycle. With ticket revenue included, the campaign secured 65% more income for Frost Science, above and beyond membership revenue—indicating that the acquisition campaign positively impacted membership AND admission revenue.

Scott Family Amazeum

The direct mail package arrived in homes in early summer, a time when parents are typically looking for ways to keep their families engaged and entertained. Copy and design featured the vibrant Amazeum brand, with images and messaging designed to help recipients imagine their family experiencing the Amazeum’s interactive offerings with member perks. The value of membership was showcased throughout the package, with emphasis on savings opportunities for cost-sensitive family audiences.

An economical #10 package was mailed to house prospects, lapsed members, and select family-friendly rental lists.

Results

With the COVID-19 pandemic’s drastic impact on hands-on children’s museums, conservative goals were set for the acquisition campaign to reengage the Amazeum’s audience. The campaign vastly exceeded projections, with a 16% higher response rate, 34% more income, and an ROI of $1.46.

The Franklin Institute

With the popularity of MARVEL at the time, the February 2019 direct mail acquisition was strategically mailed to a larger quantity, requiring an expansion of the audience. Our challenge was to secure enough promising names and create a cohesive package that promoted three very different exhibitions that appealed to three different target audiences. The package was developed to present the benefit of becoming a member and receiving priority and special perks for all three exhibitions, while emphasizing the savings.

The package featured a fun and engaging comic book theme, inspired by MARVEL with engaging pictures of visitors at the Institute transformed to look like comics. Important messages were highlighted with fun shapes and comic book fonts. The package was strategically timed to arrive in homes the first week of February, before spring break, a popular time for visiting the Institute. This timing allowed for the promotion of all three special exhibitions, while adding to the excitement building before the MARVEL opening.

Results

Campaign results far exceeded expectations, earning 16% more gifts and a 19% higher response rate than projected. The average gift exceeded projections by 12%, resulting in outstanding net revenues 71% above projections. The project achieved a net income of $92.41 per donor and an ROI of $2.64, 40% higher than the ambitious projections.