Brand Rapids
Simple neighborhood mailings for local businesses.
What is Brand Rapids?
My name is Matt, and I run a local web design business. I’m creating Brand Rapids to help other local businesses get in front of nearby homeowners through simple, effective neighborhood mailings.
Instead of one business paying the full cost of a large direct mail campaign, Brand Rapids brings together multiple local businesses on a single, shared postcard-style mailing. The goal is to keep things affordable, straightforward, and focused on local visibility.
I’m starting with a one-time pilot mailing in a targeted Grand Rapids neighborhood. There are no contracts, no long-term commitments, and no complicated advertising packages — just a clear, flat-fee opportunity to put your business in front of thousands of nearby homes.
The First Mailing (Pilot Run)
This pilot mailing targets the Plainfield corridor in the Northview School District area of NE Grand Rapids.
This first Brand Rapids mailing is a pilot — one neighborhood, one mailing, one clear offer.
Mailing Area: NE Grand Rapids
Primary Focus: Plainfield corridor
Neighborhoods: Northview School District
Delivery Type: Residential homes only (no businesses)
Total Homes Reached: 3,528
Every mailing is delivered directly to nearby households using USPS Every Door Direct Mail (EDDM).
What the Mailing Looks Like
Here is an example mockup of one side of a similar mailing for a different market, far far away.
Card Size: 6 × 11 inches (large, premium feel)
Paper Stock: 120# dull/matte cover (thick, high-quality cardstock)
Printing: Full color, double-sided
Layout:
16 total ad spots
8 ads on the front, 8 on the back
All ad spots are the same size
Each business receives equal placement on a clean, easy-to-read postcard-style mailing designed to highlight multiple trusted local businesses on one card.
Category Exclusivity (One Per Category)
To keep the mailing clean and fair, only one business per category is allowed on each card.
Below is a list of potential categories for this first mailing. Only 16 total businesses will be selected for the postcard.
Categories are filled first-come, first-served, and final category placement is confirmed once all spots are filled.
Categories & Reservations
Potential categories for this pilot mailing are listed below. When a category is reserved, the business name will appear in place of “Available.”
Breakfast / Lunch Restaurant
Reserved by: Available
Dinner Restaurant / Bar
Reserved by: Available
Pizza Pickup / Delivery
Reserved by: Available
Coffee Shop
Reserved by: Available
Bakery
Reserved by: Available
Entertainment (Bowling, Billiards, Etc.)
Reserved by: Northfield Lanes
Web Design & Local Marketing
Reserved by: DPI Worldwide, LLC
HVAC (Heating & Cooling)
Reserved by: Available
Plumbing
Reserved by: Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Grand Rapids
Electrician
Reserved by: Available
Appliance Repair
Reserved by: Available
Cleaning / Junk Haul
Reserved by: GR Cleanup
Home Remodeling / Renovation
Reserved by: Available
Roofing
Reserved by: Available
Lawn Care / Landscaping
Reserved by: Available
Pest Control
Reserved by: Available
Auto Repair
Reserved by: Available
Auto Detailing
Reserved by: Royal Ride Detailing
Dentist / Orthodontist
Reserved by: Available
Chiropractor
Reserved by: Available
Hair Salon / Barber Shop
Reserved by: Available
Law Firm / Attorney
Reserved by: Available
Real Estate Agent or Mortgage Lender
Reserved by: Available
Insurance Agency
Reserved by: Available
Fitness, Gym, or Personal Training
Reserved by: Available
Other Local Service Business
Reserved by: Available
Once 16 categories are reserved, the remaining categories will be closed for this mailing.
Participation Details
One-Time Fee: $250
For $250, your business receives:
Placement in 3,528 nearby homes
Residential-only delivery (no wasted business addresses)
Premium, full-color 6 × 11 mailing on thick cardstock
Category exclusivity (no direct competitors on the same card)
No contracts and no ongoing commitment
That works out to about 7 cents per household.
A simple, flat investment to stay visible in the neighborhood you serve.
Here's How It Works
The process is simple and straight-forward for this first pilot run of mailings.
Email to reserve your category (first come, first served)
Once all 16 spots are filled, invoices are sent
Payment is due promptly to secure your placement
Once all payments are received, the mailing is scheduled, printed, and delivered via USPS Every Door Direct Mail (EDDM)
All placements are confirmed only after payment is received. The mailing will not be scheduled until all 16 payments have been collected.
What to Expect & How to Make the Most of Your Spot
This pilot mailing is designed for local visibility and brand recognition within the Plainfield / Northview area — but the businesses that benefit most typically include a clear reason for homeowners to take action.
Consider using your space for a simple, compelling offer such as:
A free appetizer or dessert with purchase (restaurants)
A limited-time discount (“$10 off – mention this mailing”)
A free consultation or estimate (service businesses)
A free upgrade or bonus add-on
An exclusive neighborhood-only promotion
Discounts and specific offers tend to drive stronger response than general branding alone. Even a simple callout like “Bring this in” or “Mention this mailing” can help track results.
This is a straightforward, one-time opportunity to get your business in front of thousands of nearby homeowners — with the flexibility to structure your offer in whatever way best fits your business.
Reserve Your Spot Today
If you’d like to reserve a category or ask a question, email:
Please include:
Business name
Category you’re interested in
Best contact information
Spots are limited. Once 16 businesses are confirmed, this mailing will close.
Brand Rapids is organized locally in Grand Rapids and operated through DPI Worldwide, LLC.