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Direct Mail
April 16, 2025

Everything You Need to Know About the USPS Integrated Technology Promotion

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The USPS Integrated Technology Promotion offers direct marketers a 3% postage discount for combining digital tools with traditional mail. If you're looking to reduce mailing costs while boosting engagement, this promotion bridges the gap between physical mail and digital experiences.

Running from June 1 to December 31, 2025, this program rewards campaigns that incorporate technologies like QR codes, augmented reality, AI-generated content, or voice assistant integration. You can stack this discount with other USPS promotions to save up to 5% on qualifying mail pieces.

What is the USPS Integrated Technology Promotion

The USPS Integrated Technology Promotion is a discount program that reduces postage costs for direct mail campaigns using digital marketing integration. You earn a 3% discount when your mail pieces include approved technologies that connect physical mail to digital experiences.

Approved technologies include:

  • QR codes: Scannable links to websites, landing pages, or special offers
  • Augmented reality (AR): Interactive experiences triggered by smartphone cameras
  • AI-generated content: Personalized text or images created using artificial intelligence
  • Voice assistant integration: Mail pieces that work with Alexa, Google Assistant, or Siri
  • Near-field communication (NFC): Touch-to-connect technology for instant digital access
  • Virtual reality (VR): Immersive experiences accessed through VR devices

You can layer this promotion with the 2025 Informed Delivery add-on promotion and the 2025 Sustainability add-on promotion, bringing your total USPS postage discount to 5%.

How to qualify for the USPS postage discount

Your direct mail campaigns qualify when they meet three basic requirements: use eligible mail classes, incorporate approved digital technologies, and receive USPS pre-approval.

Mail class eligibility:

  • USPS Marketing Mail letters and flats
  • Nonprofit USPS Marketing Mail
  • Select First-Class Mail formats (check current USPS guidelines)

The USPS allows your campaign to run for up to six consecutive months during the promotion period. You choose which six-month window works best for your marketing goals and budget planning.

Each technology has specific implementation requirements. QR codes need to link to mobile-optimized landing pages. Augmented reality features require compatible smartphone apps. Voice assistant integration connects through established platforms like Amazon Alexa Skills or Google Actions.

Planning your integrated technology campaign

Start by selecting which digital technology fits your campaign goals and audience preferences. QR codes work well for immediate website visits or coupon redemption. Augmented reality creates memorable brand experiences. Voice assistant integration appeals to smart speaker users.

Your campaign timeline affects both planning and execution. Submit your materials to the USPS Promotions Portal at least 30 days before your mail date. This pre-approval process verifies that your integrated technology meets program requirements.

Campaign planning checklist:

  • Choose your technology: Pick one or more approved digital integration methods
  • Design for mobile: Ensure all digital destinations work smoothly on smartphones
  • Test functionality: Verify QR codes scan correctly and AR features load properly
  • Prepare documentation: Gather materials needed for USPS submission
  • Set your timeline: Allow time for approval, printing, and delivery

Consider your target audience when selecting technologies. Younger demographics engage readily with AR and QR codes. Older audiences may prefer simpler digital connections like basic website links accessed through QR codes.

Digital marketing integration strategies

Successful campaigns connect your mail piece to broader digital marketing efforts. Your integrated technology becomes a bridge between physical mail and your online customer journey.

QR codes can direct recipients to personalized landing pages that continue the conversation started in your mail piece. These pages can capture email addresses, offer exclusive discounts, or guide recipients through product selection.

Augmented reality marketing creates interactive experiences that traditional mail cannot achieve. Recipients point their smartphone cameras at your mail piece to unlock videos, 3D product demonstrations, or virtual try-on experiences.

Voice assistant integration lets recipients interact with your brand through smart speakers. They can ask for more information, place orders, or schedule appointments using voice commands referenced in your mail piece.

Integration best practices:

  • Match messaging: Keep consistent branding between mail and digital experiences
  • Optimize for mobile: Ensure fast loading times and mobile-friendly interfaces
  • Track engagement: Monitor how recipients interact with your digital components
  • Follow up digitally: Use email or SMS to continue conversations started through mail

Measuring campaign performance

Track both traditional direct mail metrics and digital engagement data. Mail delivery tracking shows when pieces reach recipients. Digital analytics reveal how many people interact with your integrated technologies.

QR code scans provide immediate feedback on recipient interest. Augmented reality session data shows engagement depth and duration. Voice assistant interaction logs capture specific questions or requests from recipients.

Lob's platform automatically tracks delivery status and integrates with digital analytics tools. You can see which mail pieces generated the most digital engagement and optimize future campaigns accordingly.

Compare performance across different integrated technologies to identify what resonates with your audience. Some recipients prefer quick QR code interactions while others engage deeply with augmented reality experiences.

Get started with Lob's integrated technology platform

Lob simplifies the entire process from campaign creation to USPS submission. Our platform handles the technical requirements for each approved technology while maintaining compliance with promotion guidelines.

You can design mail pieces with built-in QR codes, upload AR assets, and configure voice assistant integrations directly through our interface. Lob automatically generates the documentation needed for USPS pre-approval and tracks submission status.

Our Print Delivery Network ensures your integrated technology mail pieces print correctly and deliver on schedule. We work with USPS-certified printers who understand the technical specifications for each approved technology.

Ready to reduce your postage costs while creating more engaging direct mail campaigns? Book a demo to see how Lob streamlines USPS Integrated Technology Promotion compliance and execution.

FAQs
Frequently asked questions about the USPS integrated technology promotion

Which mail classes qualify for the USPS integrated technology promotion discount?

USPS Marketing Mail letters and flats qualify, including Nonprofit USPS Marketing Mail formats. Some First-Class Mail pieces may also be eligible depending on current USPS guidelines.

Can you combine the USPS integrated technology promotion with other USPS discounts?

Yes, you can often stack multiple USPS promotions if you meet each program's individual requirements. The Integrated Technology discount can combine with Informed Delivery and Sustainability promotions for up to 5% total savings.

Do you need USPS pre-approval before mailing integrated technology campaigns?

Yes, submit your mail piece design and digital components through the USPS Promotions Portal before printing. This approval process confirms your campaign meets all technical requirements for the discount.

How long can your USPS integrated technology promotion campaign run?

Your campaign can run for up to six consecutive months within the June 1 to December 31, 2025 promotion period. You choose which six-month window aligns with your marketing calendar.

What happens if recipients cannot access the digital technology features?

Include alternative ways to engage with your offer, such as phone numbers or website URLs. Not all recipients have smartphones or feel comfortable using new technologies like augmented reality.

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