Direct marketing

Direct marketing is ideal for small businesses as it's highly targeted, cost-effective and simple to DIY. Our guide to how to get started.

For a successful direct mail campaign you need to target the right customers and make it easy for them to respond. Our overview of the basics.

To get results from direct marketing you need a targeted, clean and up-to-date mailing list that complies with regulations. Read our introduction.

Your mailshots need to maximise responses - from catching attention to clearly communicating your offer and what to do next. Our guide to the basics.

More than 90% of UK adults have a mobile phone, and it goes everywhere with them - making it the ideal way to get your messages read. Our overview.

The basics you need to know about leafleting to advertise your local business - how to create, distribute and measure response to your flyers.

Direct mail and email can be cost-effective ways of marketing your business, allowing you to reach large numbers of customers. Our overview.

Any business that handles and stores data and uses it for marketing purposes needs to make sure they're doing so legally.

Kay Phillips of SMS marketing specialists 24X highlights ways that texting can help you spread the word about your products and services.

Alastair Shortland of Textlocal.co.uk gives his top ten tips on giving your mobile marketing campaign a better chance of achieving your objectives.

A well-designed database makes it much easier to find, analyse and use customer information to improve the service you offer. Our factsheet.

Small firms need to concentrate on niches that are either too small and specialised for the big boys or too new for a large firm to catch on to.

Direct marketing lets small businesses make the most of limited resources. But a clear message and a quality mailing list is essential.

A good mailshot catches attention, maintains interest and encourages the reader to take action. Find out how to write an effective mass mailing.

Writing to customers and prospects, via email, leaflets or direct mail, can be an effective way to promote your business. Here's how to get results.

Improve response rates to your marketing messages by relating to your customers and their needs, rather than only focussing on your business.

How to make sure potential customers can find you when they are out and about or using a mobile device: the apps you want to be seen on.

Thanks to online tools and mobile apps, it has never been easier to organise all aspects of your business life. Here are some of the best apps.

Here are some of the best social networking apps that allow you to monitor your social media channels to help you promote your business better.

It’s not easy marketing any business. You have to take risks and sometimes they don’t pay off. But your mistakes can provide valuable lessons.

Leaflets can still be a great way to let customers know about your business or any special offers. Find out how to save money by producing your own.

Looking for a cost-effective way to reach new customers? Door drops are not just affordable - they are versatile, highly targeted and effective.

Big data promises to revolutionise marketing analytics and drive results. But what is big data and how do you use it to understand your customers?

Frequently asked questions about buying print, the design process, photography, keeping prices down and what to do if you're not satisfied.

The key questions you need to answer to develop a successful customer segmentation strategy.

FAQs about direct mail, including personalisation options, costs, mailing list and what sort of response rates you can expect from a campaign.

Email marketing has become the default marketing tool for SMEs. But there is still a place for direct mail — and it doesn't have to cost the earth.

Evaluating your marketing activity needn't be expensive. Fiona Blades of market research company MESH Experience explains how to measure your marketing.

How do you talk to your customers in your marketing communications? Often, how you say something is just as important as what you are saying.

Small businesses need customer relationship management solutions that are quick and easy to use and deliver results fast - including increased sales.

Good mailings can help to boost immediate sales but great mailshots can help you understand your customers and develop lasting relationships.

Use this helpful online service from Royal Mail to print postage labels from the comfort of your own office without needing to buy stamps.

QR codes are barcodes that can be read by smartphones. Richard Gauder of CMS Web Solutions explains how they can be used as effective marketing tools.

How your business might be able to produce stationery and a range of good quality marketing materials without spending a lot of money.

Find the right Royal Mail mailing services for your business needs. You can obtain online quotes, plan your mailings and marketing campaigns.

Whether you are writing an advert, a blog, a sales letter or a speech, good writing has the power to persuade. Drayton Bird tells all.

SMS marketing can be effective, but there’s more to it than just sending texts. So how do you choose the right provider and ask the right questions?

Useful FAQs on using telemarketing for your business, from planning a campaign and deciding on a script to costings and incentivising staff.

Not all customers are the same. So stop taking a one-size-fits-all approach to your marketing and start segmenting your customers.

Buying a mailing list can be fraught with pitfalls. John Keating has eight valuable pieces of advice to help you source the right mailing list.