Types of direct marketing

Direct mail

Direct mail is posted mail that advertises your business and its products and services. There are several different types of direct mail (e.g. catalogues, postcards, envelope mailers). Direct mail campaigns are usually sent to all postal customers in an area or to all customers on a marketing list. Learn more about direct mail.

Telemarketing

Telemarketing involves contacting potential customers over the phone to sell products or services. It is capable of generating new customer prospects in large volumes and is also a useful tool for following up on direct marketing campaigns. However, a successful telemarketing involves planning and using accurate and well-researched customer data to match customer profiles to product profiles. Find out about telemarketing.

Email marketing

Email marketing is a simple, cost-effective and measurable way of reaching your customers. It can include e-newsletters, promotional emails to generate new leads or offers for existing customers, or ads that can appear in other business's emails. Learn more about email marketing.

Text (SMS) marketing

Text messaging allows businesses to reach individual customers and send messages to large groups of people at a low cost. You could use short message service (SMS) messaging to send customers sales alerts, links to website updates, appointment or delivery reminders, or personalised messaging. Find out about text (SMS) marketing.

Leaflet marketing using letterbox drops and handouts

Distributing well-designed leaflets or flyers through letterbox drops and handouts can work well for a local business whose products or services appeal to a broad audience. It is a simple, inexpensive and effective way of reaching customers, although it is a less targeted form of direct marketing. Learn more about leaflet marketing using letterbox drops and handouts.

Social media marketing

Social media can be used effectively as a marketing tool for business as it gives you the opportunity to interact directly with your customers and regularly share relevant product or service information. Social media platforms also make it very easy for your customers to share your content with their entire network, increasing your reach exponentially. Consider developing a profile for your business that allows you to promote your products and services while also encouraging customers to provide feedback by leaving comments. Find out about social media marketing.

Direct selling

Direct selling is an effective way to grow a flexible, low-cost business. Direct selling involves an independent salesperson selling products or services directly to customers, often at a customer's home or workplace. Traditional direct selling methods include door-to-door sales, party plans and network marketing. Learn m