Download Understanding the Types of Direct Marketing

Understanding the Types of Direct Marketing
Marketing is an essential aspect of business, no matter what type of business you’re in.
Without the right marketing on your side, your business will die a slow and drawn out
death (or a short, fast one). However, what marketing methods are right for your
company? What options are open to you? You’ll find that direct marketing offers
enormous advantages over other forms available and can provide your company with
the results that you crave. However, you’ll have to determine which of the several types
of direct marketing is right for you.
What are the different types of direct marketing? You’ll find that this area of marketing
has several subtypes, each of which carries its own pros and cons. In order to
determine which type is right for you, you’ll need to know a bit more about each.
Direct Mail Marketing – This form of direct marketing is useful for both B2B (business to
business) and B2C (business to consumer) needs. This method comprises marketing
materials sent through traditional mail to your prospective customers. In addition, this is
the method most people think of when hearing the words “direct marketing.” Drawbacks
to this method include the potential of your message not reaching the intended
recipient, as well as the costs involved with developing and producing your marketing
material.
Email Marketing – Direct email marketing is a unique approach utilizing the advent of
the Internet. Email marketing has become a very popular option in the direct marketing
field, as it allows you to create dynamic, compelling marketing materials for almost
nothing, and it allows you to avoid the costs of postage, envelopes and other associated
items with traditional mail. However, email marketing has some drawbacks, especially
the “spam” aspect. If consumers report your mailing as spam, you’ll find yourself in hot
water very shortly. Therefore, these email lists need to be highly targeted, and often
require the use of an opt-in list in order to ensure you don’t set off any red flags.
Telemarketing – This method has been around for a very long time. However, while
previous incarnations found telemarketers calling consumers at home, most
telemarketing today is geared for B2B projects. These can be quite effective, but they
can also be more expensive than other options.
Voicemail Marketing – This is an excellent option for small businesses or those seeking
to reduce the costs of their direct mail marketing. Voicemail marketing is simply a
recorded message that is sent out (or broadcasted) to potential clients. As there is no
live operator, these calls cost consummately less than other options available to you.
You’ll find numerous other subtypes within the direct marketing industry, of course.
These can include fax marketing, door-to-door marketing and even guerilla marketing
options such as handing out flyers. However, you’ll need to consider the effectiveness
and costs associated with each form before determining with method is right for your
company. Remember, each method brings its own ROI, its own costs and its own
problems, so you’ll need to choose carefully.