Direct marketing is a promotional method that involves presenting information about your company, product, or service to your target customer without the use of an advertising middleman. It is a targeted form of marketing that presents information of potential interest to a consumer that has been determined to be a likely buyer.
While some marketing techniques aim to increase awareness or to educate markets about a company’s products or services, direct marketing’s sole goal is to persuade the recipient to take action. While getting a sale is the ultimate goal, some customers will not be ready to buy on-the-spot. But they might:
- Visit a website
- Call for more information
- Return a postcard requesting a quote
- Enter their name and email address
- Make a purchase
Common forms of direct marketing include:
- Brochures
- Catalogs
- Fliers
- Newsletters
- Post cards
- Coupons
- Emails
- Targeted online display ads
- Phone calls
- Text messages