Direct marketing contains a variety of traditional and new forms of marketing communication initiatives. Traditional direct marketing includes mail and catalogues sent through the mail; direct marketing also includes e-mail and mobile marketing. Internet-based technologies have had a profound effect on direct marketing initiatives. E-mail, for instance, can be directed to a specific consumer. Firms use e-mail to inform customers of new merchandise and special promotions, confirm the receipt of an order, and indicate when an order has been shipped. Currently available technologies also mean handheld devices can function as a payment medium: Just tap your cell phone, and the transaction occurs in much the same way it occurs with a credit card.
- SMS
- Catalogues
- Mailings
- Telemarketing
- Electronic
- shopping
- TV shopping
- Fax
- Voice mail
- Company blogs
- Web sites
