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Direct Mail

By Randy Duermyer, About.com

Definition: Direct mail is a form of marketing. Direct mail is the process of sending out sales letters or other materials through the mail to potential customers or clients.

Most consumers consider direct mail marketing "junk mail". Some direct mail marketing campaigns can actually have a negative effect on a company's brand or image.

What is the Future of Direct Mail

Many businesses have replaced or supplemented their direct mail marketing efforts with email marketing as the latter is considerably easier to track and in most cases, far less costly than direct mail.

Direct mail campaigns may be targeted to either a consumer or business market (or both).

Also Known As: direct marketing
Examples:
I received several pieces of direct mail today. One was an offer of 50 percent off a vacation to Hawaii.
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