A data strategy employing traditional methods of marketing may be the key to survival for businesses struggling in the recession, according to a new survey.

In recent times direct mail has been overtaken by less costly marketing methods such as email marketing. However, research has found that direct marketing is eight times more effective than other strategies.

Nationwide has doubled its product sales across online and offline channels through more targeted direct marketing.

Nationwide has tailored more personal customer offers through direct mail, internet banking and in-branch and call centre interactions.

A competition created to give youngsters experience of the work which goes on in the direct marketing industry has received a record number of entries.

The Direct Marketing Association (DMA) started the Young Direct Marketing Awards (YMDAs), which calls on pupils to create advertising material for one of three charities.

Direct marketers are starting to leverage social media more in their campaigns, according to a new study.

500 marketers were polled in the online survey from May 21st to June 1st 2009. The results highlighted the significant growth of social media as a direct marketing tool and as a key platform for e-mail marketing programmes.

Businesses can benefit from using direct mail to reach consumers, as it helps them feel valued by firms.

Recent studies have shown that people tend to be very responsive to offline promotions, according to Marketing Donut.