According to experts, marketers must not abandon tried and tested methods of getting their message across just because new channels are emerging.

It has been claimed that marketing methods, such as direct mail, still has a lot to offer despite the advent of the internet and social media.

According to research, many small businesses were left relatively unaffected by the Royal Mail strike, opting to send most of their correspondence electronically.

A high proportion claimed that the strike would have little or no effect on their day-to-day business as they opted to use the internet for most of their correspondence.

New research has predicted that online direct marketing will continue to grow in the next four years.

Internet advertising is expected to account for 36 per cent of all promotional activity in the UK by 2013, according to a study by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PWC).

A new study has highlighted the potential of targeting consumers through web-based direct marketing channels.

Figures from Microsoft have revealed that the internet is set to overtake traditional TV as the most consumed form of media by 2010 if current growth trends continue.

A limited-edition direct mail pack for the 2009 Cadbury Crème Egg season has been launched with the aim of driving recipients online to social media sites, such as Bebo and Facebook, to talk about the Crème Eggs.

Recipients of the packs were chosen on the basis of their engagement in the 2008 campaign, with only the biggest online brand advocates receiving the package, which contains free Crème Eggs.