The key to getting ahead of business rivals is not by outspending them on advertising, but rather from outmanoeuvring their competitors.

According to the Direct Marketing Association (DMA), one way for companies to do this is through the use of direct mail.

According to experts, organisations can increase their marketing returns by combining direct mail with an email campaign.

Despite email being an inexpensive and increasingly popular option, direct mail should supplement it as part of a combined marketing strategy.

According to research, direct mail could be making a comeback. It has been suggested businesses may benefit from sending direct mail rather than email bulletins to their customers.

The news comes as companies that are recovering from the impact of the recession will now be looking to up their direct marketing spend.

Postal service consultancies are advising direct mail users to switch to a Royal Mail competitor supplier to avoid delays because of next week’s strike days.

The Communication Workers Union (CWU) confirmed yesterday that nationwide postal strikes will begin on Thursday 22nd and Friday 23rd of October, with consultancies advising brands to change suppliers to one of the five competitors: TNT Post, UK Mail, Citipost, DHL and UPS.

More than 60 Royal Mail customers have signed up to its Sustainable Mail service since it was unveiled in April this year.

More than 30 million pieces of direct mail are now being delivered through the Sustainable Mail service, which encourages responsible behaviour by offering a lower price tariff for direct mail that meets newly developed environmental standards.