Where to invest marketing dollars today to get the best response? Direct marketing. If you thought it was social media, think again. Social media is a smart supplement to your overall marketing plan, but when you want a medium that delivers solid measurable results, direct marketing wins hands down.

We compiled a list of six tips from various marketing authorities that can help you improve your marketing efforts in the coming year. In the current economy you have the opportunity (and sometimes the directive) to look for new solutions and try new approaches to improve your marketing results.

Every day we’re bombarded with some 3,000 marketing messages. from all around us. With so much information, we’ve become overloaded, de-sensitized and even resistant to marketing messages. But a familiar, recognizable brand, like an old friend, still has the ability to cut through the clutter around us and get its message across. Especially when it continues to fill a need in our lives – “Look mom, there’s a McDonalds! Can we stop for something to eat?”

Direct marketing works. If you market your products or services directly to consumers, there are proven direct marketing techniques and principles that can help improve the effectiveness of your marketing efforts. Find out the ingredients to make your next direct marketing campaign more successful.