Online marketing techniques such as email, social media and internet advertising have gained traction in recent years; however, direct mail still remains a marketing strategy businesses of all kinds are willing to keep investing in.

"Direct mail marketing has many advantages that technology can't give you," said Jack Hipolito Fernandez, an agent at HF Realty*. "Direct mail is quicker to produce and has a quicker response time. You can also make direct marketing very personal, and with technology, that isn't always the case because it is more generic."

When earning a marketing degree, many business owners learned the true benefits of direct mail, which include more personalization, a higher response rate and lead generation.

Some business owners may be unfamiliar with how to go about starting up their direct mail marketing initiative. A recent article from Business 2 Community** shared some smart practices for starting with direct mail.

According to the website, businesses need to make sure they have a list of intended recipients that are part of their target market, they have accurate addresses for these recipients and the promotional pieces are customized when possible.

*http://www.sacbee.com/2012/07/10/4620353/jack-hipolito-fernandez-direct.html

**http://www.business2community.com/marketing/direct-mail-tips-for-beginners-0205599​