Selectabase reports UK small firms looking to direct marketing to help beat the downturn

One of the UK's leading independent direct marketing list companies has seen a recent increase in enquiries from companies looking to trade their way out of the predicted economic gloom. The team at Selectabase, who provide lists for marketing campaigns, saw a 47% increase in the number of new enquiries from their website over the last few months.

Whilst both these measures had been steadily growing for some time, there had never been such a sudden increase before, which prompted the business to investigate further.

After speaking with many of the businesses contacting Selectabase for the first time, it became clear that many are concerned about the economic situation and are looking to protect themselves by investing in new customer acquisition through direct marketing techniques such as direct mail and telemarketing.

The increase in interest in direct marketing has come as no surprise to Steve Sellwood, joint Managing Director of Selectabase. "Having worked in the direct marketing industry for many years before launching Selectabase, I've seen similar spikes in interest during previous downturns" he recalls.

But this time round Sellwood feels there is a difference in attitude: "I get the impression businesses are facing a tough time for sure, but are trying hard not to panic and talk themselves into an even worse situation. Instead many are trying to take action early by targeting new business".

Direct marketing has long been an attractive tool for businesses looking to find and convert new customers. It can be highly targeted so smaller volumes are needed, and costs can easily be identified in advance.

Most importantly, responses can be measured so that effectiveness can be calculated on a cost per enquiry or cost per acquisition, providing an important level of management for small businesses with limited resources to spend on marketing.

Selectabase specialise in providing direct marketing lists for small businesses, often packaged into affordable monthly 'lead feed' services such as their Startupsplus list, which provides subscribers with the details of new and relocating businesses in their local area, or their Birthday Mailings list of local consumers who are about to celebrate a birthday.