Direct mail marketing using 4 x 6  postcards is how I marketed to find new resale listings for decades....yes, it's effective if done consistently with a properly designed postcard.... there are a zillion blog posts on how to and why .... use the search box here...

direct mail marketing is the best way to target market....if you're searching for buyers to buy a 55+ active adult community, as an example, you can buy a database of that age group in any town/city and specify that you want only homeowners (not tenants) and a certain age range....  I've sold to completion three active adult communities using direct mail marketing....

I search for tracts of land for my builders using direct mail marketing.... I market to land owners with any size parcel.... and that database comes from out mls public record.....

I have used direct mail marketing to search for builders/developers if I have excess land and my current builders can't handle anymore parcels.... 

I have searched for specific resale style homes (ranch style..one level living) for me for an investment for a family member to live in... I had two calls...I bought one and listed the other.... 

I could go on forever....but will spare everyone!!!

It can be, if targeted correctly.

YES, if used consistently.   Listen to Barbara Todaro.

Only if you are consistent and nuclear like Barbara Todaro 

I see the words "direct mail marketing" and my mind immediately pictures Barbara Todaro who has answered your question so well.

better than eMail or internet. It identifies as a local specialist with proven sales of homes you know,

Yes, some things are timeless including mailing out cards and such.

 I will wait for Barbara Todaro answer.

Peter Mohylsky I believe it does work, but you have to be persistent and consistent. Check out Barbara Todaro's blog. She is an expert in this area of marketing.

Only if you use it to create an online newsletter and gather email addresses. Mai Chimp is free up to 1100 contacts.

Yes, but not alone. It should be complimented by online marketing efforts.

If it is done the right way it can be very effective. The problem is most people don't do it the right way or send the right message.

Why not ask Barbara Todaro that question? See that she has already responded!

It seems to work for some

It works well for me but it must be done right and to a targeted market.

That depends on if you are using a targeting system for addresses and not just blanket mailing .

Any marketing can be effective if targeted and consistent.  Doing a "shotgun blast" of postcards to your 800 nearest friends and neighbors, probably won't work.  I used to get one agent sending out postcards talking about his company and nothing about production or really even about himself.  I looked at the certs he claimed he had, laughed and tossed it.  I may have kept one for my "what not to do" file.

It depends on the target audience and the design of the direct marketing campaign.

Absolutely..but must be consistently done if you expect results!

I would think it would depend on the target and the execution.

iffy........unless it is something worthwhile

Yes, it still works. 

Peter,

Done right it is effective, done wrong it is a waste of money.  I think Barbara Todaro comment will serve you well.  A

Listen to Barbara Todero, the guru of marketing.