We've known for a while that donors who give through multiple channels give more frequently and make larger gifts, but now we're finding that the presence of an e-mail address makes a positive difference in the giving behavior of offline donors.

E-mail marketing is one of the most effective retention marketing techniques available to digital marketers today. Whatever business you're in - whether you're a local hairdresser trying to increase return traffic to your salon or a multi-million dollar e-commerce site with more than 1,000 products to sell - e-mail marketing should be one of the highest priorities within your online marketing strategy.

Transactional e-mails are a great way for marketers to keep up with their customers and build loyalty. Digital bill statements are a good example of this.

For many retailers, 2009 has been the year of social media. Forrester Research reported that 64% of retailers surveyed invested in social media this year. Investment so far has been primarily around interactive marketing and a fairly straightforward presence in blogs, or other third party social media such as Facebook, Twitter, or YouTube. But for retailers interested in expanding their distribution channel, social media and social networks are quickly becoming an area that they cannot ignore.

Who says direct marketing is boring? Perhaps one of the most innovative and unusual campaigns in recent history started as a direct marketing campaign. I'm referring to the "Best Job in the World" campaign by CumminsNitro Brisbane for Queensland Tourism. With a limited budget of only $1.7 million, the agency was tasked with promoting Queensland's Hamilton Island as a desirable tourist destination.

Apple is actively promoting the wide range of applications available for its iPhone. Two experts take sides on whether to focus on that device or a number of smartphones.

Now that we are beginning to feel relief from the economic uncertainty that has been hanging around, I hear a lot about the invention of some new roles inside organizations looking to get into social media. Typically this means, "Hire someone who knows our 'space' really well and someone who is an expert in social media."

The business-to-business buying cycle is complex. B-to-b purchases involve three to four more decision makers today than in 2001. Analysts estimate that closing a b-to-b sale takes 20% longer today than a few years ago. Part of that increase is due to the exponentially larger number of marketing channels that are available. Even though more channels means more ways to reach buyers, they also increase the chance of a disconnect between marketing and sales.

Companies need to be smart about their innovation strategies and look at their innovation initiatives as a key brand touch point. Plenty of organizations have tried to implement an open innovation strategy of their own, yet how many truly succeed? Whether it's Chrysler Listens or Change.org, some organizations are still struggling to become effective. Without knowing the right methods and processes when launching open innovation initiatives, crowdsourcing can lose its potential for turning innovation into actionable ideas.

A troubled 2009 has seen cutbacks and ad budget freezes across all industries. Both consumers and executives have dithered in purchase decisions, absorbing information, coupons, custom content, product reviews, free trials and freebies before signing the check or invoice.