The service is the first to be launched by the consumer data and data services firm since the integration of Claritas Europe and Consodata SA into the organisation.
is a new product, which has been developed by using the data and expertise from across the newly formed company. It has been created specifically for SMEs and particular those companies with 0-250 people and turnovers of less than £40m. Acxiom is predicting that the new launch will be of particular interest to the financial, automotive, retail, travel and leisure markets.
Acxiom claims the product breaks new ground in the list rental arena by abolishing the minimum order restrictions traditionally imposed on mailers to create a level playing field for new entrants.
The website also includes free access to a direct marketing guide providing a practical online educational tool to ensure that SMEs avoid the potential pitfalls of DM and maximise the effectiveness of their campaigns.
Part of the thinking behind the launch is that traditionally, SMEs have not fully embraced DM in their marketing mix. Acxiom says this is partly due to lack of understanding on how to carry out campaigns, and prohibitive data costs for small volumes.
Andy Thorburn, operations managers at Acxiom, said: "Typically, SMEs need lower volumes, which are not cost efficient for list owners to provide. However, CustomersConnect.com provides SMEs with easy access to cost-effective data.
"For Acxiom, it means we can tap into this huge market, which up till now has been under-exploited by the direct marketing industry. Our aim is to make direct marketing more accessible to a wider audience."
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