What marketing channels to use?

[Doug Haisten]

I keep hearing direct mail is not as effective as it once was. I also hear that I should work different marketing channels (more fishing lines in the water). I am new and on my first direct mailing to out of state absentee owners was about 2.5 % response most kicking tires. My second mailing was just barely 1% ( I was sending out 500 post cards). I want to give the DM enough time so I will keep on at least 6 times. What are some other channels I should look at? I am about 25 minutes from signing up to a lead generation website. I am driving for dollars. Some I see send them a letter but then isn't that the same as direct mail? Is it better to call the owners? Door knocking I know from my insurance day is a hard row to hoe. Anyway but what are some other channels?