# What is the difference between direct mail and email marketing?

> Source: https://support.associationsphere.com/what-is-the-difference-between-direct-mail-and-email-marketing  |  Updated: 2026-09-08T02:58:46Z

Direct mail is the ability to send text-based emails to a single constituent or groups of constituents using the Actions menu on a grid. It is most often used for sending quick messages like a board meeting reminder to your board members. You can learn more about the direct email feature in this article<a href="./direct-emails" target="_blank">"Direct Emails"</a>.

Email marketing is for sending email campaigns for things like newsletters, announcements, invitations, and other communications where you wish to include colorful backgrounds, images, and links.

- Email marketing can also track overall open and click rates, where direct mail can only track open rates for specific constituents.
- Email marketing campaigns require an email list or lists and the use of the email template editor to create your message.
- Email marketing campaigns also generate a unique URL for each campaign that you can share via social media or on your website.
- You can learn more about the steps involved in an email marketing campaign in this article <a href="https://support.donorview.com/en/support/solutions/articles/9000277482-how-do-i-create-and-send-an-email-marketing-campaign-" target="_blank">https://support.donorview.com/en/support/solutions/articles/9000277482-how-do-i-create-and-send-an-email-marketing-campaign-</a><a href="./how-do-i-create-and-send-an-email-marketing-campaign" target="_blank">"How do I create and send an email marketing campaign?"</a>

Both email marketing and direct mail should only be sent from an email address using your verified domain name. You can learn more about verified sender domains in this article "<a href="./verification-of-dns-settings" target="_blank">Verification of DNS Settings</a>".