Royal Mail today announced the launch of Mailshots Online, a new web tool that enables small businesses to create their own personalised mail campaigns in less than 30 minutes.

At a time when small businesses believe that direct mail is the most effective marketing method , Royal Mail has responded with a value for money service that is a simple and fast way of reaching out to potential and existing customers.

By using Mailshots Online, www.mailshotsonline.com, small businesses can design postcard or letter campaigns with their own logos and photographs and messages in four simple steps, with the print, production and delivery handled by Royal Mail.

As well as enabling companies to target their own database of contacts, the service can also help find new business by providing lists of potential customers. And there is no minimum order level, meaning companies can use the service for one mailing or 1,000, with prices starting from as little as 55p.

Tim Rivett, Head of Small Business at Royal Mail, said: "Royal Mail has a number of products and services that are designed to help the UK’s small and medium sized businesses to grow. The launch of Mailshots Online comes at a time when fast, tailored communications is crucial to business success."

He added: "Many small business owners find it too expensive, or do not have the time, to create professional marketing drives. Mailshots Online overcomes those problems with a web service that encourages creativity, whilst handling production, postage and delivery on a business’s behalf."

The Mailshots Online launch comes as Royal Mail recruits 100 booming small businesses across the UK to share their tips for success with other companies as part of its initiative to help firms thrive. They are sharing their stories and providing advice through an online service, www.royalmail.com/growth, where small businesses can create tailored growth packs, full of ideas and inspiring stories to help them find and keep customers as well as save time and money.