Nowadays people can snuggle up to their TV. Mediums such as television and the computer have shrunk down into portable devices that people can read or watch in bed, in the car or wherever they please. With this more intimate technology comes more intimate marketing channels, such as individualized email and home pages. And with Web sites like Amazon.com, consumers are getting used to having a closer dialogue with marketers and other consumers. Anymore, you have to personalize marketing messages to get through to your customers.

Personalization is key marketing tactic that's simple to do. Here are three ways to form messages that will personally touch your customers.

1. Turn mass email into a personal conversation or invitation. Email marketing is a great tool because of its low cost and ease of use. It's even better if you have an email list that people have signed up for. When you can address someone by name in the email or subject line to establish that you already know them, that really swings the door wide open. People are much more likely to read something that has their name on it.

Use your email to generate interest by showing what you've done for other clients or any special events or specials you have coming up. You can also send a monthly newsletter targeted toward your customers' interests. For personalized email to work, don't "craft" your message. It should appear as a message that you would send to a friend. Don't include photos or any showy graphics that you might use in formal emails to introduce yourself.

2. Use your knowledge of your customers' past behavior. You should have on record what your customers have bought, how much they spend with you and how often they buy from you. All of this information can help you predict future purchases and maybe even influence future purchases. For example, if you run a sporting goods store, you could see that a certain customer always buys fishing equipment. Therefore, you can market your newest fishing equipment toward that customer. If you use direct mail postcard printing, you can send a postcard that only focuses on your fishing equipment sale or the newest arrivals at your store.

3. Handwriting = personal. Anymore with email, text messaging and e-cards, a handwritten note or card can really make you stand out. A handwritten note also shows that you've taken the time to think about your customer and shows how much you value that person. You can send a handwritten thank you note after closing a deal with a company or individual or you can send a holiday card. If you'll need to write a lot of notes, it's a good idea to print up some small cards with your logo on them that you can use for any occasion.