Spam or direct marketing - are they allowed?

Hi

I've been looking at some of the practice discussions about marketing, and I remember reading something several months ago about contacting potential clients by email, letter, leaflet etc, but can't find it on the site.

My website is being delayed (not sure why as techy gone very quiet, and don't want to hassle him yet in case something tragic has happened at home, because this isn't like him).  So, I need to try and spend free time focussing on other ways to try and bring in business.

Daughter suggested Yell.com but I think I need a website for that.

But what about emailing small businesses, or dropping them a leaflet, letter etc? Is that ok to do or is it illegal?  I'm not talking about flooding their inboxes or anything, just a little 'nudge' now and then to say I'm here if they need me.

Any thoughts?  Sorry (again - I seem to say this a lot!) because I am sure this subject has been done to death but struggling to find the threads on it.  I even clicked on FirstTab's name because I thought he'd covered it, but I think he's further down the line and already established (sorry, assume FT is a 'he').

thanks

Eve