3 Things to Consider While Handwriting Your Holiday Cards

The holidays are right around the corner and although they keep creeping up on us earlier and earlier each year, there’s something so inherently electrifying about this time of the year. And for those of us in Buffalo, during the holiday season we find ourselves amidst a dazzling white, winter wonderland (hopefully).

As you read this, plenty of individuals are beginning to create and stuff envelopes with a clever photo and/or inscription to avoid the stress of having to rush to the mailbox, ensuring their greeting card arrives in time for the holidays.

And guess what business owners? You should be doing the same! A thoughtful and personalized holiday greeting card is just the thing your clients aren’t expecting. So do the unexpected and brighten their day with a quick note wishing them well this holiday season.

In such a digitally driven and automated world, it can be difficult to remember how effective traditional marketing and a simple, personal touch can be. Here are a few things to consider while you’re making your mailing list and checking it twice:

Personalize it

Regardless of the size of your client list, if you’re going to send a holiday card, personalize it. Hand-addressing the envelope will almost guarantee it gets opened. Everyone loves mail; we love that whatever is in the envelope was created, written and sent just for us. The odds of opening a handwritten envelope versus a printed envelope are significantly higher; we know it’s not going to be a bill, or worse – someone asking for money.

While handwriting every message is ideal, for businesses with a significant amount of clients, this may be out of the question. So I’ll compromise with you; handwrite either the greeting or the closing salutation.

Moral of the story, taking the time to personalize each envelope will surely impress. It will also make your client feel like you care about them (because you do).

Keep it politically correct

Sorry, friends, but the days of saying, “Merry Christmas” and “Happy Hanukkah” are over. I don’t care if you’re confident that your entire mailing list celebrates Christmas or Hanukkah; please use, “Happy Holidays”.

Being PC will help you avoid accidently offending a client who may not celebrate a particular holiday. It’s also common courtesy. Of course, if you’re handwriting a note to a long-time client with whom you have a great relationship, AND you are 100% certain on the holiday(s) they celebrate: use your judgment.

Check your spelling

No one’s perfect, but attention to detail goes a long way. A greeting card with misspelled words, especially names, won’t be received as graciously as one where you took the time to check your spelling. Although misspelling a word is not the end of the world, it’s often a reflection of the time and care put into a project.

If you’re going to take the time and energy to write a card, take the time to look up the words you can’t spell!

When in doubt, send a holiday email or e-card

For some businesses, the reality of sending thousands of handwritten holiday cards is out of the question, and that’s OK.

For businesses in this situation, take the time to create an email/newsletter or e-card. While this is a less personal way to extend a holiday greeting, it’s straightforward and to the point, and let’s face it, people open emails more often than snail mail.

Whether you opt for the expected (although still thoughtful), digital holiday greeting or surprise your clients with personalized, handwritten holiday greeting cards, spread some holiday cheer.

After all, it’s the most wonderful time of the year!

via Business 2 Community http://www.business2community.com/customer-experience/3-things-consider-handwriting-holiday-cards-0692751?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=3-things-consider-handwriting-holiday-cards