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You can tell from the crackers and mince pies in the shops that Christmas is just around the corner. And every year again, we all face the challenge of minimising stress during the Christmas season, both at work and in our private lives. If you run a business, this means you should start planning holiday cards for your customers and suppliers as early as possible. They’re an excellent way to thank them and strengthen your business relationships at the end of the year. The following tips will help you make not only your tree shine, but also your brand.

1. MAKE SURE YOUR ADDRESS DATA ARE UP TO DATE

Manage your contact file throughout the year. A well-sorted, up-to-date client and vendor database reduces your costs, because you save the time and expense of writing to customers that haven’t contacted you for years or have moved out of the area. It also allows you to write personalized notes and otherwise contact them from time to time to remind them that you’re still available.

2. USE REAL CARDS, NOT ELECTRONIC ONES

Even in this age of e-mail, dancing GIF Santas aren’t really appropriate holiday greetings for firms that want to be taken seriously. Instead, send professionally designed and printed cards that your customers can hold in their hands, making them really feel that you care.

3. DESIGN THE CARD TO COMMUNICATE YOUR FIRM

Original, humorous, classic or modern? Make sure that your card accurately presents your firm. In order for a card to successfully generate new business, it should be designed to reflect your company and service or products while being specifically tailored to the target group.

4. MAKE THE GREETING SHORT AND PERSONAL

Although the standard “Merry Christmas” is definitely important, it isn’t enough. Add some personal words but don’t overdo it.

5. PERSONALIZE THEM

Address each customer by name. This will greatly amplify the card’s impact. Beginning with “Dear Mr Smith” is a much better way to connect with a client and effectively advertise your offering than the anonymous “Dear Customer”.

6. VARY THE TEXT

If your customer database is well-tended, you might want to think about using two different versions: one card that thanks active clients for their business during the preceding year, and another that reminds inactive customers of your firm in an original way.

7. DON’T BLISTER YOUR FINGERS

If you have a relatively small customer base, do go ahead and sign every card by hand. For large holiday mailshots, you can also print the cards with a scanned signature.

8. ELEGANT AND ORIGINAL ARE GOOD

There are lots of ways to enhance your cards and make them more eye-catching. For example, you could die cut your logo, use unusual recycled paper, or choose one with a pine scent that’s released by rubbing, for an olfactory Christmas experience.

9. MAKE THE MOST OF THE ENVELOPES

Also think about the envelopes. Which paper should it be made of, what colour should it be? You can decorate them with a Christmas decal or stamp to make your cards stand out from other post.

10. GET THE TIMING RIGHT

Holiday cards should be in their recipients’ letterboxes on about the 12th to 15th of December. If you send them too late, the risk is that your customers will ignore them during the hectic last days before Christmas.

Elite Image is your one-stop, local marketing shop for graphic design, digital and offset print and web services. We pride ourselves on quality, service and quick turnaround. Our goal is to connect customers to your brand.

P: 250 591 0175
info@eliteimage.ca
www.eliteimage.ca

Coastal Colour is the most complete in-house offset and digital print shop. Whatever your printing needs, Coastal Colour delivers.

P: 250.248.4424
info@coastalcolour.com
www.coastalcolour.com