| From Thanksgiving to New Years, our mailboxes are | | | | cheap way to contact prospective customers |
| filled with holiday greetings from friends, family | | | | If yyour company has never sent holiday business |
| members, and even a few businesses. Holiday cards | | | | greetings, or if it's been years since you tried it, this |
| are an inexpensive and simple way to stay in touch. | | | | might be the number one reason to start. Holiday |
| But many companies are missing out on this powerful | | | | greetings are the opposite of a hard sell ad. Instead of |
| tool for connecting with clients and customers. | | | | presenting a pushy "Buy Now!" message, they suggest |
| If your company has never sent out holiday cards, this | | | | the nature your services, and then invite prospectives |
| is the year to start. And if company holiday cards are | | | | to consider your company for their needs. |
| a tradition in your business, don't let tight budgets keep | | | | The friendly and informal nature of cards implies a |
| you from continuing to use this effective and | | | | more personal level of contact than a door hanger, |
| inexpensive marketing tool. | | | | direct mail piece or newspaper insert. Potential |
| What can a company Christmas card or holiday card | | | | customers who receive a well-chosen holiday card will |
| do for your business? | | | | feel as though they know you from the start. Studies |
| | | | show that means more first time, and more long term |
| Company holiday cards tell existing customers you | | | | business. |
| appreciate their business | | | | Why send corporate Christmas cards when e-mail is |
| A company Christmas card may be a small thing, but | | | | free? |
| it’s a great way to reach out to loyal customers | | | | When was the last time you were moved to action by |
| and let them know you care. A holiday card from your | | | | an e-mailed holiday card or other seasonal greeting |
| large or small business says “You matter to us.” | | | | from a business? |
| And in these financially uncertain times, these small | | | | Think about your experience as a customer and e-mail |
| gestures can make the crucial difference between | | | | user. When you receive holiday e-mails from |
| retaining a customer or losing them to a competitor. | | | | companies, do you feel that the mass e-mail is a token |
| Reward long-term or large purchase customers with a | | | | of a company’s sincere interest in you as a |
| small gift or token of gratitude. A gift card, free offer | | | | customer? |
| or special deal might be just the thing to keep existing | | | | And if you are already a patron of the company, |
| customers loyal. Avoid discount coupons unless the | | | | would an e-mailed Christmas card entice you to start |
| deal is significant -- a 10 or 15% off coupon may work | | | | shopping with them? In all likelihood, either your spam |
| against you, especially if the savings in dollar amounts | | | | blocker would catch it first, or you would delete the |
| are small. | | | | unfamiliar e-mails unopened. |
| A corporate holiday card invites prior customers to | | | | A paper greeting card is a symbol of effort and |
| return | | | | attention. Customers know a real card costs money. |
| If you have the names and addresses for those who | | | | Each card had to be addressed, and ideally, hand |
| patronized your business in the past, you can reach | | | | signed. It’s that personal touch and the tactile |
| out to them with an inexpensive holiday card and let | | | | experience that differentiates it from an e-mailed card |
| them know you hope they'll come back. | | | | or note. And in that difference, lies the value to the |
| If you have records of the specific items or services | | | | customer or potential customer. |
| they once used, consider adding a personal note | | | | The Emotional ROI of holiday cards is solid |
| reminding them that you still offer those products. Or if | | | | No matter how you look at it, the price of buying and |
| your product line has changed, suggest related items | | | | sending a paper company Christmas card is a small |
| that might interest them. Including a “Welcome | | | | expense compared to the enormous ROI in customer |
| Back” coupon or offer might just inspire them to | | | | good will. The pennies you spend on each card will |
| return to your store or place an order. | | | | return dollars in loyalty. |
| Sending business Christmas cards is an effective but | | | | |