We’re getting close to the holiday season, and not only does that mean it’s time to start gift shopping for all of your friends and family on your list, but it’s also time to start thinking about sending holiday cards to your clients and colleagues.
If you’re like me, you’ve left your business holiday greeting cards to the 11th hour before and have experienced the mad scramble to get cards out the door before the holidays. That’s never fun, so this year, I’m putting some thought into this early.
If you’re ready to get a jump on the holiday card season, too, here are five holiday card tips that may be useful to you as you get started.
Order Early
You are already ahead of the game by thinking about your holiday cards now. In fact, right now is the perfect time to order your cards, especially if you plan to include customization, branding or special designs. Use the next week or two to select and design your cards, and get your order in by the end of the month to ensure you have them in-hand on time.
Be Unique
You can, of course, just select a standard design from the card catalog, but why not try a different approach? You can create a very unique and memorable card that doesn’t have to break your budget. Some ideas include using the typically family-oriented photo card format to show a picture of your team, designing a flat greeting card that incorporates your actual business card, or selecting a humorous card to go for the laugh.
Brand Your Cards
Aside from using your actual business card incorporated into your greeting card, you can consider including some other forms of branding on your card. You will probably want to include your business name and URL, but also consider using your logo and even company colors to tie it all together.
Make It Personal
Many business holiday cards are pre-printed, giving them a professional look and feel. But make sure you take time to address your cards individually and write a personal message in each card. A handwritten note from you can be the difference between a throw-away business greeting card and one that is kept and remembered.
Skip Christmas
Who says a holiday card has to be sent for the big holidays? Consider sending a Thanksgiving card or a New Year’s card to separate yours from the masses that hit the mailbox every December.
Do you send holiday cards to your clients and colleagues? What do you do to set yours apart?
Image credit: alainap
Alyssa GregoryAlyssa Gregory is a digital and content marketer, small business consultant, and the founder of the Small Business Bonfire — a social, educational and collaborative community for entrepreneurs.
