As the holiday season approaches, businesses have an incredible opportunity to strengthen relationships and stand out in a crowded market. Holiday cards may seem like a small gesture, but their impact can be mighty when done with intention and creativity. Sending personalized holiday cards can go beyond spreading cheer—it can deepen client relationships, show appreciation, and even drive business development.
Here are a few reasons why holiday cards are a must-have tool in your marketing arsenal:
- Strengthen Relationships with a Personal Touch
Holiday cards are a simple yet heartfelt way to connect with clients, referral sources, and colleagues on a personal level. By customizing the card to include a handwritten note or even specific references to your past interactions, you show that you value the relationship beyond business transactions. This kind of personalization leaves a lasting impression.
Why handwritten matters: Research published in Psychological Science reveals that handwritten messages create a deeper emotional impact. Recipients feel more surprised and delighted by handwritten notes than senders often anticipate, making this small effort a powerful relationship-building tool.
Tip: Include a thoughtful message that highlights your appreciation and acknowledges the recipient’s role in your success.
- Keep Your Brand Top of Mind
As inboxes overflow with digital communication, a physical card stands out. Holiday cards act as a tangible reminder of your business, subtly reinforcing your brand without being overly promotional. They help keep you in the minds of clients and partners, ensuring your name comes up when opportunities arise.
Tip: Design your card with your brand colors and logo while maintaining a festive tone. A well-designed card strikes the balance between professional and personal.
- Create Opportunities for Future Conversations
Holiday cards can be a great conversation starter. A thoughtful message can prompt recipients to reach out and reconnect, setting the stage for future collaboration or referrals.
Tip: Consider including a call to action, like an invitation to a New Year event or a reminder to schedule a meeting in the upcoming year.
- Showcase Your Company’s Personality
Holiday cards offer a unique chance to inject a little fun and creativity into your branding. Whether you go for a humorous design, a nostalgic theme, or a charitable message, the card can reflect your company’s personality and values in a way that resonates with recipients.
Tip: Include a photo of your team or a mention of charitable efforts your business supported during the year to add a personal and community-oriented touch.
- Stand Out in a Digital World
In an era dominated by emails and social media, the simple act of sending a physical card can set your business apart. It shows you took the time and effort to connect in a meaningful way, making your gesture all the more memorable.
Why handwritten matters, again: A survey of 2,000 adults in the UK found that 70% of respondents considered handwritten or paper notes more meaningful and exciting to receive than digital messages. This insight reinforces the value of personal effort in an age of automation.
Tip: For added impact, send your cards early in the holiday season before mailboxes fill up with other greetings. Alternatively, you could opt for a “New Year’s” card, which avoids potential sensitivities around specific holidays. This option also gives you more time at year end, as sending your cards a week or two into January is still considered thoughtful and timely.
Make Your Cards Matter
Sending holiday cards isn’t just about tradition—it’s about using a moment of seasonal goodwill to nurture relationships, build your brand, and create opportunities for the year ahead. With a little creativity and personalization, you can make your holiday cards a cornerstone of your business development strategy, ensuring your clients and colleagues feel valued and appreciated.
So, as the season of giving approaches, don’t overlook the power of a simple card to create connections that last far beyond the holidays.
