It’s about that time of year again. The season of giving is upon us and so are company Holiday cards (Christmas cards, Seasons Greetings cards, etc.)

In just a few short weeks we will be in the heat of holiday shopping. The stores have begun to change the displays, the candy aisles are filled with green and red. There’s no escaping it: the holidays are right around the corner. But before you get caught up with the hustle and bustle, the shopping or the end-of-the-year paperwork, take a minute to think about your efforts to deepen customer relations. However your company crafts the message we want to make sure you don’t miss these 5 things you need to know about company holiday cards.

Make it timely

We understand this can get tricky. So here are two suggestions for you: (1) send a Thanksgiving card instead; and/or (2) design and print them right away. If you decide to do a Thanksgiving card, we applaud you. This is a risky move to make but can have a big payout in the end. Thanksgiving is a national holiday in the United States, so you can send it to anyone. Additionally your company will be separated from the stack of holiday cards and if they hang their seasonal cards up, chances are yours will remain throughout the two month period. In regards to the second point we made, design and print those holiday cards pronto.

Make it personal

There are a few ways you can accomplish this. Holiday cards are about promoting a relationship with your clients and employees–a relationship that is not based on buying or selling. You can make your holiday card personal by addressing the client directly. This can be done with variable data printing. At Alexander’s, our variable data printing software and printers allow our clients to personalize their holiday cards as much or as little as they want. Depending on how big your staff is, what about a festive company picture? Seeing the company logo over and over again can build your companies branding but putting a friendly face in front of your clients can help build a deeper level of trust.

Make it professional

This is not the time to go to the discount drugstore (unless you are reading this December 24th and need to get them out today). Having holiday cards custom-designed for your company can be more economical but more importantly, they will always result in better quality cards. This is an opportunity for you to present your company and all the services and products you represent. The holiday card you send reflects on your internal operations just as much as products, reviews or services.

Know your audience

This is CRITICAL. Knowing your audience around this time of year is vital to building that relationship and to avoid stepping on toes. 

This may be an opportunity for you to design two or three different holiday cards. If you have clients outside of the U.S. you may decide to have two different designs. Do your homework to know if they say Happy Holidays in Australia or Seasons Greetings. Consider taking steps to avoid offending non-Christian clients, customers and employees by sending generic holiday cards.

Holiday cards do NOT sell*

It should go without saying but here we are saying it anyway. Your company name is already on the card. This is an opportunity for your company and your clients to take a step back and say, “We appreciate your business.” The holidays are the best opportunity for the company to show that it is human. Here’s another idea, take the money you would have spent on selling and coupons and donate it to a local charity.

*Here’s the catch: if your client base is accustomed to receiving holiday coupons, deals, giveaways, etc., do NOT upset them. That does not discount the value you will find following the previous 4 suggestions.

Alexander’s specializes in custom design and printing. We also offer short-run and quick turnaround printing. For more information about ordering holiday cards, call us at 801.224.8666 or fill out the contact form below.