Hi! I’m Chloe! I’m full of the holiday spirit, setting up the holiday décor, and making my way through getting Christmas and Holiday cards in the mail. Are you sending out holiday cards this year? If not, you should be! While sending email greetings is technically cheaper, nothing stays with a client like a Christmas card!
In the good old days printers often made sure that everyone on their customer list received a classy calendar with all of the contact details for the business, and some pictures or graphics that reminded everyone of the seasons. Some even contracted with local photographers or artists and made a real event out of sending that calendar out. I miss those days!
Last year I counted it up and while I had hundreds of generic holiday emails, none of which I kept, I did keep every single Christmas, Winter Solstice and Hanukah card I received. They were on display until into the new year, and they are still in a box. I especially appreciated the ones with handwritten notes!
OK, I hear you. You have too many customers and it’s not really anyone’s job to get out cards for the season. I know. Sitting and writing them out, getting key employees to sign them (if not all employees to sign them) is time consuming. But the other thing that it is… wait for it… it’s MARKETING! And it is the kind of marketing that stays with a customer. It keeps you top of mind. And if you do it right, it showcases your work!
Bought a new finishing device, cutter or folder? Why not showcase the work you can do with a cool holiday card? New print devices or extensions that let you add textures? Show it off in this most wonderful time of the year! To be honest, it gives you a touch point with your customers. It lets them know that they are more than an account number, and it gives your staff a chance to be visible to your clients. Some of my favorites from last year were print shop team pictures – some with antlers and Rudolph noses! One company had everyone stand in the shape of a Christmas tree. And still another teamed up with a local charity and printed their Christmas cards as well as using them for their own mailing.
Whatever you celebrate, use it as a chance to connect with your customers and show off your talents! Remember you can always ask questions!
Until next time… Watch this space for more from the life of a Print Diva.
Chloe Mahendra-Fuji practices the fine arts of design critique, content creation and editing, and communication consulting. She has decades of experience working in online content delivery, print delivery, and content development.
Connect with Chloe: @ChloePrintDiva / ChloePrintDiva@gmail.com
