Sending business Christmas cards is a great way to stay top-of-mind with clients, especially as so many businesses stay clear of sending any cards at all. But there are a few things to consider should you decide to spread some festive cheer.
If you’re thinking of sending Christmas cards this year to your clients, but are not sure where to start read our quick etiquette rundown to help you get organised.
Is your email / address list up to date?
So many businesses, especially small businesses do not have a well-organised client database, or even email list. Or if they do, they have different types of clients; ones they are on a first-name basis with and others who they have a more formal relationship with. It can be awkward trying to decide on a blanket approach if you have this situation.
One approach might be to have two lists of formal and informally known clients. It would be odd and off-putting for a customer who is very friendly with you to receive a formal greeting. And potentially the other way around too.
Physical Christmas card or digital?
The decision of whether to send real physical Christmas cards or a digital version may be governed by whether you have postal addresses or not.
There are some pros and cons to each. First of all, it’s always much nicer to receive a physical Christmas card that someone has written through the letterbox. It’s tangible, shows thought and care and is a good opportunity to showcase your business by sending a quality card that stands out from the rest.
Send the right type of Christmas card
But be careful with physical Christmas cards. They need to be of a certain quality; cheap will not look good for your business. And keep in mind that not everyone appreciates the eco-impact involved in sending cards through the post.
It’s advisable to only send cards that are fully recyclable and made from sustainably sourced materials, and preferably support a charity that will resonate with the sentiments of your clients. Christmas is a time for spreading goodwill after all, and choosing a charity that fits with your company values shows you are business with integrity and human connection.
Getting the message right
Should you use Dear Mr/Mrs/Miss? Best regards, or season’s greetings? Or just Merry Christmas from us?
Consider how you know your clients and go for a sincere tone that will not seem out of place to them. It’s a time for showing your appreciation and whilst a heartfelt message is not appropriate, you can’t go wrong with a ‘thank you for being our valued client this year’ approach.
Make sure you change your message from the year before. The same message sent over and over will be noticed, and will come across as insincere.
It’s just about Christmas
Your Christmas card should only be about Christmas. Don’t mention anything about business, even if it does seem like an economical way to kill two birds with one stone.
If there is a service change or something you want to mention about day-to-day business or arrangements with your client/s send another message, do not put it in the Christmas card – it will spoil the whole effect.
Check, check, check the name
All your efforts to send a stunning Christmas card and appreciative, warm message could be ruined if you spell your client’s name incorrectly. While some people do not mind the odd, understandable slip, for example, between Isabel and Isobel, or Stephen and Steven, others can be annoyed by it.
There’s only one solution to this potential plight: check, check and check the name spelling again.
Don’t DM your Christmas message
Snail mail or email are your only two options for sending a Christmas card or seasonal message. Do not be tempted to direct message clients with a Christmas greeting; it’s way too personal and hints at an obligation for them to return the greeting.
And lastly… if your client doesn’t celebrate Christmas
You know your client, and opinions differ on this, but a Christmas message is about peace, happiness and goodwill to all, so even if your client doesn’t celebrate Christmas, it’s still a positive best wishes message to send and receive.
Good luck with your Christmas cards, and happy Christmas!
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