How to Select a Christmas Card That Represents Your Business

Sending Christmas cards is always a good idea. When you send a business Christmas card it lets your clients and customers know that they are important to you. This could be a way of helping the relationship grow. But following the right etiquette for business holiday cards is important so your cards remain professional and thoughtful.

Sending business greeting cards should be about appreciation and the value placed on customer and clients. They improve the perception of your company in the eyes of your customer and clients. They increase the probability that one of your customers will select your company over a company they didn’t receive a holiday card from.

When selecting a business Christmas card always choose one that expressed a level of formality consistent with your company. It should be a mirror of your business that your clients have come to know. Send your greeting cards to as many people as you can. The paper you use for your business greeting card should be of good quality. The greeting card is a direct reflection of your company. If your clientele differs in religious backgrounds or cultural groups, it’s probably best to stick to non denominational winter or nature imagery cards. By choosing a holiday card with other seasonal greetings, it shows your company is mindful of people from all different walks of life.

New For 2018 Christmas Cards

 

Every year I look for something new when purchasing our Company’s Christmas cards. It can be quite challenging to find something unique especially when we want our cards to say Merry Christmas on the front, but I think I found a few great examples for this year.

This Opulent Ornaments Christmas Card is definitely unique. I love the idea of having all that gold on a black card stock. It has an elegant touch. It is a glossy color photo that is mounted and framed in gold. The photo is a zoomed in section of a Christmas tree with different shades of gold ornaments and crystal beading dangling down from the branches. The added touch of Merry Christmas below the photo makes this a perfect choice for us.

 

 

Another that I find totally out of the ordinary is this Burst of Blue Christmas card. It is stamped with reflective silver foil with the matching framed border. The snowflake is done in an ornate fashion. Without going for the typical red and green and holiday symbols, this card still sends wishes for a Merry Christmas.

 

You may look at this Picturesque Setting Christmas Card on the left and think it is a run of the mill Christmas photo. However, you’d be wrong! I look at this one and see a beautiful, homely Christmas scene with a burning fire and gorgeous tree with all the trimmings. Also, let’s not forget those presents! What makes this Christmas card truly stand out though is the navy card stock. The photo really jumps and so does the gold “Merry Christmas” below it.

5 Common Grammar Mistakes to Avoid on Your Christmas Cards

1. Season’s Greetings or Seasons Greetings or Seasons’ Greetings?

The correct version is “Season’s Greetings” because they are the greetings of/for the season—the apostrophe shows possession. Without the apostrophe, or with it after the ‘s’, it indicates multiple seasons. Another common error is to write “seasonings greetings.” Don’t be that guy.

2. Misspelling Christmas.

It seems so silly, but often people misspell the word Christmas. Pay attention to every letter on your cards so you don’t make an avoidable, cringe-worthy mistake. And please spell everyone’s names right.

3. Afraid of the Oxford comma?

When you have a list of things, don’t overthink the grammar and attempt an awkward or confusing way of saying the same thing to avoid the chance of being wrong. In the following example, both are correct: “We wish you happiness, health, and prosperity this Christmas.” or “We wish you happiness, health and prosperity this Christmas.” Whichever you choose is your preference, however, I will say that in some instances the comma makes your intent clearer. I would suggest making use of the Oxford comma on your Christmas cards this year.

4. Happy New Year or Happy New Years?

If your Christmas card goes on to send warm wishes for the coming year, make sure you are using the correct form of the sentiment. It should not be plural. If you were referring to a New Year’s card, then there is an ‘s’ but it is still not to indicate multiple years that are new.

5. Winter or winter?

When you are mentioning the season, it can be a little tricky to know how. Whether you capitalize depends on where it is in the sentence and how it is used. If the word is at the beginning of the sentence, it will always be capitalized. Other than that, it is a generic noun (not a proper noun) and does not need to be capitalized. An exception is if it is a title, like the Winter Olympics.

Is it Necessary to Send Business Christmas Cards?

When it comes to the Holidays, one of the first things we think about as consumers in our personal lives is mailing out Christmas cards to our family and friends. When it comes to our professional lives however, some people question whether to send their customers and colleagues a Holiday card. Some companies do and some don’t, which leaves the question: is it necessary to send Business Christmas cards? My opinion is YES absolutely!

Now don’t get me wrong, it isn’t a “must” or your business will fail if you choose not to, but it definitely is smart. You see, the meaning behind a Business Christmas card is really more than just saying simply, Merry Christmas. To your customers, that card signifies many things…when your recipient gets it in the mail, it shows you are thinking of them. You are taking time out during the busy end of year season and saying, hello… I’m just not thinking of you when I need your business, I am thinking of you now to wish you all the best as well.

Sending out a Business Christmas card not only is a “thinking of you” during the Holidays, but is also the perfect opportunity to allow your clients, vendors, patrons etc. to remember you and your company. Almost like an indirect form of advertisement for your company. That card will most likely stay on the recipients’ desk, and will be looked at by them and others throughout the season. It’s like a little reminder that you exist in their world, at a time you may not necessarily be working with them.

Last but certainly not least, that Christmas card can also act as a double sentiment, if you will. … that sentiment being a thank you card. Take the time to write a personal message, thanking the receiver for their business and allows you to wish them well in the new year. That in turn can start a connection for a future venture together, too! So sending a Business Christmas card in my opinion is a total…consider it a small investment to showing your colleagues a token of appreciation, as well as a creative way of keeping your company on their minds, which will leave the door open for more work together in the future!

What is a Die-Cut Holiday Card?

During the Holiday season, it is important to let the people you love and care about know that you are thinking of them. Whether it’s a family member or a good friend, or a reliable client or customer, be sure to show them how much you appreciate them.

This season, try something new when sending out holiday cards. Try choosing a die-cut holiday card! What is a die-cut card you ask? A die-cut card consists of an open cut-out window on the front of the card which allows for a personal message or a company name to be visible when the card is opened and closed. You can even go the extra mile and have your own personal signature printed to show through the window! Your recipients will know who that card is from while admiring the elegant design.

A die-cut holiday card will surely help your business or company stand out among the many other businesses who send out holiday cards to their customers. They catch your recipients’ eye and make the experience inter-active. The die-cut card is a fun yet professional way to change up the typical holidays cards that get sent out.

7 Reasons Why Christmas Isn’t the Same Without Christmas Cards

If you’re like me, then you love sending and receiving thoughtful Christmas cards around the holiday season. Here are seven reasons why it just wouldn’t be the same without them!

1. It gives you an excuse to get in touch with a lost connection.

Sending Christmas cards are a great way to reach out to someone you’ve lost touch with. It is a simple way to show someone that you are still thinking of them, and cards are much more thoughtful than a Facebook message or text. Your recipient will know that you put the time and effort into picking out a card, handwriting a message and stopping by the post office to mail it. Who doesn’t like to be surprised by a personally addressed letter? It doesn’t happen as often as it used to and will definitely make an impression.

2. Picking out holiday cards is part of the holiday fun.

One of the most fun parts about Christmas cards is picking them out! There are so many different options when it comes to the designs and greetings. And unlike Christmas presents, you don’t have the stress of worrying about getting the best deal, because they are so affordable. You also don’t have to worry if your recipient will like it because there are so many beautiful cards out there. So you can just relax and browse to your heart’s content!

3. They make your home look festive.

If you love receiving Christmas cards, I’m sure you also love displaying them on your fireplace, desk and end tables to get your home into the holiday spirit. Even the most beautifully decorated homes don’t feel the same without thoughtful cards from loved ones scattered throughout the living areas. They will also pique your guests’ interest, which brings me to my next point…

4. They’re a conversation starter.

Whenever I display my holiday cards, people always take notice of them. This is usually because Christmas cards tend to be very eye catching due to the glitter, foil or beautiful winter scenes. People love looking at them and asking about them. This could easily start up a conversation especially with new people during a holiday gathering.

5. You can remind people how much they mean to you.

People love hearing that they are admired, cared about, loved and thought of. Sending Christmas cards are a great way to show the people most important to you that they are in your thoughts and that you care. It also gives you a chance to express your feelings through handwriting, which is happening less and less with the advent of cellphones and social media. Your friends and family with be able to have a physical token of your meaningful relationship.

6. People will remind you how much you are appreciated.

Of course you will not only be writing and sending cards, but you will also be receiving them. What would the holiday season be without the people closest to you sending their thoughts and warm wishes?

7. Christmas cards remind us what the holiday season is about.

The holidays are a hectic time of year for most of us. We get so caught up in buying gifts, getting deals, going to holiday parties, and hoping we get what we asked for that it’s easy to forget we already have what’s most important to us. Christmas cards bring us together and remind us that it is our family and friends that make the holidays worth celebrating.

Holiday Cards: Should Your Business Send Them?

I remember when I use to check the mail in the morning as a kid. I’d shuffle through envelopes as if I had important mail coming, but I never had any mail for me. It wasn’t like I was paying the bills. I just liked sorting through mail; don’t ask me why. I’d look through it and anything with my dad’s name went into his pile, mail with my mom’s name went into hers, etc. I was basically the in house mail sorter. I thought I had their mail all figured out until companies began to send them huge calendars and Christmas cards. They were interesting because they usually would send them around the holiday time. They always caught my eye with all the cool Thanksgiving and Christmas designs, and some even had the companies’ names printed on them which stood out even more. One day, my mom was helping me sort through the mail and I remember her saying about one of the holiday calendar cards, “you always need these calendars around and I might need this to get the info about the company who sent it.” So, if you’re a small local company on the rise or an internationally known business with thousands of locations,  does sending Holiday Cards make sense? I would emphatically say yes.

I know some may say no because people will receive them in the mail and simply toss them. But, I have come to believe it is more than worth it to send out holiday cards. This is a chance for new customers to learn about your business or spark their interest in you. Of course, some will be thrown out, but there’s a better chance of people who won’t and will need your services. They will be more likely to contact you instead of the competitor who didn’t pay to have those cards made and sent out, since they have your info at the ready.

So yes, sending out holiday cards are one of those decisions you weigh out the pros and cons on. But personally, I feel they are more than worth the effort because I can potentially make new clients in the process. New customers will have all my contact info I’ll have new business along with new friends to enjoy the holiday season with. It’s a no brainer for me. 

Christmas Cards Throughout History

As with all things, Christmas cards have changed dramatically since their inception. Cards actually originated way back in the Victorian Era. In the 1920’s, Christmas cards really took on steam. At this point in history, the card designs and greetings were all religious cards. They had their own unique charm. In the years that followed, changes started to take place, and by the 1940’s, cards were moving further away from the religious theme. You could find Christmas cards with characters such as Mickey Mouse and Betty Boop.

From the 1960’s until about 2000’s, things really took a turn. Cards were getting cheekier in their humor. This period of time in general is known for the freedom movements and edginess. Naturally, Christmas cards followed suit. While there were still plenty of classic religious cards to be found, the majority of people were looking at cards with pushed towards humor and varying themes. Commercialism rose to an all-time high. Along with this change, the cost of greeting cards began to rise.

Present day greeting cards have evolved to include all extremes and everything in the middle. You can find cards truly inspired by the spirit of Christmas. As you browse the selections, you will also see some middle of the ground – not overtly religious but just offering peace and happiness. Then, there is the totally funny and outrageous. There are cards for everyone out there these days. Throughout time, greeting cards have evolved into a booming industry.

How to Choose Your Christmas Card for a Small Business

You company is in the process of ordering this year’s Christmas cards. But there are so many options! If you are feeling overwhelmed, here is some advice on how to choose your small business’s Christmas cards.

If you already know that you would like to send out Christmas cards for your company—as opposed to “Happy Holidays” or “Season’s Greetings” cards— that is already a huge decision made. But now what? There are still so many options! The next thing to consider is which kind of Christmas card you’d like to send. A religious card? A traditional red and green? Silly? Industry-related? Foil and embossed? A winter scene? Ornaments? A photo-mount of your employees or your store front? Once you narrow that down, the other choices should be easier.

Next, you’ll want to think about which color ink or foil to use for the inside of your company Christmas cards. Examine the design you’ve chosen and pick the most complimentary hue. Also, you might want to consider the text you’ll have featured inside. Will you include your logo? Then maybe company colors will look sharp. Are you adding signatures? Which color will you sign in or are you having your signatures printed inside? All these small decisions come together to form your perfect card. There is no right or wrong—just whatever you like! So have fun and dazzle your recipients with your company’s own style!

Should I Add A Logo To My Christmas Cards?

Adding your company’s logo to your Christmas cards is entirely up to you. This choice hinges on your business, your intended recipients, and your purpose for sending the cards. 

Having a visual representation of your company helps customers associate your logo with your business. This recognition can be especially helpful if your logo does not use your company’s name or any other identifying factors. If this is the case, it could also be helpful to add the company name to be clear. Plus, using your logo makes you look more professional and established. Additionally, if your logo represents many branches, it could help unify your location with the rest. 

There is a reason your company has developed a logo in the first place. Maybe it was to better illustrate the type of business you do, to send a subliminal message while marketing (showing compassion, modernity, etc.), or maybe your logo was created to boast a reboot/refresh (new owner or direction). Whatever it is, the point is your logo was formed with specific intentions in mind, consciously or not. Think about if using your logo in a Christmas card could better support your intentions.