The holidays are rapidly approaching, and with them, the annual frenzied rush to find, sign, address, and mail holiday cards. There are countless sources for pre-printed “Seasons Greetings” or “Happy Holiday” cards, even ones that will print your company’s logo on the inside. While this may seem like the quickest, most cost-effective way for companies to send out the obligatory holiday card, they are missing a great opportunity to reinforce their brand image. The holidays are the one time during the year in which people are actually receptive to the idea of not only receiving more snailmail or email, they are more likely to open it as well. It is the perfect time to thank your clients and customers for their business. But what type of holiday greeting should you send? In addition to the pre-printed variety, custom designed cards, email greetings, and even animations are available to help build your brand. Depending on the number of cards your company intends to distribute this year, it can actually cost less to create your own branded holiday card instead of buying pre-printed ones. Besides having a look and feel that is consistent with your other collateral, messages can be tailored to your unique needs and are less generic. Printers that have in-house mailing capabilities can print addresses from your mailing list, saving you countless hours addressing envelopes or printing and adhering individual labels. If you want to save money on printing and postage, sending out a Holiday Email blast is a cost effective and “green” option. These graphic html emails are custom designed to be consistent with your brand and sent out through email marketing programs like MailerMailer, MailChimp, or Constant Contact. Holiday animations can also be an effective way to build your brand’s image this holiday season. It’s been our experience that people want to be entertained, and with one of these “eCards” that link to a short 20-30 second animation, you will be able stand out from the rest of the holiday greetings. Often, the cost to design and code these holiday “eCards” or animations can be less than the cost of ordering and mailing pre-printed or custom cards. Regardless of which method you choose for connecting with your customers this holiday season, the important thing is that you use this opportunity to enhance the perception of your brand. By: Ryan Hembree, Principal