As a freelancer, clients are so important.
After all, a roster of loyal clients is what helps you pay your bills! It goes without saying that without great clients, I wouldn't have been able to quit my job and start freelance writing full-time in 2018.
I try to make an effort to show my clients I appreciate them. From thank you cards to “just checking in” postcards, old fashioned correspondence is my jam!
Since the holidays are right around the corner, I thought now would be the perfect time to talk about sending holiday cards to your freelance clients. I'm partnering with Basic Invite to share 5 tips to help you do it right.
If you're ready to spread some holiday cheer and impress your freelance clients this holiday season, keep scrolling!
5 Tips for Sending Holiday Cards to Freelance Clients
To be honest, there aren't any hard and fast “rules” for sending your clients holiday cards. But, there are some things to keep in mind.
1. Skip the Email
Is email easy? Absolutely! However, your clients will appreciate the effort that goes into sending a holiday card. So, skip the email and opt for a handwritten physical card instead.
2. Send a Client Holiday Card Early in the Season
It goes without saying the holiday season is busy. From wrapping up projects to holiday shopping, there's a lot to do both professionally and personally. Not to mention the mail system tends to get backed up. To ensure your holiday card doesn't get lost in the shuffle, send it early in the season before it gets too chaotic. Procrastination more your speed? Skip to the end of the season and send a holiday card wishing them a happy new year.
3. Play It Safe with a Generic Holiday Greeting
Sending a client a holiday card is supposed to be a fun, lighthearted thing. The last thing you want your client to feel is alienated or offended because you're promoting a specific belief. For that reason, it's better to play it safe with a generic holiday greeting. Choose a holiday card message along the lines of “happy holidays” or “warm wishes.”
4. Include a Personalized Holiday Message
Make sure to include a personalized holiday message to the client. What you write is entirely up to you, but make sure that your message matches the relationship you have with a client.
Some general rules to follow include:
- Make it handwritten
- Tailor each card to the client
- Keep it professional
- Thank them for being a valued client
Not sure what to write? Check out some of the examples of holiday card messages below.
“It's been a pleasure working with you on ____________. I hope you have a wonderful holiday season and I'm looking forward to working together in the coming year.”
“I am so grateful to have a wonderful client like you! Happy holidays!”
“Thank you for another great year! It's been a joy to help your business _______________ and I'm looking forward to continuing our partnership in the new year. Happy holidays!”
“With the holiday season upon us, I just wanted to say thank you for partnering with __________ for your __________ needs. It's been a joy working with you and I look forward to working with you in 20__!”
5. Include a Small Gift
Everyone likes surprises, so could kick it up a notch and send a small gift with your holiday card. Last winter, I received a personalized holiday card from a client that included a $25 Starbucks gift card. That small touch was totally unexpected but it really made me feel like they valued our working relationship.
If you want to give your clients a gift but don't necessarily have the funds as a new freelancer, consider offering a small discount on their next project. This is also a really great way to convert a previous client's one-time project into new work.
Where to Find the Perfect Holiday Cards for Freelance Clients
There's nothing like sending a customized holiday card that reflects your business perfectly. A great place to find a holiday card for clients is Basic Invite. Here's what I like about Basic Invite:
They have a Wide Variety
Want custom holiday cards? Done!
Looking for affordable Christmas photo cards? Got 'em!
There are so many different types of holiday cards to choose from!
Basic Invite's Christmas photo cards are awesome if you want to include a branded business photo. Whether you're a solo freelancer or have a small team, this is a great way to give your clients a peek inside your business.
After selecting your holiday card, you can customize it however you want. Change up the text or choose from over 180 colors to easily design the perfect holiday card for your freelance clients. Basic Invite also has over 40 different colors of envelopes so you can match the envelope to the card and/or your brand.
They Offer Custom Samples
Earlier this summer, I ordered thank you cards from Zazzle. Like Basic Invite, I could customize the card and fill in my own address. Easy peasy!
The problem? It wasn't until after I received my order that I realized I mistyped a number. Now I'm stuck with a dozen postcards with the wrong address. Oops!
Don't get me wrong, I'm a big Zazzle fan but one of the great things about Basic Invite is that they provide a sample before you finalize your order. I'm not just talking a digital proof on your computer screen, either. They send you a physical copy of your card so you can catch any errors, as well as see how it prints and the quality of the paper.
Cool, right?
They Have an Address Capturing Service
With Basic Invite, you can share a link on social media or in an email to request addresses from clients, friends, or family. Then Basic Invite compiles them in your customer account where they can then be printed (for free) on the card's envelope.
Basic Invite has More than Just Holiday Cards
If you need print collateral for your business, Basic Invite has got you covered! Think business cards, stationery, and thank you cards. You can even order stickers with your business logo! I have a client that uses one to seal his envelopes when he sends me documents and checks in the mail. It's such a nice touch!
Ready to Send Holiday Cards to Your Freelance Clients?
Now that you know how to use holiday cards to show appreciation for your freelance clients, it's time to get to sending! Head to Basic Invite to gather holiday card ideas for your business. Or, maybe you're hosting an event for your clients. In that case, check out their holiday party invitation template!
If you enjoyed this article, you may also want to check out these guides on how to prepare your business for the new year and new year's resolutions for freelancers.
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