Powerful Marketing Using Handwritten Notes & Cards

Handwritten notes and cards are amazing marketing tools for your holistic business. They may be seen as old school, but they’re still used by luxury products and services to nurture relationships with their customers. Big companies use software to create the effect of handwritten, but there’s something very special about taking the time to write to a client personally.

A handwritten note on a pretty card is a cost-effective way to communicate with clients, is flexible, and it will help you nurture your relationships. It’s something I occasionally do for my clients, and I always get lovely feedback from them.

Why a handwritten note?

Sending a personal note is an excellent way of marketing to your existing clients without being salesy or pushy.

A simple handwritten note or card is unexpected in today’s online world – it helps to make you memorable. Everything is fast, and automated, and lacks the personal touch that you get from receiving an actual envelope through the post. And if it’s a handwritten envelope, it’s far more likely to get opened than direct mail sent from companies – most of the direct mail I receive ends up in the recycling!

According to Scribeless.com which specialises in making business communications feel personal for big businesses - the average response rate for general direct mail is 5.3%, whereas handwritten mail is 25% - those figures speak for themselves!

There is also something special about having something tangible that you can actually hold, feel and look at. I still prefer books over eBooks, there’s no competition!

A note or card will help you to surprise your client and will mean more than a quick email or text ever will. It’s because you have taken the time and effort to write to them - it shows you care. How would you feel if you received a personal note from someone you respect?

Card Design

You can send a card for many reasons: thank you, how are you, saw this and thought of you, birthday, the anniversary of their last appointment with you, etc. Basically, anything relevant and appropriate to your relationship with your client. Remember this is a personal message and not a sales pitch but do include your full name so they know who it’s from.

Your card can be tailored to suit your brand and your discipline. The choices are endless and only limited by your imagination, time, and budget. A few ideas include:

• If you’re arty – make your own using pressed flowers or other materials, you have available
• Print out a relevant photo and stick it onto a blank card
• Print your own cards using one of your drawings or photos, your favourite quote or anything you feel represents you and would resonate with your client. These can be done at a very reasonable cost with online printers if you don’t have the equipment at home
• Buy individual cards for each client so they’re as personal as the message
• Get your own branded cards designed by a graphic designer

Sending a card will be a fraction of the cost of offering discounts or giving vouchers. The value comes from the time and thought put into them - that’s what makes all the difference.

As a footnote, for the purpose of confidentiality, never thank a client for recommending a named person as you will be breaking GDPR.

Handwritten cards and notes are a traditional form of marketing and are still one of the most powerful. They are ideal if you don’t like social media and are looking for other ways to maintain relationships with your clients.

If you want help creating a marketing approach that doesn't involve social media, book a call and find out how I can help you.