Happy Holidays! Merry Christmas! Seasons Greetings!
Finding the best way to spread cheer during the holidays can be a tough nut to crack. If this year has been a challenging one for business, perhaps budgets are tight and you’re looking for ways to save costs, without compromising holiday cheer?
Holiday postcards are low cost, quick to put in motion, and best of all, customers love them because they feel so personal.
Avoid These Common Holiday Postcard Mistakes
Holiday postcards are simple, versatile, and packed with potential for creativity. Plus, they can be sent in envelopes to add a touch of surprise. To make sure your holiday mailing hits the mark, here are a few common mistakes to avoid:
Mailing Too Late
The holidays are a hectic time for businesses, so it’s no surprise that holiday postcards often get pushed to the bottom of the to-do list. While it’s better to send late than not at all, earlier is definitely better!
The week leading up to Christmas is the busiest time for the postal service, with mail volumes skyrocketing as people scramble to send last-minute cards and packages. If your postcards can land in mailboxes during the first two weeks of December, they’ll have less competition and a better chance of grabbing attention.
The ideal window is the first week of December. Customers are eagerly checking their mail, and your message won’t get lost in the holiday rush. At Zairmail, we can help you design your postcard, print it, and have it mailed within 48 hours, ensuring your holiday greetings arrive on time.
Not Going Jumbo
Why settle for standard when you can double your impact for just a few cents more? The USPS pricing changes that took effect in 2024 make upgrading to jumbo-sized postcards an easy choice. The cost difference is minimal, but the impression is twice as big!
Here’s a quick comparison:
- Standard postcard size: 4 x 6 or 4.25 x 5.5 inches
- Jumbo postcard size: 6 x 9 or 5.5 x 8.5 inches
For just a nickel more, you can boost your holiday campaign and make sure your postcard stands out in the mailbox.
Neglecting Design
It’s tempting to go with a cookie-cutter holiday design, but your postcard should be as unique as your business. Whether mailed as-is or placed in an envelope, the goal is to grab attention—and maybe even earn a spot on the fridge!
Think beyond the usual holiday greetings. Why not include:
- A photo of your team in holiday gear
- A handy turkey (or vegan roast) cooking guide
- A festive recipe to share some holiday cheer
These thoughtful touches will make your postcard more memorable and meaningful.
Turning It into a Sales Pitch
Holiday postcards are about spreading goodwill—not selling. This isn’t the time to include a promotional offer or push your business. Instead, use this opportunity to strengthen relationships and let customers know you care.
If you want to send promotional mailings, aim for October or early November. By December, it’s all about appreciation and connection, not sales.
Forgetting Contact Information
Even though the goal of your holiday postcard isn’t to drive sales, don’t forget to include all your contact details. Your company name, website, phone number, and physical address should all be easy to find.
Surprisingly, many businesses overlook this in the holiday rush, but it’s crucial to make it easy for customers to get in touch after the holidays.
Finish the Year Strong
Sometimes, avoiding a few common pitfalls is all it takes to make your holiday mailing a success. If you need more tips or want to explore how postcards can supercharge your direct mail campaigns, we’re here to help.
December is also a great time to start planning your direct mail strategy for the New Year. Need inspiration? Request a free sample mailing kit from us at Zairmail, and let’s make your next campaign the best one yet.
Here’s to a successful and cheerful holiday season!
