Season's Greetings 101: The Why and How of Sending Firm Holiday Cards

You know what season it is -- soon you will actually be getting real snail mail from friends, family and business associates wishing you well this holiday season. If you're on the fence about sending a law firm holiday card, then read on to find out why should send out cards, and what you should consider when sending them out.

Why Send out Firm Holiday Cards

Sending out a greeting card to your clients is a great marketing tool -- that is not obvious marketing. It's a gentle reminder to your clients that you exist, and that you are oh, so polite. Spread the good cheer, and send out a firm holiday card to your clients and associates. Just follow these tips ...

Tips for Sending out Firm Holiday Cards

1. Keep it Secular

It's always best to keep holiday greetings non-denominational. Try "season's greetings," "happy holidays," and "happy new year." Focus on the general season, and not on particular holidays.

2. No Typos!

We lawyers are generally sticklers for finding typos; make sure that you don't have any in your holiday cards -- especially in the names and addresses of your clients.

3. Keep it Clean

We all know and love the infamous leg lamp from "A Christmas Story," but images like that -- though hilarious -- are probably not appropriate for a work holiday card. Remember, you are still representing a business, so keep it professional.

4. Remember Branding

Anything that comes from your firm should keep the firm's brand image in mind. Whether you tie in a particular color, design aesthetic, or theme, make sure that whatever you present to the public -- even holiday cards -- makes sense for your brand.

5. Be Timely

That last thing you want to do is send your cards out too late; lateness is not really a harbinger of professionalism. You want your clients to think you are on the ball; so be on the ball and send your cards out on time. "Better late than never" does not apply here. If you're too late, wait until next year.

There are many online resources for creating custom holiday cards, from Costco to TinyPrints. Just take some time to create a professional card, and mail away. Your clients and associates will appreciate the gesture.

Share your tips for sending out professional holiday cards on LinkedIn.

Related Resources:

• How Can Lawyers Avoid the Holiday Weight Gain? (FindLaw's Strategist Blog)
• 4 Things to Remember for the Upcoming Holiday Season at Your Firm (FindLaw's Strategist Blog)
• Hard-Drinking Lawyers: Avoid a Holiday DUI (FindLaw's Strategist Blog)