In today’s fast-paced business environment, customer acquisition strategies are constantly evolving. While many businesses focus on aggressive advertising campaigns and cold outreach, there’s a more personal and authentic approach that often gets overlooked—leveraging your existing customers for referrals.
A satisfied customer is not only a repeat buyer but also a potential ambassador for your brand. One of the most effective, yet often underutilized, ways to turn happy customers into referral generators is by sending personalized, handwritten cards.
With services like Handwrytten, which uses AI-powered technology to create handwritten notes in your unique handwriting, businesses can tap into the emotional impact of these personalized gestures. A greeting card sent to celebrate a birthday, or anniversary, or simply to express gratitude can go a long way in fostering deeper customer relationships and encouraging referrals.
In the world of digital marketing, most businesses focus on emails, ads, and social media engagement. But there’s something about the tangible and personal touch of a handwritten card that goes beyond what any online interaction can provide. It creates a lasting impression that customers remember and appreciate.
So, how exactly does sending a greeting card translate into client referrals? It’s simple—personal touch strengthens relationships, and strong relationships drive referrals.
When you send a customer a card, you’re doing more than acknowledging them; you’re showing that you value their business. This kind of recognition makes customers feel valued, making them more likely to spread the word about your business to their friends, family, and colleagues. By reminding customers of your brand in such a thoughtful and unique way, they’re more likely to recommend you when someone in their circle is looking for services or products like yours.
Example Scenario:
Imagine you run a local bakery, and you’ve been working with Handwrytten to send cards to customers on their birthdays. Along with the card, you offer them a complimentary pastry as a gift. This small gesture not only builds loyalty but also encourages customers to talk about their experiences with others. When a friend of theirs mentions they’re looking for a bakery, guess whose name they’ll recommend?
Celebrating with your customers isn’t just about thanking them for their business; it’s about acknowledging their milestones and letting them know you’re thinking of them. Sending cards for major holidays, anniversaries, or personal achievements can make customers feel special and deepen their connection with your brand.
Here are some occasions you can leverage to send greeting cards and examples of the types of messages you could include:
Christmas/New Year’s:
“Wishing you a joyous holiday season and a happy New Year! We appreciate your continued trust in us and look forward to serving you in the coming year.”
Thanksgiving:
“We’re thankful for your loyalty and support. Wishing you a wonderful Thanksgiving filled with warmth and gratitude.”
Customer Anniversary:
“It’s been one year since you first became a part of our community, and we couldn’t be more grateful! Here’s to many more years together.”
Company Anniversary:
“As we celebrate our 5th anniversary, we want to thank you for being a part of our journey. Your support has been essential to our growth.”
Customer Birthday:
“Happy Birthday from all of us at [Your Company]! Enjoy this special day, and we look forward to making it even sweeter with a special treat just for you.”
New Home:
“Congratulations on your new home! May it be filled with joy, laughter, and wonderful memories.”
Sympathy:
“Our hearts go out to you during this difficult time. Please know that we are thinking of you.”
Encouragement:
“We know you’ve been through a tough time recently, but we believe in your strength. Wishing you peace and resilience moving forward.”
By sending cards for such personal moments, you’re not only strengthening relationships but also reminding your customers why they love your business. These moments of celebration and connection make customers more likely to refer you when someone asks for a recommendation.
Sometimes, the best way to make an impression is by doing the unexpected. While major holidays and birthdays are a great time to send cards, sending them during less traditional moments can make your brand stand out even more. Here are some ideas to help you leverage customer referrals through greeting cards:
Mother’s Day:
“To all the wonderful moms who are a part of our community, we celebrate you today and every day. Happy Mother’s Day!”
Father’s Day:
“To the fathers who work hard and love harder, we appreciate everything you do. Happy Father’s Day!”
Veterans Day:
“Thank you for your service and sacrifice. We are deeply grateful to the veterans who have given so much for our freedom.”
Teacher Appreciation Day:
“To the teachers who inspire the next generation, we are honored to support you in any way we can. Thank you for all that you do.”
Sometimes, sending a card just because can be even more powerful. Whether it’s a note of encouragement or a thank you for continued support, unexpected cards are a great way to surprise and delight your customers, encouraging them to share their positive experiences with others.
Now that you’ve built a relationship with your customers through thoughtful gestures, how do you ask for a referral? Asking for a referral doesn’t have to be awkward or feel like a sales pitch. Here’s how to use Handwrytten cards to make your ask feel genuine and natural:
Example Referral Request:
“We value your support and would love to share our services with more people like you. If you know someone who would benefit from what we offer, feel free to pass along this referral card. As a thank you, we’ll send you a special gift with your next order!”
By making your ask feel personal and thoughtful, rather than transactional, you’ll increase the likelihood that your customers will follow through and refer someone to your business.
Sending handwritten cards helps build a more personal connection with your clients. When customers feel appreciated and valued, they are more likely to recommend your services to others. The emotional impact of receiving a thoughtful, physical card makes a stronger impression than a generic email or message.
Handwritten cards stand out because they feel more personal and tangible. In a world filled with digital noise, receiving a physical card can create a memorable moment for the recipient, making them feel appreciated and connected to your brand.
It depends on your relationship with your customers, but key moments such as birthdays, anniversaries, and major holidays are great times to send cards. Additionally, sending an unexpected card during off-peak times can surprise and delight your customers, making them more likely to refer your business.
Yes! Handwritten cards are a perfect medium to ask for referrals in a non-intrusive way. By personalizing your message and adding a referral card, you make the ask feel natural and genuine, increasing the likelihood that customers will follow through. However, you’ll want to make sure you do so in a gentle, natural way and not seem too pushy or forceful. Customer referrals should occur in a way that is authentic.
Occasions like customer birthdays, anniversaries, major holidays, and unexpected moments (e.g., Teacher Appreciation Day or Veterans Day) are perfect opportunities to connect with your customers and encourage referrals.
With Handwrytten, you can create cards in your unique handwriting, making your message feel even more personal. You can customize the message, choose from various card designs, and Handwrytten will send the card directly to your customers.
By leveraging the power of personalized, handwritten cards, businesses can foster deeper relationships with their customers, turning them into enthusiastic advocates who will refer others to your business. Handwrytten makes it easy to send these thoughtful, impactful gestures at just the right time, helping you harness the power of your existing customers to fuel growth.
In the meantime, discover the many industries that have benefitted from using Handwrytten’s unique offerings. From automotive dealerships to insurance agents, there’s a place for handwritten notes in every business practice. Contact our team to get started building new connections today!
Scale your handwritten outreach, creating positive impressions and long lasting bond.
Sign Up Today!
Over 100 designs to choose from or design your own. Our online card customizer makes it simple.
Check Out Our Cards!
Thank you.
