Free E-Cards – What NOT To Do!
We’ve already discussed the ways that free e-cards can help you grow your business, but there are some common pitfalls to avoid. Be sure you don’t fall into these traps.
1. Sending too many or too often. A little appreciation is a good thing, an e-mail a day is just plain annoying. Use your free e-cards sparingly (or any e-cards). If you send too many, your customer will simply hit “delete” before even opening.
2. Sending E-Cards with Advertisements in them. The purpose of sending an e-cards is to show appreciation for your customer, not to try to “sell” them. Sending a free e-cards that has advertisements (whether you get any benefit or not) is just plain tacky and will not have the desired effect. Your customer will simply feel like you are trying to “sneak” another sale.
3. Sending Business Inappropriate Cards. Yes the dancing can-can girls are funny, and the flatulant farm animals make you laugh so hard your sides hurt, but this is a business contact, and should be treated with respect. Save the off color, adult content, bodily function cards for personal use. If you offend a customer, you may never see them again. Use cards with a professional feel and you won’t go wrong.
4. Sending Awareness and Activism Cards – Many sites offer awareness and activism cards in addition to every holiday you can think of. Be careful of sending cards for causes YOU believe in, but maybe not necessarily relate to your business. If you sell vegetarian recipes and pre-prepared meals, sending a Vegetarianism card is fine. If however, one of your main customers if the president of the local cattleman’s association, sending a Vegetarianism card may cause you to lose your best customer.
5. Holiday Card issues. The same principle on activism cards goes for holiday cards. However, you can send holiday cards as you feel inclined, however, just be aware of how they may be received. I am a Christian and I send out Christmas cards, however, I usually include a note that says something to the effect of “since this holiday is so important to me and who I am, I just wanted to let you know that you are thought of and appreciated at this time of year.” This way you can celebrate who you are without assuming that everyone shares your beliefs or offending anyone.
If you follow these guidelines, you will be much more likely to reap the positive benefits of sending free e-cards. Happy card sending!