Before you dive into colors and fonts, determine who you are speaking to. Are these cards for loyal customers, prospective clients, or your internal team?
For Clients: Focus on gratitude and partnership.
For Employees: Focus on appreciation for their hard work.
Keep your message inclusive. "Happy Holidays" or "Season's Greetings" are safe, professional choices that welcome everyone.
Your card is an extension of your brand. A generic, store-bought card might get lost in the shuffle, but a custom greeting card design stands out.
Here are a few design ideas for business greeting cards to get you started:
The Team Photo
Humanize your brand by featuring a high-quality photo of your staff. It puts faces to names and adds warmth.
Minimalist Branding
Use your company colors in a subtle, festive pattern (think snowflakes in your brand’s specific shade of blue).
Custom Illustration
Hire an illustrator to draw your office building in a winter scene or a creative representation of your product.
Typography Focused
Sometimes less is more. A bold, elegant font wishing the recipient joy can be very powerful.
Once you have a concept, the design process begins. This is often where bottlenecks happen. If you are managing a marketing team or working with an external designer, you will likely go through several versions.
To keep the project moving, avoid confusing email chains with attachments named final_v3_REAL_final.pdf. Instead, utilize online proofing software.
Proofing designs is the most critical step in quality control. Using a dedicated online proofing tool allows stakeholders to:
This ensures that no typo goes unnoticed and that the colors are exactly right before you commit to printing.
If you are sending physical holiday cards, the tactile experience matters. A flimsy card feels cheap, regardless of how good the design is.
Paper Weight
Opt for a heavier cardstock for a premium feel.
Texture
Matte, gloss, or soft-touch finishes can add a unique element.
Envelopes
Don't forget the envelope! A colored or foil-lined envelope increases the open rate.
The final touch to creating truly engaging cards is personalization. If possible, hand-sign the cards or include a brief, handwritten note. This small effort yields a massive return on relationship building.
Timing is everything. Aim to have your cards in the mail by the first week of December. This ensures they arrive before offices close for the holidays and allows your recipients to enjoy your design throughout the season.
Smarter Proofing. Faster Approvals. GoProof.
