5 creative ways to nurture client relationships with end-of-year brand stationery
As the days grow shorter and colder, they seem to grow busier too. So, when we’re short on time, how can we make sure we remember to show appreciation to the clients and customers who support us?
“Whether you run a service-based or product-based brand, bespoke stationery is always a good idea. It offers a personal and memorable touch to any connection with your clients and customers.”
Nurturing your client relationships
Whether you run a service-based or product-based brand, bespoke stationery is always a good idea. It offers a personal and memorable touch to any connection with your clients and customers - and that’s more important than ever for most businesses at this time of year.
Just last week, I scheduled some time to reprint my own notecards and thank you notes, so I'm fully stocked ahead of what’s usually my busiest time for online orders. And I need to print my client Christmas cards too.
If you’re a bit stuck for ideas, or aren’t sure where to start, in this post I’ll be sharing five creative ways to incorporate end-of-year brand stationery into your client journey—perfect as we approach the festive season.
1 Send season’s greetings
Sitting down in mid-December to write out client Christmas cards—usually with a big mug of cocoa—has become a cosy winter tradition for me. Each client I’ve worked with during the year receives a handwritten message of thanks. It's a small gesture but feels meaningful because of the personal connection I build with my clients.
You might already send thank you notes at the end of projects, but bespoke branded end-of-year greetings are a thoughtful way to show appreciation to those you’ve worked with throughout the year:
Holiday cards (Christmas, New Year, etc.) are a perfect way to wrap up a busy year and send well-wishes before a break.
Thank you cards, typically sent at the end of a project, are ideal for sharing year-end appreciation.
Notecards are a great addition to client gifts, adding a personal touch.
Mini prints or postcards that your clients can display at home or work offer a lovely reminder of your brand.
Whether you’re a photographer, florist, fine jeweller, or brand designer, sending a bespoke card is a simple way to show clients just how much their support means. And after all, who doesn’t love a bit of snail mail?
2 Add a personal touch to online orders
If you run a product-based business, adding a personal thank-you note to an online order can turn a simple transaction into something special. In a digital, automated world, a handwritten note sets you apart, showing customers there’s a real person behind the brand. And it reflects the same care and attention that goes into making your products.
Worried it might not be worth the effort? Don’t be. I include a small letterpress thank-you note with every order, adding a short handwritten message, and it’s one of the most frequently mentioned details in customer feedback—right after the quality of the stationery. People really do notice the little things.
3 Share your contact details with business cards
If you’re selling your wares at festive markets or pop-up events, business cards of any kind are essential. They’re a fantastic way to spark conversations with potential customers and make it easier for them to remember you—and shop with you—after the event.
Whether your business cards are handwritten, photocopied, rubber stamped, or letterpress printed, remember to include:
Your brand name
Website
Contact details
Social media handles
Optional – include a discount code to encourage follow-ups
When I regularly sold at craft markets, I printed my details on odd-shaped cards, often using paper off-cuts from other projects. Their unique shape and size helped them stand out amongst the other standard business cards shoppers had picked up elsewhere!
“Unlike digital invites that often get lost in a crowded inbox, a beautifully printed invitation is something recipients will want to hold onto.”
4 Build excitement with bespoke invites for holiday events
Planning a festive gathering for your clients or team? Creating printed invitations can truly set the tone for a memorable event. Unlike digital invites that often get lost in a crowded inbox, a beautifully printed invitation is something recipients will want to hold onto.
Whether you’re hosting a casual drinks reception in your studio or a lavish dinner in a high-end restaurant, printed invites are a reminder that this is an event not to be missed. And with a wide array of print options—from elegant letterpress to shimmering hot foil—your invites can hint at the experience that awaits.
5. Make gifting easy with vouchers
Anything that makes life (and Christmas shopping) easier for your customers is a huge selling point, and gift vouchers can make shopping a breeze. Whether it’s for jewellery, homewares, stationery, or something a little more bespoke, gift vouchers give customers a thoughtful way to share your work while letting the recipient make the ultimate choice—perfect for those tricky-to-buy-for individuals.
With on-brand design, beautiful paper choices, and luxurious printing and packaging, a voucher can be a treat to unwrap. And don’t forget to consider what happens to the voucher once it’s been used. I always print with easily recyclable papers, and I’ve even offered wildflower seed paper vouchers for past clients. These seed paper vouchers can be planted after use, making them a gift that keeps on giving!
“By incorporating these creative ideas into your year-end routine, you can leave lasting impressions that extend beyond the holiday season.”
To wrap up…
As the festive season approaches, it’s a great time to consider bespoke stationery for your brand. From heartfelt greetings to luxurious invitations, there are countless ways to connect meaningfully with your clients and customers. And by incorporating these creative ideas into your year-end routine, you can leave lasting impressions that extend beyond the holiday season.
If you’re looking to make your brand stand out, I’d love to help you design and print the perfect brand stationery. Ready to get started? Let’s chat about your ideas.
