Increase open rate with Christmas theme?

Hey, guys.

I plan on doing another mailing in a couple of weeks. I have been brainstorming on how to increase the open rate of my sales letters.

Here are some of my ideas:

1. Order colored envelopes to make letter more eye-catching and attractive.
2. Use Metallic return address labels.
3. Handwritten prospect name and address.
4. Stamp "Confidential" on envelope.

Another idea I had: since i'll be sending the letterd in November, I was thinking I could use green envelopes and a metallic Christmas tree return label on it. I was also considering buying rubber Christmas stamps of Christmas trees and mistletoe. There was even a rubber stamp that said "from Santa" in a beautiful cursive font. I was thinking of even taking it further to have a cartoon Santa or reindeer character on the sales letter as it were them writing the prospect about this special business opportunity as a gift.

Maybe I'll do something like this even if I don't use a Christmas theme. I thought it was a great idea, but my gf says, "How do you know they like Christmas? Won't they be angry if they open it and there is no gift?"

Well I thought maybe if I put candy inside the letter, they would feel like they got something haha. Kinda like the dice idea, but the prospect is being given a candy cane or some jolly ranchers.

What are your thoughts on these ideas?

I would be careful with the whole xmas theme, not everybody celebrates xmas depending on relegion and beliefs.

Instead of "Christmas", just promo "Happy New Year' instead, so you wont offend anyone. That worked out quite well for me last year for my other campaigns.

As mentioned above...avoid specific Holidays. A simple "Happy Holidays" works fine - and don't use a "confidential" stamp on something that you are making look like a Holiday card - that is a sure way to get it tossed in the trash without an open. A stamp like that is best used with a plain white envelope - as they have no idea what is inside and it sometimes peaks the curiosity.

Put yourself in the shoes of the business owner every time and ask yourself, "Would I open this?" - would you really open what appeared to be a holiday card with a big confidential stamp? Me I would toss it.

be your biggest critic and make sure you, yourself as a business owner would open the piece of mail before you drop it.

Dakarois said:

I would be careful with the whole xmas theme, not everybody celebrates xmas depending on relegion and beliefs.

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This is exactly what I was thinking. It would not bother me, but I know that many are not celebrating this holiday and you might end up wasting more of your money and time by doing this. You have to be very cautious of holidays in this time of age.

Also...you should send a Holiday card to every client you have ever done work for. Great way to pick up extra work - here is a good article, and even though it is 4 years old is still has some good tips:

http://www.1stwebdesigner.com/design/client-tactics-maintaining-existing-clients/

"Happy Holidays from your friends at XXXXXXX" - is all it needs to say - great way to stay in their heads.

netmoney1 said:

Also...you should send a Holiday card to every client you have ever done work for. Great way to pick up extra work - here is a good article, and even though it is 4 years old is still has some good tips:



"Happy Holidays from your friends at XXXXXXX" - is all it needs to say - great way to stay in their heads.

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This is a rather good idea. It is a great way to reconnect with anyone that you have done work for in the past. I can see how it will leave a lasting impression on those that you send it to.

JamieB said:

This is a rather good idea. It is a great way to reconnect with anyone that you have done work for in the past. I can see how it will leave a lasting impression on those that you send it to.

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Works great for all holidays, clients birthdays (with a gift card) and for anything related to their own industry.

Also...another little trick to keep your "in"...send flowers to the secretary/receptionist on national administrators appreciation day - in the US it is always at the end of April. Believe it or not they can sometimes be a better connect to a larger company.

netmoney1 said:

As mentioned above...avoid specific Holidays. A simple "Happy Holidays" works fine - and don't use a "confidential" stamp on something that you are making look like a Holiday card - that is a sure way to get it tossed in the trash without an open. A stamp like that is best used with a plain white envelope - as they have no idea what is inside and it sometimes peaks the curiosity.

Put yourself in the shoes of the business owner every time and ask yourself, "Would I open this?" - would you really open what appeared to be a holiday card with a big confidential stamp? Me I would toss it.

be your biggest critic and make sure you, yourself as a business owner would open the piece of mail before you drop it.

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I wasn't going to do both stamps, obviously. I'm not dumb. This is an American you're speaking to

Ysrayl said:

I wasn't going to do both stamps, obviously. I'm not dumb. This is an American you're speaking to

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You said you were going to stamp "confidential" on the envelope in the original post. Who said you were dumb...simply gave a suggestion based on what you said...that is all.

Oh, and being an American doesn't mean anything. Trust me, I have met both dumb people and intelligent people from all parts of the world.

Good luck.