Let’s face it, a witty industry-based take on Christmas is something that is likely to bring a smile to your face, get shown around and then forwarded on. It could be a cleverly themed joke, a thought provoking video, or a funny animation or game, it doesn’t matter as long as it’s designed well and aimed at you in the right way; because you’re engaged. And that’s not the only reason Christmas interactive games and cards are a great idea for the B2B marketer…
They can be put together quickly…
Christmas e-games and e-cards are definitely a cost-effective option. However, ‘time is money’ also applies in this case; it’s not just about saving on stamps. We’ve reached November, things are hotting-up festive-wise, but there are still businesses out there that haven’t made their Christmas marketing plans yet. The good news, though, is that digital marketing is agile. If you’ve decided at the last minute that actually a Christmas communication to your business customer is a good idea… all is not lost. If you haven’t got the skills in-house to come up with a great design, it’s still easy to outsource and get right. Pick your message carefully. Engage meaningfully with each recipient. And enjoy the enhancement to your business relationship.
They are perfect for personalisation…
If you pursue an account based marketing strategy, or enjoy the benefits of a connection that’s forged on contact engagement rather than just price, a personalised e-card is ideal. We’d say pick particular messages for specific recipients, choose appropriate images and festive greetings to go with each message, and then go one step further by adding an appropriate special offer or useful e-gift. Make them want to open it. Make them smile. And make them look forward to dealing with you.
They make targeting easy…
Following on from the above point, even if you don’t have an ABM approach or actually know your contacts well enough to personalise a card properly, you’re likely to know what kind of contact they are. This will enable you to target their demographic effectively and still connect on a personal level with them.
They indicate a forward mode of thinking…
Well-designed seasonal greetings will enhance your business reputation. For all the reasons cited above, your credibility builds when the execution is bang on. Included within this, though, is also the message that you embrace forward thinking and are not stuck in a Luddite rut.
They highlight an environmentally friendly approach…
This almost goes without saying. However, if you’re worried about appearing to be cost-cutting, you can make a point of saying you’ve made a donation to a chosen charity instead. Don’t forget, it can be an industry related charity, which then also helps build your brand, raise awareness, and enhance your credibility in the eyes of your contacts. Plus… you save them the hassle of having to recycle a paper version.
A few ideas to give your Christmas e-game, e-card or email something extra…
- Give something away. This sounds corny, probably because the world of B2C marketing is full of it… but that’s because it works. Do it well, do it with genuine thought and consideration, and do it in a personable way and they’ll be chatting about you on LinkedIn before you know it.
- Think adventurous for Advent. Advent gives you the opportunity to raise your voice every day from the 1st Obviously, this can work against you if you over do it. So don’t. But there’s no reason why you can’t publish a new piece of information every day on your website, or social media etc, and relate it to your Christmas e-card. Useful top tips. Funny facts about your industry. Links to freebies. Mix it up and have some daily fun.
- Think ahead too. Don’t forget New Year follows Christmas. Your Christmas e-card is a superb way of tempting clients to return to you once the festivities are over. Highlight a special offer that will be coming up. Tell them about an event. Make hint of a whitepaper that will turn their world upside down.
If you are in a panic now and need some help pulling together a Christmas campaign, fear not… we can help! Just give us a ring. We promise we won’t chuckle, “Ho ho ho,” at you once.
