The Road to Seasonality - Part IX: Holiday Cards

Click to see more of Bleu and Alison Cotton's work

by Skip Cohen

I've written about this dozens of times over the years, but holiday cards are one of the best ways to promote your business and your skillset. Plus, the timing couldn't be better for you to be putting your card together right now.

Let's start with the obvious - it's holiday time and your chance to remind your target audience what you do for a living. And since a picture's worth a thousand words, a holiday card with one of your photographs speaks volumes!
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• Design a card using one of your images.
• Pre-print a holiday message on the inside, but for particular clients and influencers in the community, you should always include a hand-written message.
• On the back of the card, just like Hallmark, include your name and contact information along with your logo, if you have one.

Next, let's talk about holiday cards you can offer your clients! It's another revenue stream this time of year, giving you the chance to take full advantage of December seasonality. But it has to start with you planting the seed for the idea. Remember, here's a twist to what you can add on to family portrait sessions. It's also a perfect topic for blog content! So start reminding your readers NOW!

And yes, this is a mini-infomercial, but with so much impact on your profitability - Marathon launched a BOGO on holiday cards three days ago! They're essentially cutting your costs by 50%. Just click the banner below for more information.

​Now, let's talk about your personal card and what you choose for an image: You've got two choices, one of your most beautiful images or a photo of you and your family. Both have a significant impact because, again, you're reminding people what you do for a living.

When it comes to the best of the best - Alison and Bleu Cotton have turned their holiday card into a seasonal project, and I've saved every card for years. It's become part of the holiday season. 

Here's the bottom line - NO PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHER SHOULD EVER USE A STORE-BOUGHT HOLIDAY CARD! Take the time to show your skillset and remind your target audience that you walk the talk.

Second - take this same creativity and tie it into your relationships with your clients. Help them create a holiday card that captures their spirit through the holidays. And remember, as Beverly and Tim Walden always remind us, it's not just about a great finished product, but the experience of working with you!