Agency note cards build retention 

Personalized notes to customers and prospects re-enforce the fact that your agency offers personal services.  Today, in this highly-computerized society, they are more important than ever as a way to show you care and to separate you from all the me-too agencies out there. 

We favor custom note cards.  One, they are yours and yours alone.  Distinctive.  Two, you can use them for a variety of messages as opposed to stock Thank You or Congratulations cards which you can purchase. 

Here are a couple of suggestions for your custom card.

Your own greeting card 

We recommend designing and printing a supply of cards with your logo and positioning line on the front or better still, a sketch or photo of your office building.  Design them in a standard 4” x 5” or 5” x 7” format. Consider a color envelope as a way to make your mailing stand out. 

On the back of your greeting card, feature a short write-up about the agency---a snapshot history or general copy about your agency mission or services.  You could personalize your card further by adding a photo of you as principal.  Some agencies individualize cards for producers and CSRs by putting their photos on the back.

Use your card for a variety of messages 

.  Announcements:  An agency move, new employee hire, promotions, a prestigious carrier or industry award, achievement of professional designations such a CIC or CPCU, Trusted Choice® membership, appointment by carrier. 

.  Invitation:  Seminar, open house, special Business After Hours hosting. 

.  Thank You Notes:  New customer, renewals, referrals, customer loyalty and longevity. 

.   Customer Recognition: Congratulations on a personal achievement, new birth, making news in the community, promotion, election to office.  If you have a news clipping, enclose it with your note. 

 .  Birthday Greeting:  Policyholder and children! 

.  Holiday Greetings 

.  Other??? 

 Handwritten or printed? 

Handwritten messages and envelope addressing are appreciated by customers and prospects. They are very personal touches that show you care by taking the time to individualize mailings.  Whenever appropriate and feasible, send handwritten messages. 

If you are sending announcement mailings, you will want to print the inside messages.  Often, though, it is feasible to personally sign the message or hand-write the envelopes (different members of the agency who have good handwriting can "mass produce" the addressing). 

What about postage? 

We have no research to share that shows you will get a better response if you use stamps v metered mail when your mailing asks for a reply.  But there is no question that use of stamps, especially commemorative or colorful new stamps, add a personal touch to mailings.