When working on your marketing campaign to connect with more customers and bring more sales to your door, there is one perfect sales flyer you can send. It doesn’t require a large PR firm to create a catchy headline. It doesn’t require a gimmick that looks like an item from the government or a huge increase in your marketing budget. In fact, you can even put your company logo on the outside and it is still guaranteed to be opened, read and acted upon.

The very best item you can send to your customers is a handwritten note card. It’s not the trendy new thing, in fact, it’s a little old-fashioned. And, it’s exactly what your customer is looking for from you.

You are asking your customers to change their habits or their pattern to come and do business with you. Make it personal and you’ll show them that their business really matters to you.

Here is how to write the perfect note card that gets opened, read and acted upon.

Use a blank note card with your logo imprinted on the outside. This is a great opportunity to create trust with your brand. A picture is memorable and you want your customers to remember your brand.

Hand write the note. If your handwriting is illegible, hire this out. It’s okay if you don’t like your own handwriting. Most people are their own worst critic, but your handwritten note conveys your personality. You can hand write a note on your business stationery and leave the typed notes for a more formal conversation. People do business with people – and your customers will overlook your handwriting in favor of the message you are sharing.

Send notes right away and often. Each day, make it a point to send a card to everyone you interact with. Even if a customer calls for a price quote and they purchase somewhere else, a handwritten card thanking them for the opportunity is ‘going the extra mile’ in customer service.

Open with enthusiasm. The recipient wants to hear that you enjoyed the gift, the meeting or the event. ‘Dear Sue, I really enjoyed our conversation / the comment you shared with me / spending time with you / the referral you shared.”

Compliment the recipient. Compliments are few and far between. You handwritten appreciation will most likely be stored away and treasured. Describe how they have made an impact on your day or a decision. Emphasize the person, not the milestone.

Don’t stress about making every note unique. It’s okay to use a template when writing out many notes at once. Personalize at least one sentence in the note and you’ll find that you may end up being thanked for your handwritten note.

Don’t ask for a sale and don’t sell anything. Don’t add “by the way, I appreciate your referrals” or “I’d really like to earn your business”. This is obvious to your customer and saying so only changes the intention of the card. Customers already know how to refer you and talk about you. By sending the card and leaving out the sales pitch, your customer will display the card and show it off. It is acceptable to include your business card in the note.

Handwrite the address and put a real stamp on it. This conveys that you took the time to be thoughtful and guarantees that your note will be opened and read. Add your return address, including your logo and company name. You can even order stamps with your company logo on it. The more impressions you can create, the more trust you are building.

Keep stationery and stamps handy. Spending a few minutes during the day writing cards is easy to fit in – if you are prepared for it. If you need to start a new habit, schedule it into your day.

Follow up with a phone call to set an appointment or to take them through the next step in your sales process. If this is a potential customer, don’t wait for them to respond.

Most handwritten cards are displayed and shared with others. Still, other cards are tucked away and saved forever. An email might be good enough, but email doesn’t convey a connection. When you really want to connect with your customers, send the perfect handwritten card.