Why cover business letters on a marketing web site? This quote from the Investopedia.com dictionary says it well.

"Many people believe that marketing is just about advertising or sales. However, marketing is everything a company does to acquire customers and maintain a relationship with them. Even the small tasks like writing thank-you letters. . .”

Writing a sales letter or thank you note could be the most common way of marketing a small business. It's low-cost, personal and easy to do.

You're making an impression on your customer or potential customer. The appearance of your correspondence is a reflection on the way you run your business. It doesn’t have to be fancy, but it shouldn’t look like an after thought.

When the recipient is holding your letter or reading your email, will he or she say, “Wow, this business owner put effort into this, because I matter!”

Five Quick Tips:

• Avoid “corporate speak.” The Investopedia definition says “maintain a relationship.” A cold, corporate tone will not form a connection with the reader. A friendly tone will. Write like you talk to a person.
• Avoid typos and misspellings. A friendly tone doesn’t mean basic spelling and grammar isn’t important. To the reader, your attention to detail in letters can reflect your attention to detail and care in everyday business.
• Print should be dark and legible. A faded form letter copied hundreds of times does not say, “This is a personal letter, especially for you the valued customer.”
• Letters, emails, note cards – all should have a similar look. Choose a certain font (typestyle) and use it on everything. If you have a logo, it goes on each piece.
• Make it easy for the recipient to contact you. Always include phone number, email and web site url if you have it. Include a business card if you have that too.

Go Beyond the Basics