After last year's hand-stamped-Pony-Express-community-produced-and-globally-distributed holiday card, I decided to go a different route this year: free and digital. I worried that would mean sacrificing quality, design options, or list size, but then I discovered Paperless Post.
In my opinion, they are the best because:
1.) they have the best designs
2.) the letterpress, real-paper vibe looks terrific
3.) no fancy fonts that you have to pay extra for (I hate when the font you want is an upgrade)
4.) the animated quality gives the card "life"
And most of all:
5.) free really does mean free
I chose this option, uploaded my own photo, and changed the text.
Here's the back of the card:
Full disclosure, there were a few issues I ran into. For example, I couldn't figure out how to export my newsletter email list into the Paperless Post contacts. The columns were flipped. So I decided to export my Apple Address Book. Paperless Post asks that you import it as a CSV. Apple exports as a vCard. Don't worry, go ahead and do it anyway. It will work.
**Note** any contacts that don't have emails will not appear. I had to enter over half of my contacts' emails manually. This had more to do with my contact list than Paperless Post, and it forced me to do some long overdue administrative housekeeping. It took time.
The other option I'd like to see is a link to my card so I could show you how the automation looks here on my blog or embed it in my newsletter.
And an affiliate program would be cool.
But, the thing that endeared me to Paperless Post and negates these quibbles, is that although there is a 500 person limit to the free cards, the help section gives your a work-around to send out a larger list for free by simply copying the card. How nice is that?
I know most of you are artists or dog owners or both, so I think Paperless Post is a great option for sharing your artwork or a photograph of the love of your life.
Visit Paperless Post to create your own card. Let me know what you think.
Look for my card on December 18. If you were on my list last year, you're still there. If you would like to be included or removed email me.
I am trying to send some cheer while respecting your inbox. Like everything during the holidays, it's a delicate balance.
Cheers.