For many businesses, the holidays are one of the most hectic times of the year. It might seem like there’s no room for anything beyond the basics on the to-do list, but it’s important to consider carefully what a few small actions can do. Your business is only as strong as your relationships with your customers, so making the effort to show your appreciation should be a regular part of your holiday season routine.

In today’s digital world, the temptation to send an email holiday greeting is strong. However, the impression it leaves will be fleeting. Think about how quickly you skim through your inbox if you need an idea of just how much attention it will get. When it comes to the holidays, tradition is still king, and sending a classic holiday card is one of the most time-honored ways to greet customers across the country and right in your home town.

In addition to injecting a bit of fun into the office environment, sending out greetings can help your business in a number of ways:

* An inexpensive promotion. In a challenging economy, setting your business apart from the competition is important. However, in many cases, marketing budgets are the first to be trimmed, leaving you with fewer opportunities for promotion. Holiday cards are a great way to say hello while also helping to keep your business front-of-mind among your clients.

* Brand building. Not every business makes the effort to send out holiday greetings, so if you do, you’ll be sending a message about who you are as a company. Opt for designs and messages that express what your business represents – it’s a great way to convey the message about your core values.

* Personal connections. The saying, “it’s not personal, it’s just business” doesn’t always apply, particularly when it comes to your customers. In fact, establishing a personal relationship, and getting to know each other can be critical to a successful business relationship. Sending a holiday card, and even a gift as well, tells your customers that they are valued.

Shopping for holiday cards is easier than ever before, thanks to the online retailers like HolidayClassics.com, which specializes in business-appropriate greeting cards for the season. With a few clicks you can have the design of your choice personalized and shipped to you – all you need to do is add signatures from your staff and mail the cards out.

When you send a holiday card to your clients, you can be sure that you’ll stay on their minds – not only because you made the effort, but also because many people display the cards they receive throughout the holiday season.