Web Wise: 'Tis the Season ... for Gratitude

The holidays are nearly upon us, and traditionally, it's a time of year to send greetings to our customers and partners. But, say the experts at MarketingProfs.com, send those seasonal messages now rather than December to have the most impact.

Thanksgiving, they point out, is a much more appropriate theme for businesses. The symbols of harvests and gratitude are universally recognized, and ultimately, this is what we are trying to communicate to business associates.

When you consider it, Thanksgiving is the better promotional message for your next e-mail newsletter or the home page of your Web site. In addition to the message of thanks, it's a holiday that is devoid of religious controversy. Businesses can completely avoid the tangle of "Happy Holidays" and "Season's Greetings," and instead focus on what they are trying to say.

Finally, sending a Thanksgiving message rather than a Christmas/Hanukkah/Kwanzaa seasonal message gives you a better chance of it being seen and read, rather than lumped in with the hundreds of other holiday cards, messages and promotions. Wouldn't you prefer to get the jump on the competition? Wouldn't you prefer to remind your clients about your prewinter inspection specials before their minds are on spending all their cash on holiday gifts? What about all those kids who will be coming home from college for winter break? Wouldn't a Thanksgiving message be perfectly timed to remind their parents about vehicle maintenance? The marketing options are endless when you consider the possibilities.

The added bonus is that your December will be free to focus on your marketing plans for 2009.

Do you have a question about ASA’s online features? Send it to me at angiek@ASAshop.org. Perhaps your question will appear in a future column!

ASA Web Ways: Looking for Someone?

ASA members can post "Help Wanted" ads online free of charge on the ASA Employment Classifieds page. In addition, as a service to the industry, any automotive industry professional can post his or her resume, free of charge, as well as review ASA-member employment offerings. Visit the "Employment Classifieds" link on the ASA home page (www.ASAshop.org).