David Fiske Affiliate Marketing & Web Development

I received a Christmas card yesterday from DFDS Seaways which stood out from the crowd. On the face of it the card looks like any other but it is a clever marketing opportunity for several reasons.
 


Firstly, they are the only merchant to have sent me a Christmas card, putting their brand literally in my hands. It's nothing major but it stands out more than a "Merry Christmas" email yet it's not intrusive.

Secondly inside the card is a seasonal message together with an announcement of a commission promotion. Whereas other affiliate programs are cutting back on commissions DFDS have increased theirs for the festive period. This is backed with a link that takes you to a more detailed Christmas message from Steven and Kevin about 2011 and 2012.

Personally I think this method of promotion is under-used and is really quite effective. I appreciate there's a cost (financially and from the green camp) and that not everyone enjoys receiving mail like this but I think it's one of the more innovative ways of putting your brand in front of affiliate eyeballs this Christmas. Plus with the added incentive that the commission rates have increased it's certainly grabbed my attention this Christmas.

You can find out more details of the DFDS Seaways affiliate program here.