Are you tired of handwriting all your thank-you notes and greeting cards? Handwrytten makes it easy to send personal, handwritten messages—without doing the writing yourself.

With message templates, you can take that convenience even further. Save commonly used messages, add personalization with merge fields, and reuse them anytime—whether you’re sending one card or a hundred.

Here’s how to create, use, and manage message templates on the Handwrytten website:

Sign In or Create an Account

Head to Handwrytten.com and click the orange “Sign Up” button to create an account, or log in using your existing credentials.

Pro Tip: Creating an account also gives you access to your address book, saved cards, and handwriting styles.

Choose a Card

Click the orange “Send” button or go to the Card Selection section from the main menu. Browse our categories or visit the Design Your Own Card section to upload your own design.

Once you’ve selected a card, click the teal “Send” button.

Type Your Message

You’ll land on the Your Message page. This is where you craft your handwritten message.

Use the orange buttons above the message box to insert merge fields such as [[First Name]], [[Last Name]], or [[Business Name]]. These fields will auto-populate based on the contact information you’ll upload later.

Pro Tip: Use the sign-off box in the lower-right to add a personalized closing or signature. Learn more in our Signatures Tutorial.

Save as a Template

Once your message is written, click “Save as Template” in the lower-right corner. A pop-up will appear asking you to name your template. Click “Create Template” when you’re done.

Don’t worry—you can edit the name and message later!

Use Message Templates

Next time you’re writing a card, click “Use Template” in the bottom of the message box. A list of your saved templates will appear—just check the box next to the preferred template to insert one.

Note: Templates save your message, not the handwriting style. The inserted message will appear in the most recently selected handwriting font.

Manage Your Templates

To view, edit, or delete templates, click your name in the upper right-hand corner of the screen and select “Message Templates.”

Edit or Delete Templates

Each saved message will have Edit and Delete options at the bottom of the message block. Click Edit to update your template or Delete to remove it—changes are saved instantly.

Why Use Templates?

Even if you plan to personalize every note, a saved message gives you a consistent base to start from—saving time while still allowing for that human touch. Whether you’re sending birthday cards, thank-you notes, or business follow-ups, templates make it easy to stay thoughtful without starting from scratch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I share templates with my team members?
Currently, message templates are saved to individual accounts. Team members will need to recreate or copy any templates they want to use.

Can I organize templates into folders or categories?
Not currently, but we recommend using a consistent naming convention (e.g., “Thank You – Clients” or “Birthday – Real Estate”) for easy access.

Is there a limit on how long a message template can be?
Templates must follow the same character limits as normal messages—generally about 500–600 characters depending on card size and spacing.

Still Need Help?

Our support team is here if you need a hand. Contact us anytime—we’re happy to help.
 Email: contact@handwrytten.com

The post Template Smarter, Not Harder appeared first on Handwrytten.

 Canceling Your Subscription

At this time, Handwrytten does not offer a pause option for subscriptions. If you wish to stop your plan, you’ll need to cancel it completely.

Follow these steps to cancel:

1. Log in to your Handwrytten account
   Sign in at handwrytten.com using your registered credentials.

2. Access your account settings
   Click the icon next to your name in the upper-right corner of the screen and select Account Settings from the dropdown menu.

3. Scroll down to “Cancel Subscription”
   At the bottom of the Account Settings page, click the Cancel Subscription button.

4. Confirm your cancellation
   Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the process.

What Happens to Your Credits?

• Once your subscription is canceled, all unused credits will expire at the end of your final billing month.
• There is no option to retain or reactivate unused credits after cancellation.

 How to Use Remaining Credits Before You Cancel

To make sure your credits don’t go to waste, consider the following before canceling:

• Check your credit balance:
  Log in to your account to see how many credits are available.
• Place a bulk order:
  You can send multiple handwritten cards at once—either to different recipients or to one location.
• Customize your cards:
  Personalize each note with different designs and messages to add a thoughtful touch.
• Use credits for both personal and business purposes:
  Send thank-you notes, birthday cards, client appreciation messages, or holiday greetings.

Additional Subscription Details

• Subscription discounts apply to all orders:
  Your plan’s base discount applies to both single and bulk card orders.
• Gift cards are not included with credits:
  If you add a gift card to your order, it will be billed separately to your payment method on file.
• Unused credits roll over each month:
  As long as your subscription remains active, your credits will continue to roll over.
  If you cancel, all credits expire at the end of your final billing cycle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I transfer my Handwrytten credits to another account?
No, credits are non-transferable and can only be used within the account where they were earned.

Do unused credits expire if I keep my subscription active?
No. Unused credits roll over each month while your subscription is active.

How long does it take for cancellation to take effect?
Cancellation takes effect immediately, but you will retain access to your credits until the end of your current billing cycle.

  Will I be charged if I forget to cancel before the next billing cycle?
Yes. To avoid additional charges, make sure to cancel before your renewal date.

Can I switch to a different subscription plan instead of canceling?
Currently, plan changes may not be available directly through your dashboard. Please reach out to our support team to inquire about switching plans.

The post Cancelling Your Handwrytten Subscription appeared first on Handwrytten.

Important: If the “Cancel” button is visible next to your order, it can still be canceled. If the button is not visible, the order has already begun processing and can no longer be changed or refunded.

 Steps to Cancel Your Order:

1. Log in to your Handwrytten account at handwrytten.com.

2. Go to the “Past Orders” section in your account dashboard.

3. Find the order you wish to cancel.

4. Click the “Cancel” button next to that order.

• If the button is visible, your order will be canceled immediately.
• If it’s not visible, your order has already begun processing and cannot be canceled.

1. Receive your credit: The full order amount will be credited back to your Handwrytten account for future use.

2. Place a new order: You can now re-submit the order with updated information, if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I edit my message or change the recipient after placing an order?
No—once an order is placed, it cannot be edited. If changes are needed, you’ll need to cancel the order (if it hasn’t entered processing yet) and place a new one with the correct information.

Can I cancel one card from a multi-card order?
Cancellations apply to the full order.

How will I know if my cancellation was successful?
You’ll receive a confirmation email once your order has been canceled. You can also verify cancellation by checking the “Past Orders” section in your Handwrytten account.

What if I don’t see the “Cancel” button?
If the cancel button is not visible, your order has already begun processing and can no longer be canceled or changed. At that point, no further action can be taken on that order.

Will my refund go to my credit card or Handwrytten account?
By default, canceled order credits are applied to your Handwrytten account for future use. If you prefer a refund to your original payment method, please contact our support team.

The post How to Cancel a Handwrytten Order appeared first on Handwrytten.

What is Test Mode?

Test Mode is a special setting on our website designed to let users simulate the ordering process without actually placing a real order. It’s a useful feature for:

• Testing our platform’s functionality
• Checking payment gateways
• Verifying that shipping addresses are saved correctly

Using Test Mode allows you to confirm your payment details and address information without making a genuine purchase.

Temporary “Charge” on Your Payment Card

If you place an order in Test Mode, you might see a temporary charge on your card statement. This is not an actual payment but a holding charge that validates your payment method. This amount will be refunded or disappear from your statement shortly after the test completes.

Important: Orders in Test Mode Are Not Processed

Any order marked as “Test” in your Past Orders section:

• Will not be fulfilled or shipped
• Exists only for testing purposes
• Is not treated as a legitimate purchase

To place a real order that gets processed and shipped, you must disable Test Mode.

How to Turn Off Test Mode

To ensure your orders are processed and delivered properly, please follow these steps to turn off Test Mode:

1. Log in to your Handwrytten account on our website.

2. Click the drop-down arrow next to your name in the top-right corner.

3. Scroll to the bottom of the menu and select “Integrations.”

4. Find the Test Mode toggle and click to disable it.

Once Test Mode is off, any orders you place will be processed normally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I place multiple test orders without any charges?
Yes, you can place multiple test orders in Test Mode. Any temporary charges are only holds and will be released automatically without actual billing.

Will test orders affect my account’s order history or analytics?
Test orders appear in your Past Orders for reference but are clearly marked as “Test” and do not affect your real order count or analytics.

Can I use Test Mode with any payment method?
Test Mode supports most standard payment methods, but some less common or regional payment options may not be fully compatible for testing purposes.

What happens if I forget to disable Test Mode before placing a real order?
If Test Mode is enabled, your order will be recorded as a test and will not be processed or shipped. You will need to disable Test Mode and place the order again.

Is there a way to receive notifications for test orders separately from real orders?
Currently, test orders are marked in your account and do not trigger fulfillment notifications. You can distinguish them by the “Test” label in your order history.

The post Understanding Test Mode appeared first on Handwrytten.

Once completed, your signature will be stored in your account and available to use anytime.

Note: This is not a copy-paste image. Our design team hand-recreates your signature before it’s written with our robotic pens—so it looks natural, not stamped on.

Pricing

Have your signature recreated for a one-time fee of $250.

What’s included:
One custom signature, hand-drawn by our Design Team and ready to use anytime

Looking for additional signatures or styles? Custom quotes are available—just reach out!

Turnaround Time

• Custom Signature: Ready within 1–7 business days after we receive your file.
• Personalized Fonts: Typically completed within 1–4 weeks, depending on complexity.

You’ll receive an email via PandaDoc to review and approve your signature or font.
Once approved, it will be added to your Handwrytten account within 24 hours.

Start Sending

Once your signature is ready, you’re all set to use it. Whether you’re sending a single card or launching a large campaign, adding your signature is simple.

Step 1: Let’s Get Started

• Visit handwrytten.com and log in.
• Choose a card design.
• Click Send to start your message.

Step 2: Add Your Signature

When your custom signature is available, a Signature dropdown will appear below the message box.

You can place your signature in two ways:

Left-Aligned (in message body)

• Place your cursor below your sign-off (e.g., “Sincerely,”).
• Select your signature from the dropdown.
• It will appear as part of the message text.

Bottom Right (floating signature)

• Click inside the lower-right signature box.
• Select your signature from the dropdown.
• It will appear as a standalone mark, like a hand-signed note.

Pro Tip: Use the preview window to confirm signature placement before sending.

Managing Your Signature

To Remove It:

• Open the Signature dropdown.
• Select None.

To Switch Versions:

• If you’ve uploaded multiple styles, simply select a different one from the dropdown.

The Finishing Touch Your Cards Deserve

A handwritten card already makes an impression—adding your signature takes it one step further. It’s the final flourish that recipients recognize, remember, and appreciate.

Ready to get started?
We’re here to help create a signature that feels just right.

sales@handwrytten.com
Or contact your Handwrytten Account Executive directly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this just a scan of my signature?
No. Your signature is hand-recreated by our design team and written using the same handwriting robots that write the rest of your card.

Can I have more than one version?
Yes! Many users create both formal and casual versions—or even stylized initials. Ask us about custom pricing.

Can I update or change my signature later?
Absolutely. You can submit new versions at any time. Pricing may vary.

Can I use the same signature for personal and business notes?
Yes. Your signature is linked to your account and can be used on any card you send.

Will the signature match the handwriting style I selected?
Yes. We design your signature to blend seamlessly with your chosen handwriting style and ink.

The post How to Add a Custom Signature to Your Handwrytten Cards appeared first on Handwrytten.

How Handwrytten’s QR Code Feature Works

Each card with a QR code has its own unique identifier. When a recipient scans the code, you’ll be notified immediately. Additionally, you can access real-time updates and reports by logging into your Handwrytten account. This data allows you to track engagement and refine your marketing strategies accordingly.

How to Add a QR Code to Your Next Handwrytten Card

Adding a QR code to your Handwrytten cards is quick and easy:

1. Choose Your Card – Select a customizable card from Handwrytten’s wide range of options. Then, choose the “QR CODE” feature.
2. Create Your QR Code – Click “Create now,” enter a name, and paste the URL you want the QR code to link to. Make sure the link starts with “https://.”
3. Add the QR Code – After entering the details, click “ADD QR CODE,” and Handwrytten will generate and place the code on your card automatically.

Ways to Leverage Handwrytten’s QR Code Feature

Boost Customer Engagement
Encourage recipients to scan the QR code for exclusive offers, schedule appointments, or watch personalized thank-you videos. By doing so, you create an interactive and memorable experience for your customers.

Track Campaign Success
With real-time reporting, you can easily see how many recipients engage with your card. This data allows you to refine your future campaigns based on audience interaction, helping you maximize your marketing efforts.

Drive Traffic to Your Website
You can direct customers to specific landing pages, product announcements, or digital catalogs by adding a QR code to your card. In turn, this seamless transition from offline to online interactions enhances your marketing strategy.

Gather Customer Feedback
Include a QR code that links to a survey or review page. This makes it easy for customers to provide valuable feedback, improving your services and offerings.

Automate Follow-Ups
You can pair QR codes with your CRM system to trigger automatic responses or follow-up emails when customers scan their cards. This ensures that communication remains timely and efficient.

Increase Non-Profit Engagement
Non-profits can use QR codes to direct donors to fundraising pages or volunteer sign-ups. Furthermore, including a QR code in thank-you notes or donation acknowledgments can help strengthen donor relationships and increase support.

Start Using Handwrytten’s QR Code Feature Today

Handwrytten’s QR code feature bridges physical and digital interactions, giving businesses the tools they need to track engagement and enhance customer experiences. Start using QR codes in your handwritten cards today to make your outreach more effective!

Need help getting started? Visit Handwrytten’s website or contact our sales team at sales@handwrytten.com.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the QR code placed on the card?
The QR code is positioned within the design of your selected Handwrytten card to ensure it’s visible but does not interfere with your message.

Can I edit or change the QR code after the card is sent?
No, once a card is printed and mailed, the QR code cannot be changed. Be sure to verify your URL before finalizing your order.

Does the recipient need a special app to scan the QR code?
No, recipients can scan the QR code using any smartphone camera, which will automatically open the linked URL.

Can I track QR code scans over time?
Yes, your Handwrytten account provides real-time reporting, allowing you to monitor scan activity and analyze trends over time.

Is there an extra cost to add a QR code to my card?
No, adding a QR code is included as part of Handwrytten’s customization options at no additional charge.

The post Handwrytten’s QR Code Feature appeared first on Handwrytten.

Here’s how personalized fonts can make your brand more recognizable, create a lasting impression, and ensure your business stands out.

The Power of Typography in Branding

Typography is more than just the words on a page; it’s a visual representation of your brand’s personality. The font you choose can communicate professionalism, creativity, elegance, or playfulness. A personalized font adds an extra layer of distinction, making your brand instantly recognizable and memorable.

When used consistently across your marketing materials, personalized fonts can:

• Strengthen your brand identity.
• Build trust and familiarity with your audience.
• Differentiate your business from competitors.
• Handwritten-style fonts, in particular, evoke a sense of authenticity and human connection, which can be especially valuable in today’s digital-first world.

How Personalized Fonts Elevate Your Brand

Make Your Brand Memorable

Personalized fonts create a unique visual language for your brand. When customers see your font, they immediately associate it with your business. This type of instant recognition is invaluable, especially in crowded industries.

Example: A bakery could use a handwritten-style font that mimics a flourished signature to evoke warmth and a personal touch. When customers see this font on packaging, ads, or social media, they immediately think of the cozy, handmade quality of the bakery’s goods.

Reflect Your Brand’s Personality

Fonts have the power to convey emotions and set the tone for how your brand is perceived. A bold, modern font may communicate innovation and confidence, while a whimsical, handwritten font can express creativity and approachability.

Example: A children’s toy brand could use a playful, colorful handwritten font to convey fun and imagination. Meanwhile, a high-end fashion brand might opt for an elegant cursive font to exude sophistication and luxury.

Enhance Brand Consistency

Using a personalized font ensures that all of your brand’s materials—from business cards to social media graphics—have a cohesive and professional look. Consistency helps build trust and familiarity, which are key to fostering customer loyalty.

Example: A tech startup could use the same personalized font for its logo, website headers, and email signatures. Over time, this consistency helps establish the startup’s identity and makes it easily recognizable in a competitive market.

Stand Out in a Crowded Market

In an era where many businesses rely on generic templates and stock fonts, a personalized font helps your brand rise above the noise. It shows that you’ve taken the extra step to create something unique and tailored to your business.

Example: A real estate agent could use a handwritten font to make their marketing materials feel personal and approachable, helping them stand out from competitors who rely on standard typefaces.

Strengthen Emotional Connections

Handwritten fonts evoke a sense of authenticity and warmth. They remind customers of personal letters or notes, making your communication feel more intimate and genuine.

Example: A nonprofit organization could use a handwritten-style font in their thank-you letters to donors, making the message feel heartfelt and personal.

Incorporating Personalized Fonts into Your Brand

Your Logo

A personalized font can make your logo one-of-a-kind. The font becomes an integral part of your brand identity, representing your company wherever it appears.

Example: A coffee shop could create a logo with a script-style font that mimics a handwritten signature, reinforcing the artisanal nature of their offerings.

Packaging and Labels

Custom fonts on packaging can elevate your products and make them more appealing to customers.

Example: A skincare brand could use a soft, handwritten font on its product labels to emphasize natural and gentle ingredients.

Website Design

Typography plays a significant role in web design. Using a personalized font for headers, navigation menus, or calls-to-action can make your website more engaging.

Example: A wedding planner could use a cursive handwritten font for their website’s headings to create a romantic and elegant vibe.

Marketing Materials

From business cards to brochures, personalized fonts can help your marketing materials stand out and leave a lasting impression.

Example: A boutique hotel could use a personalized font on their brochures and welcome cards to give guests a sense of exclusivity and charm.

Social Media Posts

Typography is a powerful tool for grabbing attention on social media. A custom font can make your posts more visually appealing and reinforce your brand identity.

Example: A fitness brand could use a bold, energetic handwritten font for motivational quotes on Instagram, creating a cohesive and inspiring aesthetic.

How Handwrytten’s Personalized Fonts Can Help Your Brand Stand Out

Handwrytten offers an innovative way to incorporate personalized, handwritten fonts into your brand strategy. Their AI technology mimics authentic handwriting, allowing you to create:

• Handwritten Cards: Send personalized notes to clients, customers, or partners that feel genuinely handwritten.
• Custom Fonts: Design a unique font that reflects your brand’s personality.
• Consistent Messaging: Use your personalized font across all your materials for a cohesive brand identity.

The process is simple: type your message, or let Handwrytten’s AI perfect it, then select from a variety of beautifully designed cards or create your own stationery. Handwrytten takes care of printing, packaging, and mailing, so you can focus on growing your brand.

Personalized Fonts – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can Handwrytten help me create a unique font for my brand?

A: Yes! Handwrytten can work with you to develop a personalized font that aligns with your brand’s style and values.

Q: How can I use a personalized font to increase brand recognition?

A: Consistently use your personalized font across all materials, including your logo, website, packaging, and marketing collateral. This creates a unified and recognizable brand identity.

Q: Can I use a personalized font in digital and print materials?

A: Absolutely! Personalized fonts can be used for both digital assets, such as social media posts and websites, and print materials, such as business cards and packaging.

Q: Is Handwrytten’s font creation service scalable for businesses of all sizes?

A: Yes! Whether you’re a small business or a large corporation, Handwrytten’s technology can accommodate your branding needs.

Q: What industries benefit the most from personalized fonts?

A: Any industry can benefit, but brands in fashion, hospitality, food and beverage, real estate, and creative services often see significant value in using personalized fonts.

Explore Our Personalized Fonts

Elevate your brand and leave a lasting impression with Handwrytten’s personalized fonts and handwritten-style cards. Whether you’re creating a unique logo, designing packaging, or sending heartfelt messages, Handwrytten’s AI-powered technology ensures your brand stands out with authenticity and style.

Visit Handwrytten today to discover how personalized fonts can transform your branding and make your business unforgettable!

The post Elevating your Brand with Personalized Fonts appeared first on Handwrytten.

To help you increase patient referrals, we asked CEOs and marketing professionals this question for their best insights. From marketing with video testimonials to leveraging patient reviews for your brand, there are several strategies that may help you increase referrals to your physical therapy service. 

Here are 12 strategies for increasing patient referrals:

• Market With Video Testimonials
• Use Pay-Per-Click Marketing
• Promote Your Service With Web Content
• Use Feedback to Your Advantage
• Sponsor Slowpitch Softball Teams
• Offer Personalized Care Plans
• Send Out Newsletters Weekly
• Host Special Promotional Events
• Network With Other Professionals
• Liaise With Counseling and Health Screening Groups
• Incentivize Patients to Refer Others
• Leverage Patient Reviews for Your Brand

Market With Video Testimonials

When you have a career in health service, video testimonials are a powerful marketing strategy. For instance, you can have clients discussing in a video how much the physical therapist improved the quality of their lives by decreasing their physical problems. Happy clients can describe a before and after situation in which they previously suffered and now their lives are better thanks to the physical therapist.

Janice Wald, Mostly Blogging

Use Pay-Per-Click Marketing

Pay Per Click (PPC) ads, in my opinion, are one of the best market media for launching your physical therapy practice. Have you ever wondered how businesses post advertisements on social media platforms, Google search results, and in physical therapy-related spaces? You don’t need to look any farther; by purchasing digital real estate, you can construct a bold advertisement that will put you immediately in front of prospective patients. The best thing is that you only pay when people who are interested in your ad click on it.

Gerrid Smith, Joy Organics

Promote Your Service With Web Content

Create relevant website content, such as tips on providing a quality care plan and treatment to injured patients, shareable on social media. This strategy will help boost the physical therapist’s expertise exposure across online channels. Digital promotion, such as helpful and interesting video tutorials and podcasting can also go viral, which further helps accelerate referral generation.

James Parsons, Content Powered

Use Feedback to Your Advantage

Practice owners who understand what’s working and what isn’t tend to be more successful at keeping their calendar full of appointments. Listening to the source, the patient, is the greatest way to accomplish this. PTs can become more well-rounded and efficient by implementing a simple feedback survey. Patients receive more value from their treatment if your PTs are more efficient. One of the most potent weapons for increasing volume is the value, and hopefully healing, that patients experience. People want to brag about how fantastic they felt after their physical therapy session, and they are more likely to return if they have problems in the future. Feedback is an underutilized tool for a long-lasting referral system, whether you have patients fill out a survey after treatment, send an email, or even ask them in person about their experience.

Kenny Kline, BarBend

Sponsor Slowpitch Softball Teams

It’s no secret that as we age, we become more prone to injury. It’s simple biology, whether we like it or not. And one of the prime grounds for middle-aged injuries? Slowpitch softball fields. Americans love their baseball (as well as its sister sport softball), and as such, continue playing the sport well into their 40s and 50s. However, despite being a slow-paced sport, injuries still regularly occur. Torn ACLs, pulled hamstrings and groin injuries are nightly occurrences. Thus, if you’re a physical therapist looking to increase patient referrals, consider sponsoring a softball team.

The cost isn’t much (usually just the cost of registration fees and team shirts), yet the marketing awareness is huge. Everyone in the league will know and recognize your name, creating an instant pool of potential patients. Of course you never wish for an injury, but they inevitably happen in softball leagues, and when they do, you’ll be well-positioned for referrals when injured players ask for you.

John Ross, Test Prep Insight

Offer Personalized Care Plans

One of the most effective ways for physical therapists to increase their patient referrals is by establishing a reputation for having tailored care plans for each patient. This puts them in high esteem and is a good indicator of their expertise as they can create care plans that vary based on their patient’s conditions. Patient experience plays a vital role in recommendations. The more impressed they are with your services, the more likely they will advocate for you.

Kathryn McDavid, Editor’s Pick

Send Out Newsletters Weekly

When it comes to marketing your clinic, newsletters are vital. And if you don’t already have one, you should get one right away. Newsletters assist practice owners in staying in touch with patients, building brand confidence, increasing occupational knowledge, and much more. While popular retail stores and furnishing stores may use newsletters to market products, physical therapists should approach newsletters with one goal in mind: to establish brand loyalty via education and insight.

Physical therapists have a one-of-a-kind opportunity to deliver free information to prospective patients that could lead to a conversion in the future. According to the United States Bone and Joint Initiative, musculoskeletal problems affected more than half of persons aged 18 and up, or over 124 million Americans, in 2015. The market for physical therapy is huge, but the ordinary American’s knowledge of physical therapy is limited, so your clinic may assist bridge the gap through education.

Sumit Bansal, TrumpExcel

Host Special Promotional Events

As a healthcare practitioner, some of the strategies that have worked for me might also work well for you. Every so often, host a special promotional event and encourage your current patients and partners to invite people from their network. Make an impression with your expertise and professional services, and event participants will be more likely to refer you to others. An event is also a good opportunity to offer special discounts or free trials to generate even more patient referrals.

Norman Bizon, TravelBug Health

Network With Other Healthcare Professionals

One strategy for a physical therapist to increase patient referrals is to network with other professionals in the area. For example, they can reach out to local doctors, nurses, and chiropractors to collaborate and refer patients. Creating strong relationships with other professionals in related fields will ensure that their patients become your patients.

Hector Ruiz, BBQ Grill Academy

Liaise With Counseling and Health Screening Groups 

Physical therapists can start by looking for groups and organizations in their community that offer health screenings and counseling. Physical therapists can offer their services to these groups, especially during the fall and winter months when physical activity is limited. Physical therapists can also offer their services at local health fairs, schools, and other community events where people gather. By offering their services at these events, physical therapists increase their visibility in the community and can receive referrals from the people they help.

Farhan Advani, BHPH

Incentivize Patients to Refer Others

There are several strategies that a physical therapist can use to increase patient referrals, but one effective strategy is to create a referral program. This program can offer incentives for patients who refer other patients to the practice. These incentives can be in the form of discounts, free services, or even cash rewards. By creating a referral program, physical therapists can encourage their patients to spread the word about their practice and help to grow their business.

Eugene Chimpoy, Church Helper

Leverage Patient Reviews for Your Brand

Patient reviews, through Yelp or Google, are an effective way for physical therapists to attract more business. These testimonials can be included on the therapist’s website as a way to build their personal brand. Today, potential clients and customers will look to online reviews to inform their buying decisions. By providing compelling evidence that they do a fantastic job, physical therapists will find it easier to increase patient referrals.

Gerald Lombardo, The Word Counter

Terkel creates community-driven content featuring expert insights. Sign up at terkel.io to answer questions and get published. 

The post 12 Strategies To Increase Patient Referrals For Physical Therapists appeared first on Handwrytten.

Why Your Business Should Send Out Cards

If your company’s marketing efforts typically center on digital strategies such as text and email marketing, you might wonder how sending greeting cards can truly make a difference. While digital strategies can help you reach a wide range of customers, the connections that you make through online marketing don’t have quite the same impact as sending personal notes.

After all, your customers are already drowning in digital messages. On average, office workers receive nearly 150 emails per day, and 35- to 44-year-olds send and receive more than 1,500 text messages per month. Printed mail and advertisements generally have low rates of return. Nearly half of all junk mail remains unopened, and the average response rate for pre-printed mail is a dismal 4.4 percent.

While your emails and texts can easily get lost in the digital shuffle and your pre-printed mail may go straight into the trash or even get delivered when you need it to be, handwritten mail tends to stand out. Handwritten notes get 4 times the response rate of pre-printed mail, which means that your recipients will almost certainly get the message. In addition, recipients tend to respond positively to personal notes from businesses, leading to more calls, sales, and bookings.

Taking the time to make personal connections can also help your business stick in your customers’ minds.

When you want to cut through the clutter and create meaningful connections with your customers, greeting and other penned notes and cards are a smart choice. Not only can sending handwritten notes help your messages avoid the recycling bin, but taking the time to make personal connections can also help your business stick in your customers’ minds.

How Your Company’s Cards Should Look

Quality. If you’re going the extra mile by sending personalized greeting cards to your customers, don’t stop before you’ve reached the finish line. Try high-quality notes rather than sending inexpensive, run-of-the-mill cards. After all, you want the quality of your cards to communicate the value that you deliver to your customers.

Design. When it comes to style, choose a design that aligns with your company’s brand. Businesses with an elegant, formal brand might opt for a more traditional design, while companies with a friendly, whimsical brand might select a quirkier style. Though your business cards can feature your company’s logo, keep in mind that an overly corporate look may prevent you from forging the personal connection that you’re seeking.  For example, one Handwrytten client, a large car manufacturer, leaves their logo off the card entirely!

Personalize. To emphasize the individual nature of your message, avoid using pre-printed messages. Instead, use handwritten notes that reveal the value you place on your client relationships. Include messages that are customized for each recipient.  Including the names of products or services purchased is an easy way to add the “personal touch” to an automated-handwritten note campaign.

Automate. Writing and mailing customized greeting cards is time-consuming, but with a service such as Handwrytten, you can essentially automate the entire process. Stop spending time writing, rewriting, worrying that your handwriting isn’t legible, and making trips to the post office. Handwrytten has a solution that seamlessly blends personality with technology. Simply compose a message digitally, select a card and writing style, and your customers will receive beautifully handwritten notes that will resonate.

Essential Etiquette Tips for Business Greeting Cards

Before sending greeting cards to prospects or clients, make sure that you’re following a few essential rules of thumb. By doing so, you’ll avoid offending or confusing clients and you will build solid relationships that drive sales.

Tip #1: Stay current. Check your list to ensure that you’re sending the notes to your contacts’ current addresses. You can save time by pulling the information directly from your customer relationship management (CRM) system. You may also link the database to your Handwrytten account. Consider including the recipients’ titles as a sign of respect.

Tip #2: Think about timing. A well-intentioned note may not have the positive impact that you want if you wait too long to send it out or if your note seems out of touch. To maximize the opportunity, plan well in advance and always aim to have your cards stay ahead of the curve.  As by their nature, handwritten cards take time for the post office to deliver. There’s a reason we call it “snail mail”.  Some Handwrytten users send clients follow-up notes using the Handwrytten app right as they’re walking out of their sales meetings.  They know that the process of a handwritten note automatically spaces out their messaging strategy perfectly.

Tip #3: Make it special. If you truly want to make your greeting cards stand out, include something special. If it’s a birthday card for a valued employee, the card itself might be gift enough. But adding a gift card to your customized note is a great way to get a customers’ attention while brightening their day and providing more value. However, don’t add just any old gift card to your note; take care to keep it with your brand. A gift card to a high-end restaurant may work well for an upscale brand, while a gift card to a neighborhood coffee shop may be better for companies with a local focus.

Important Occasions for Sending Cards

The beauty of a business greeting card is that you can send notes to your clients whenever inspiration strikes. To avoid missing key opportunities to connect be sure to send out cards on a few important occasions.

Welcome Cards

When to Send: Within a week of acquiring a new customer.

Who to Include: New customers.

How to Personalize: Mention the context of your new relationship and next steps or related expectations.

No matter how many clients your business gains per month, adding a new client to your roster is a cause for celebration. There’s no need to keep the festivities in-house, however. Show your new customers how much you appreciate them by sending out welcome cards, but avoid sending a card signed “with love”; that might be a bit too much appreciation for a first-time customer.

Since welcome cards should make new customers feel special, pay attention to how you customize your note. Mention the context of the professional relationship, such as customers signing up for your loyalty program. Then touch on what they can expect from your company, from seasonal sales to new product debuts to special events.

You can even encourage new customers to take steps to pursue or a call-to-action. Use customer profiles to determine which prompts to use. You might suggest items to purchase, point the way to FAQs, or ask them to register for an event.

Finally, leave new customers with everything they need to connect with your company. Include your business phone number, website, or links to your social media accounts. This will assist new customers so they know exactly where to find answers. Consider including a business card for an extra personal touch.

Don’t wait to send out welcome cards to new customers. Aim to connect with clients while your company is still fresh in their minds or within a week of acquisition.

Thank-You Cards

When to Send: Within a week of a major purchase or project completion.

Who to Include: Current customers.

How to Personalize: Specifically mention the purchase or project and offer value-added tips.

Regardless of how long your customers have been loyal to your business, they deserve gratitude and appreciation. Committed clients drive the success and future growth of your business.

To show your customers how much you appreciate their business, send out thank you cards after major purchases or upon completing substantial projects. Although you can use a simple template to frame your note, try to include as many personalized details as possible. This extra step is especially important for customers who have made substantial investments in your company.

When a major event happens internally, your team might be busy handling all of the details. However, don’t let your team’s schedule cause a delay in sending out thank you cards. Make a point of sending out cards within a week of a large purchase. Communicate to your customers know that you appreciate them and respect their time.

The best business thank you notes don’t end with an expression of gratitude. Take your thank you cards to the next level by politely mentioning that you’d appreciate it if your satisfied customers shared your company with their colleagues. You can even offer a referral fee or guide customers to your referral program to encourage continued loyalty.

Holiday Cards

When to Send: Three weeks before the holiday.

Who to Include: Current, past, and prospective customers.

How to Personalize: Include a holiday special that’s related to the customer’s status.

While welcome cards and thank you notes are ideal for current customers, holiday cards can be sent to a much larger group. Plan to send cards to everyone from prospective customers to clients you haven’t heard from in months.

You ensure that your business remains relevant by sending holiday cards to prospects, especially if potential clients are reconsidering their vendors or finalizing their budgets for the upcoming year. By sending holiday cards to current customers, you’ll cement your existing relationship and encourage long-term loyalty. When you include past or dormant customers on your holiday card list, you’ll have the potential to resume a once-vibrant relationship simply by reaffirming your personal connection.

Plan to send out all holiday cards at least three weeks before the holiday. If you wait too long, your card may not arrive until after the holiday, making your company appear disorganized or disingenuous.

For end-of-year holidays and New Year’s cards, consider summarizing your relationship with the client over the past year. Holiday cards offer a great opportunity to remind your customers how much you appreciate them while adding to the holiday spirit.

While you may be hesitant to pair important holidays with aggressive marketing, you can include subtle sales messages in your holiday cards. Drive long-term loyalty among current customers or prompt prospects to make their first purchases. This can be done by featuring holiday specials or by pointing them to a landing page on your website.

Birthday Cards

When to Send: Three weeks before the birthday.

Who to Include: Current customers.

How to Personalize: Include a time-sensitive special discount.

Birthdays may sound too personal for business relationships, but, in reality, they’re the perfect occasion to connect with your clients. You may not know your clients’ exact ages, and it’s a good idea to keep track of their birth dates. Simply acknowledging birthday months is a great strategy when sending out celebratory cards.  If you do have their exact birth dates, sending cards for milestone birthdays are a great way to curry favor.

As a general rule, aim to send out birthday cards about three weeks before the birthday or at least a week before the birthday month begins. If you stick to this general schedule, you won’t have to worry that about the card arriving after the fact. Erring on the early side means your note will arrive before they receive cards from family, friends, and other businesses.

In the birthday card, offer your best wishes and include a personalized note that mentions something that you’ve worked on together or a major purchase that the client has made in the past 12 months. You can also add value and drive sales by including a time-sensitive discount. Whether you consider it a birthday present or an annual sale, include a customized code to make it clear that the discount is for your client only.

Whether you’re preparing for the holiday season or planning ahead for birthdays, you’ll find many opportunities to connect with your client base with greeting cards. Save time and resources by sending Handwrytten cards, and start building deeper, more meaningful relationships with your clients.

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Find out what a referral letter is and the key content that should be in one. We’ve also provided some useful examples, which you may use as a reference when writing your referral letter.

Keep reading for how to write a referral letter with examples.

What is a Referral Letter?

A referral letter is known by many names:

• A letter of recommendation
• A recommendation letter
• A reference letter

It is a letter you write about someone, regarding your personal experience of them. Usually, a recommendation letter is written in the context of employment. Someone applying for a new job may ask you to write a referral letter for them, in order to strengthen their application.

Note that a referral letter is different from a reference, in that you are positively recommending someone for a position. It is something job candidates will use as part of their application process to help them stand out from the rest. In contrast, a reference is something that new employers will request from a previous (or current) employer. References are usually neutral in nature, including details of attendance, punctuality, sick leave, promotions, and similar quantifiable information.

If you are asked to write a letter of recommendation, it’s important that you feel able to comment honestly and positively on the person‘s work performance and your experience of them. If you don’t feel able to do this, it’s best not to write a recommendation letter. You may wish to provide a neutral reference instead.

It’s important to avoid saying anything overtly negative about an individual, particularly when they’re a former employee applying for a new job. Not only is it not helpful, but there is also a precedent for other employees, who have been given a negative reference or referral letter to sue!

Sections of a Referral Letter

Take a look at the recommendation letter headings you should include as part of your communication. Note that these are just a guide – there’s no reason why you can’t add additional information and/or examples of reference letters if you wish.

Background Information

This may include how long you’ve known the individual and in what context. You may also list the individual’s skills and qualifications.

Your Experience with the Individual

Include information such as contact details, the tasks and special projects they’ve completed, and the added value they bring to these tasks. Detail the attributes this individual possesses which make them such a great employee/co-worker/boss.

Anecdotes to Back Your Claims

Rather than simply stipulating someone’s good points, it’s helpful to use anecdotes to illustrate them. For example, “John Smith is an exceptionally hard worker. During a busy period last year, when we were short-staffed, he regularly took on additional work and completed it to the same high standard as everything else he does”.

Demonstrate How the Individual Fulfills a Job Specification

If the individual candidate is applying for a particular job, you may wish to link their talents and positive qualities to the job specification. This includes the applicant’s strengths and personal attributes that are listed as essential or desirable for the new role.

Outline of a Recommendation Letter

A letter of recommendation should be organized in the following format:

At the top of the page, include both your address (on the top left of the page), and that of the person to whom the letter is addressed (not the person you are writing about), if you have it. Typically that would be a representative from the organization to whom the person is applying for employment – ensure to include the recipient’s title.

Address your letter to the company or organization’s representative (Dear Mr. Smith, for example), or, if it is a general recommendation letter, simply write a brief introduction such as, “To whom it may concern.”

Follow this with an introductory paragraph.

The subsequent paragraph or paragraphs should go into detail about the individual applicant’s qualities, achievements, and why they’re the best fit for the job. Remember to include anecdotes to back up your statements.

Your final paragraph should provide a summary of what you’ve written in previous paragraphs.

The letter closing should be a formal one, details of which are provided here. If you are unfamiliar with writing formal letters, this covers the basics.

Ensure that the letter of recommendation’s recipient is taken into account; if it is meant to be a more formal referral, a closing like “with love” is not suitable.

Important Context to Keep in Mind When Writing A Letter of Recommendation

When you are writing, or are asking someone to write recommendation letters, you must keep in mind that hiring managers care more about who you are as a person than just your qualifications.

In any high-level job, there are going to be dozens of candidates who share the same enthusiasm and a similar skillset, meaning the core thing that sets you apart is your personality. A strong letter will focus on this point, and will point out how you stand out in the workplace.

Emphasizing that previous employers  consistently saw the positive impact you had in the workplace is key to writing an effective letter. This means focusing on things like your work ethic, how co-workers felt about working with you, and if you might be a good fit are important to note.

Reference Letter Example

This is an example of the wording that would typically be used when writing a referral letter. Remember to keep the content relevant and concise. Ideally, a recommendation letter should be a single side of the paper, and certainly no more than two sides. Aim to keep your content minimal, while communicating important information.

Dear [Organization Representative],

I am delighted to recommend [Individual’s Name] for the position of [position].

[Individual’s Name] worked as [job title] for [period of time]. [Name of individual] has a wealth of skills and knowledge, including [provide specific examples of relevant qualifications and key achievements]. As their [your position or relationship to the individual], I was very impressed by the [key qualities] [Name of individual] displayed.

A very valuable asset to any team, [Name] offers [a number of “hard” skills, such as extensive knowledge of a particular subject area, specific technical skills]. In addition, they are [list some soft skills here, such as a team player, friendly, empathetic, a good listener, innovative or similar].

[Name] demonstrates a formidable knowledge of [subject]. They were [now provide an example of where they used this knowledge]. An example might be: John demonstrates a formidable breadth of copywriting experience. Whilst with our team he wrote several e-books, numerous press releases, web content, and a series of marketing emails that boosted response rates for one of our clients by more than 97%.

Repeat this formula (state the person‘s skill or attribute then provide an example to illustrate this) for as many paragraphs as required.

In summary, I have no hesitation in recommending [Name] for the position of [position]. They are an accomplished [job title] as well as a fantastic [personal or soft quality].

Please get in touch if you have any further questions or insights. I look forward to hearing from you.

Yours sincerely,

[Your Name]

Extra Sample Referral Letters

Here are a few generic sample referral letters you can use for specific situations. In between brackets are where you should be editing and putting specific, relevant terms to you and your situation.

Software Developer Referral Letter

Dear [Hiring Manager],

It is with great pleasure that I recommend [John Doe] for the position of Senior Developer at your company. [John] was an integral member of my team at [XYZ Corporation] for the past five years, during which time he consistently and effectively exceeded all expectations.

[John]’s technical skills and knowledge are vast and his attention to detail is impeccable. He has a wealth of experience in software development, including web applications, mobile apps, and databases, as well as a deep understanding of coding languages such as [C++, Java, and Python]. He quickly gets up to speed on new technologies and never hesitates to take on challenges. On top of this, he brings creativity and innovative solutions to complex problems while still adhering to tight deadlines.

[John] is also a great team player and always extremely hard working. His eagerness to learn, coupled with his strong work ethic, makes him a valuable asset to any organization. I am confident that [John] would be an excellent addition to your development team and will be a great resource for many years to come.

Please do not hesitate to contact me if you need further information about [John]’s qualifications or skillset – I’ve included my contact information below.

Sincerely,

[Your Name  (Former Hiring Manager)  XYZ Corporation]

Lawyer Example Recommendation Letter

Dear Ms [Recipient],

I am writing to you to recommend one of my former colleagues, [John Doe]. I have known [John] for [four] years and worked with him as a lawyer at [ABC law firm].

[John] is an outstanding professional and his qualifications are excellent. He graduated from [XYZ Law School] with honors and has been practicing law for [seven] years, specializing in [corporate law]. His knowledge of [contract law] is exceptional; he was the go-to person when [complicated legal issues] arose in our office. Additionally, he is very organized and detail-oriented which allows him to complete tasks efficiently and competently.

[John] also possesses great [interpersonal] skills; [he’s incredibly friendly and always willing to help others]. He interacts well with clients, colleagues, and other legal professionals. He is able to explain complex concepts in an understandable way and is always willing to answer any questions that arise.

In short, I cannot recommend [John] enough for the position of a corporate lawyer at your firm. His skill set and qualifications make him an ideal candidate and a great asset to any team. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you need more information.

Sincerely,

[Your Name (Former Colleague) ABC Law Firm]

Financial Manager Letter of Recommendation

Dear [Organization Representative],

I am writing to you to recommend my former associate, [Individual’s Name]. I have known [Individual’s Name] for two years and worked with him in the financial department at [XYZ Corporation].

[Individual’s Name] has excellent educational qualifications; he graduated from [ABC Business School] at the top of his class and then went on to obtain a [Master’s degree in Finance] from [XYZ University]. He also has [seven] years of experience working as a [financial manager] in various industries. His expertise lies specifically in [budgeting, forecasting, financial analysis and project management].

[Individual’s Name] is highly organized and meticulous when it comes to managing finances. He pays close attention to detail and always seeks out potential areas for improvement or cost savings within the business. He is also highly efficient and adept at working with tight deadlines. On top of this, he has strong [communication] skills and can effectively collaborate with other members of the finance team.

On a personal level, [Individual’s Name] is an extremely reliable and dependable colleague. His enthusiasm for learning new skills and taking on challenging tasks makes him a great asset in any organization. I am confident that he would be an excellent addition to your team as a financial manager and will be a valuable resource for many years to come.

If you need any more information about [Individual’s Name]’s qualifications or skillset please do not hesitate to reach out to me. My contact information is included below.

Sincerely,

[Your Name (Former Colleague) XYZ Corporation]

Market Research Analyst Referral Letter

Dear [Hiring Manager],

I am writing to you to recommend my former colleague, [John Doe]. I have known [John] for [three] years and worked with him as a [market research analyst] at [ABC Corporation].

[John] is an incredibly talented professional; he graduated from [XYZ University] with honors and has several years of experience in the field. He has extensive knowledge of various marketing tools such as [Google Analytics, Facebook Insights, and Adobe Marketing Cloud].

[John] simultaneously exhibits excellent [analytical] skills which allow him to quickly assess challenges and provide accurate solutions. He is very organized and detail-oriented; his ability to break down large amounts of data into meaningful insights helps inform key decisions. On top of this, he is a creative and innovative thinker which aids him in developing effective strategies.

On a personal level, [John] has always been an enthusiastic team player; his positive attitude and willingness to help others make him an asset in any work environment. He is also highly adaptable and can easily adjust to new situations or processes with ease.

I am confident that [John] would be an excellent addition to your team as a market research analyst and will be a valuable resource for many years to come. If you need any more information about [John]’s qualifications or skillset please do not hesitate to contact me.

Sincerely,

[Your Name (Former Colleague) ABC Corporation]

Letter of Recommendation for a High School Teacher

Dear Hiring Committee,

I am writing to you to recommend my former colleague, Mrs. Jane Smith. I have known Mrs. Smith for four years and worked with her as a high school math teacher at XYZ High School.

Mrs. Smith is an incredibly talented professional; she graduated from ABC University with honors and has several years of teaching experience in the field. She has extensive knowledge of mathematics and is well-versed in curriculum development, classroom management and assessment strategies.

Mrs. Smith simultaneously exhibits a deep understanding of the subject matter as well as an ability to make complex problems more easily understandable for her students. She is also very organized with an eye for detail which helps her create engaging and effective lesson plans. On top of this, she is patient and encouraging with students, motivating them to work hard and reach their full potential.

On a personal level, Mrs. Smith has always been an enthusiastic team player; her positive attitude and willingness to help others make her an asset in any educational environment. She is also highly adaptable and can easily adjust to new situations or processes with ease.

I am confident that Mrs. Smith would be an excellent addition to your team as a high school math teacher and will be a valuable resource for many years to come. If you need any more information about Mrs. Smith’s qualifications or skillset please do not hesitate to reach out to me.

Sincerely,

Your Name (Former Colleague) XYZ High School

Write a Formal Letter of Recommendation that Stands Out

Handwrytten provides a convenient way of transforming your typed communications into handwritten letters that offer the recipient an attractive, personal touch.

Reach out to contact the team at Handwrytten to find out more about the benefits of personalized, handwritten letters.

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