Tutorials – Handwrytten

Handwrytten’s Custom Data Fields

Ariel O'Brien — Wed, 15 Oct 2025 23:39:13 +0000

Looking to make your handwritten notes even more personal? Handwrytten’s Custom Data Fields feature lets you tailor every message with unique details for each recipient — ideal for business outreach, client follow-ups, and personalized campaigns.

With Handwrytten’s Custom Data Fields, you can go beyond simple name personalization. Add details like a sales rep’s name, product preferences, appointment dates, or any other information that makes your communication more meaningful. When sending at scale, these small touches create a big impact — helping you build stronger relationships while maintaining the handwritten authenticity that Handwrytten is known for.

Whether you’re sending thank-you cards, event invites, or holiday greetings, Custom Data Fields ensure each note feels like it was written just for that person. This tutorial will walk you through how to create, manage, and use custom fields to personalize your cards effortlessly.

Log into Your Handwrytten Account

To begin, log into your account on the Handwrytten website.

Note: The Custom Data Fields feature is currently available only on desktop and is not yet supported in the mobile app.

Once you’re signed in, you’ll be able to access all personalization tools from your dashboard.

Open Your Address Book

From your dashboard, open the drop-down menu and select “Address Book.”

You’ll now see an option for “Custom Fields.”

This section is where you’ll create and manage all your Custom Data Fields. These fields allow you to store personalized information that can later be merged into your handwritten messages.

Create Your Custom Data Fields

Click “Custom Fields” to begin setting up your personalized data. Each field acts as a custom tag that you can fill in for each contact. For example:

Sales Rep’s Name
Preferred Product
Appointment Date
Customer Tier
Branch Location

After you’ve created your fields, they’ll appear under every contact in your Address Book. To enter the details, click the edit () pencil icon next to each recipient’s name, then scroll down to view and fill in your Custom Data Fields.

This makes it easy to add unique information for each contact — perfect for teams managing multiple clients or accounts.

Insert Custom Fields into Your Message

When you’re ready to write your card, click the “Add Merge Fields” button on the message page. You’ll see both your custom fields and standard fields (like First Name or Company Name).

Simply insert your chosen Custom Data Fields wherever you’d like that personalized information to appear in your message. Handwrytten will automatically merge the correct data for each contact when generating your cards — making every note unique and personal.

Pro Tip: Combine Custom Data Fields with bulk sending to create handwritten campaigns that feel personal without the extra effort. Whether you’re sending hundreds of client thank-yous or individualized event invites, this feature allows you to scale while keeping that authentic, human touch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I edit or delete a Custom Data Field after creating it?
Yes! You can manage, edit, or remove any fields directly from the Custom Fields section in your Address Book.

How many Custom Data Fields can I create?
There’s no strict limit. You can add as many as you need to suit your outreach goals — though keeping them organized will make managing your data easier.

Will my Custom Data Fields carry over across campaigns?
They will! Custom fields are tied to your Address Book, so they’ll appear in all your future sends for those contacts.

Can I use Custom Data Fields for both personal and business cards?
Absolutely. Whether you’re sending holiday greetings, client outreach, or thank-you cards, Custom Data Fields work across all Handwrytten use cases.

Need Help Getting Started?

If you’d like a quick walkthrough or need help setting up your Custom Data Fields, our team is happy to assist. Contact us anytime at sales@handwrytten.com or visit handwrytten.com/book-demo to schedule a personalized demo.

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Guide to Multi-Step Campaigns

Ariel O'Brien — Tue, 23 Sep 2025 23:47:47 +0000

Multi-step campaigns, often called drip campaigns, are a powerful way to automate and personalize your communication. While traditionally associated with email, this strategy becomes even more impactful when paired with handwritten cards and physical mail.

In this complete guide to multi-step campaigns, we’ll walk you step-by-step through how to build an effective sequence that creates lasting impressions, nurtures stronger relationships, and keeps your brand top-of-mind.

Why Multi-Step Campaigns Matter

The most successful campaigns use between 4 and 11 steps. The goal is simple: send the right message at the right time. By blending emails, phone calls, and handwritten notes, you can create a memorable experience that stands out in today’s digital-heavy world.

With this complete guide to multi-step campaigns, you’ll see how a thoughtful sequence can:

Strengthen customer trust
Increase engagement rates
Improve conversions
Humanize your brand through handwritten cards

Common Multi-Channel Campaigns

Here are some of the most effective types of multi-step campaigns you can create by blending physical cards, emails, and phone calls for maximum impact.

1. Welcome Series

Goal: Greet new clients or subscribers and create a strong, personal first impression.
Typical Steps: 3

Sequence:

Step 1 (Immediate): Send a welcome email.
Step 2 (Delay 7 days): Send a handwritten card to thank them and offer a personal connection.
Step 3 (Delay 10–14 days): Trigger a follow-up call to check in and answer questions.

2. Lead Nurturing

Goal: Build trust and guide potential clients toward a purchase.
Typical Steps: 4

Sequence:

Step 1 (Immediate): Send an introductory email with valuable info.
Step 2 (Delay 14 days): Send a handwritten card with a thoughtful message or small gift.
Step 3 (Delay 21 days): Send a follow-up email with a case study.
Step 4 (Delay 28 days): Trigger a call to check readiness.

3. Onboarding

Goal: Thank new clients and provide a smooth, personal onboarding experience.
Typical Steps: 3–4

Sequence:

Step 1 (Immediate): Send a confirmation email.
Step 2 (Delay 7 days): Send a handwritten thank-you card.
Step 3 (Delay 14 days): Trigger an onboarding call.
Step 4 (Delay 21 days): Send a resource email with guides or FAQs.

4. Re-Engagement

Goal: Win back inactive or lapsed customers.
Typical Steps: 2–3

Sequence:

Step 1 (Immediate): Send an email reminder.
Step 2 (Delay 7–10 days): Send a handwritten card with a special offer.
Step 3 (Delay 14 days): Trigger a personal call.

Building Your Multi-Step Campaign

Now that you’ve seen examples, let’s dive into the step-by-step tutorial. This section of A Complete Guide to Multi-Step Campaigns will show you exactly how to build one inside your account.

Step 1: Select the Multi-Step Campaign Option

From your account’s dropdown menu, go to Campaign Manager and choose Multi-Step Campaign. You can create as many campaigns as you need.

Step 2: Name and Configure Your Campaign

Click Add New Multi-Step Campaign. Choose a clear name like “New Client Onboarding”.

Step 3: Add Your First Step

Every campaign starts with a first step that triggers the rest of the sequence.

Name the step (e.g., “Welcome Email”).

2. Enroll contacts from your address book.

3. Set the delay (Day 0 = enrollment day).

4. Write your message, using merge fields for personalization.

5. Preview your handwritten card by switching from Plain Text to Preview.

6. Add extras like inserts or gift cards if desired.

7. Confirm delivery with tracking, if needed.

Step 4: Create Subsequent Steps

Repeat the process for each additional step. Adjust names, delays, and message types to build your perfect sequence.

Pro Tips for Multi-Step Campaigns

Mix channels: Don’t rely on just one method. Handwritten cards make emails and calls more powerful.
Personalize heavily: Use names, purchase history, and milestones.
Test and adjust: Watch response rates and tweak timing.
Add value: Always provide something helpful or meaningful—not just a sales push.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a contact be in multiple campaigns at once?
Yes. For example, a customer could be in a Welcome Series and also receive a Birthday Campaign.

How do I check which campaigns a contact is enrolled in?
Go to your address book and look for orange campaign icons. Hover to see details.

What are some examples of campaigns I can create?

Trade Show Follow-up: Email, handwritten thank-you card, follow-up call.
Customer Milestone: Email + card with gift card insert.
Webinar Follow-up: Thank-you email, handwritten recap card, offer email.
Abandoned Cart: Reminder email + handwritten card.

How do I decide which type of campaign to use?
It depends on your goal. Lead generation? Go with Lead Nurturing. Loyalty? Focus on Onboarding or Customer Milestone. Sales boost? Try Promotional or Abandoned Cart.

How many steps should I include?
Most campaigns work best with 4–11 steps, but you can adjust based on your audience.

This complete guide to multi-step campaigns shows how powerful it is to combine digital tools with handwritten cards. By planning sequences that nurture, onboard, or re-engage your customers, you’ll build stronger, lasting connections.

Ready to create your own multi-step campaign? Log into your Handwrytten account today—or reach out to our sales team at sales@handwrytten.com for support in setting up your perfect sequence.

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Handwrytten Residential Prospecting Tool

David — Fri, 29 Aug 2025 23:00:39 +0000

Handwrytten’s Residential Prospecting Tool makes it easier than ever to send handwritten notes to targeted households. Whether you want to reach homeowners in a neighborhood, new families in a city, or every resident in a ZIP code, Prospecting gives you the flexibility to connect personally—at scale.

With Handwrytten handling the writing, printing, and mailing, your outreach feels authentic without taking up hours of your time.

This feature is included at no additional charge—standard and bulk Handwrytten note rates apply.

Step 1: Access Campaign Manager

Log into your Handwrytten account.
Click your name in the top-right menu and select Campaign Manager.

3. From the campaign types listed, click Select under Outbound Prospecting.

4. Then click on the Residential tab to begin your campaign.

Step 2: Define Your Target Criteria

In Campaign Manager, open the “Search By” dropdown menu to decide how you’d like to target residential households:

Address Radius – Enter an address and choose a mileage radius.
ZIP Code – Blanket an entire ZIP code.
City + State – Target all residents of a city.
Circle – Drop a pin on the map and set a radius.
Polygon – Draw a custom shape on the map to define your area.

Radii increase in ¼-mile increments for precision.

Next, refine your list with household-level filters. Each filter has its own dropdown menu so you can get as specific as you’d like:

Home Ownership Status – Homeowners, renters, or both
Household Income – $0 to $250K+
Net Worth – Less than $25K to over $1M
Home Value – Under $50K to over $2M
Length of Residency – Less than 6 months to 20+ years
Household Age – 18 years to 75+
People in Household – 1 to 9+
Children in Household – 1 to 9+
Marital Status – Single, married, or both

If you don’t select a filter, that category will include all options by default.

Calculate Targets and Set Limits

Once you’ve defined your search and filters:

Click Calculate Targets.
A Records Selected count will appear, showing how many records match your search criteria.
Use the sliding scale next to Limit to determine how many households you want to send notes to.

Important: If Records Selected shows 0 out of the available targets, you will not be able to proceed. You must adjust the sliding limit bar to select the number of recipients before continuing.

Step 3: Choose Your Card

Select a greeting card that fits your message:

Browse by category.
Use the search bar to find a specific card.
Upload a custom card you’ve created for your brand.

Step 4: Compose Your Message

Write your handwritten note just like any other Handwrytten card.

Pro Tip: Use Merge Fields (first name, last name, or household details) to make your outreach feel truly personal.

If you have a saved signature, you can add it here. Once your message looks good, click Continue.

Step 5: Choose Delivery Options and Inserts

At this stage, you can:

Include a custom insert, such as a flyer or business card.
Choose whether notes are mailed directly to households or shipped in bulk to you.

Note: Gift cards are not currently available for Residential Prospecting campaigns.

Step 6: Confirm and Add to Basket

Review your targeting criteria, card, and message one final time. When everything looks correct:

1. Click Add to Basket.

2. In your basket, you’ll see one preview of the note. All other targeted households will receive the same message with personalized details (via merge fields).

3. Once you’ve paid for your order, your campaign is officially set!

Benefits of the Residential Prospecting Tool

Highly Targeted Outreach: Reach specific households based on location, income, home value, and more.
Personal Touch at Scale: Handwritten notes make your message stand out, even when sending to hundreds of recipients.
Efficiency and Automation: Handwrytten handles writing, printing, and mailing for you, saving hours of manual work.
Better Engagement: Handwritten notes create a stronger emotional connection, improving response rates and brand perception.
Flexibility: You can refine your audience as broadly or narrowly as needed, giving full control over your campaign.

The Residential Prospecting is designed to be powerful, flexible, and easy to use—helping you reach exactly the households you want, where you want.

By combining personalization with automation, you can connect meaningfully with residents while saving time and resources. Handwritten notes rise above digital clutter, making your outreach memorable and increasing the likelihood of engagement.

Ready to see the impact for yourself? Start your first Residential Prospecting campaign today and experience how Handwrytten helps you build real connections with your community.

Learn more: If you’re also looking to target businesses and professional leads, explore our Business Prospecting Tool tutorial for step-by-step guidance.

For any questions or support, your account manager or our team is always happy to help at contact@handwrytten.com.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there an extra cost to use the Residential Prospecting Tool?
Nope! This feature is included with your Handwrytten account. You only pay standard or bulk note rates for the cards you send.

Can I target only homeowners or specific household types?
Yes! You can refine your audience using filters like home ownership, household income, age, marital status, number of children, and more.

Can I send gift cards with Residential Prospecting campaigns?
Not at this time. Gift cards are reserved for one-to-one outreach, but you can include custom inserts like flyers or business cards.

How do I avoid sending notes to households I’ve contacted before?
Simply use the “Suppress Prior Prospecting Targets” toggle. This ensures anyone you’ve previously reached is excluded from your new campaign.

Can I personalize messages for each household?
Absolutely! Use Merge Fields (first name, last name, etc.) to automatically insert personalized details into each handwritten note.

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Handwrytten Business Prospecting Tool

Ariel O'Brien — Fri, 29 Aug 2025 22:49:58 +0000

Handwrytten’s Business Prospecting Tool makes it easier than ever to send handwritten notes to your professional leads. Whether you want to target decision-makers at specific companies, prospects in a particular industry, or a curated list of contacts, this tool helps you connect personally—at scale.

With Handwrytten handling the writing, printing, and mailing, your outreach feels authentic without taking up hours of your time.

This feature is included at no additional charge—standard and bulk Handwrytten note rates apply.

How to Set Up Your Business Prospecting Campaign

Step 1: Access Campaign Manager

1. Log into your Handwrytten account.

2. Click your name in the top-right menu and select Campaign Manager.

3. From the campaign types listed, click Select under Outbound Prospecting.

4. Then click on the Business tab to begin your campaign.

Step 2: Define Your Target Audience

In Campaign Manager, open the “Search By” dropdown menu to select how you’d like to target your business contacts:

Address Radius – Enter an address and choose a mileage radius.
ZIP Code – Blanket an entire ZIP code.
City + State – Target all residents of a city.
Circle – Drop a pin on the map and set a radius.
Polygon – Draw a custom shape on the map to define your area.

Radii increase in ¼-mile increments for precision.

Next, refine your list using business-specific filters (all dropdown menus with sub-options):

Industry:

Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing & Mining
Construction
Manufacturing
Transportation, Communications, & Utilities
Wholesale Trade
Retail Trade
Financial, Insurance, & Real Estate
Services
Public Administration

Other Options:

Staff Size: 1–10,000+
Sales Volume: $1K to $1M+

If a filter is left unselected, the tool will include all options by default.

Calculate Targets and Set Limits

Once you’ve defined your search and filters:

Click Calculate Targets.
A Records Selected count will appear, showing how many records match your search criteria.
Use the sliding scale next to Limit to determine how many records you want to send notes to.

Step 3: Choose Your Card

Select a card that suits your business message:

Browse by category.
Use the search bar to find a specific card.
Upload a custom card with your branding for a professional touch.

Step 4: Compose Your Message

Write your handwritten note just like any other Handwrytten card.

Pro Tip: Use Merge Fields (first name, last name, company name) to make each note feel personalized and professional.

If you have a saved signature, add it here. When your message is ready, click Continue.

Step 5: Choose Delivery Options and Inserts

At this stage, you can:

Include a custom insert, such as a brochure, flyer, or business card.
Choose whether notes are mailed directly to recipients or shipped in bulk to your office.

Note: Gift cards are not currently available for Business Prospecting campaigns.

Step 6: Confirm and Launch

Review your targeting criteria, card, and message one final time.
Click Add to Basket.
You’ll see one preview of the note; all other contacts will receive the same message with personalized details (via merge fields).

Once you’ve processed your order, your campaign is live!

Benefits of the Business Prospecting Tool

Stand Out from Digital Outreach: Handwritten notes cut through crowded inboxes and LinkedIn messages.
Personalization at Scale: Reach dozens—or hundreds—of prospects while maintaining a personal touch.
Save Time: Handwrytten handles writing, printing, and mailing for you.
Increase Response Rates: Personal notes create stronger impressions and improve engagement.

The Business Prospecting Tool makes it easy to reach the right prospects, strengthen connections, and boost conversion potential. Unlike emails that get lost in the noise, handwritten notes stand out—leaving a genuine, lasting impression on decision-makers.

With personalization powered by automation, you can scale your outreach while keeping it human. Start your first Business Prospecting campaign today and experience how impactful handwritten notes can be. For support, your account manager and our team are always available at contact@handwrytten.com.

Pro Tip: Looking to connect with homeowners and households? Check out our Residential Prospecting Tool tutorial for step-by-step guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there an extra cost to use the Business Prospecting Tool?
No! The tool is included with your Handwrytten account. You only pay standard or bulk note rates for the cards you send.

Can I target specific industries, companies, or job titles?
Yes! You can refine your audience using filters like industry, company size, job title, and location.

Can I include inserts like brochures or flyers?
Absolutely! You can include custom inserts with your campaign to enhance your outreach.

Can I personalize messages for each contact?
Yes! Merge Fields (first name, last name, company name) automatically insert personalized details into each handwritten note.

How precise is the location targeting?
Very precise! You can use Address Radius, ZIP Code, City + State, Circle, or Polygon targeting, with radii adjustable in ¼-mile increments.

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Mastering the Art of Formal Addressing

Ariel O'Brien — Thu, 21 Aug 2025 21:19:19 +0000

A thoughtfully addressed envelope is a powerful statement. It’s the first touchpoint your guests or recipients have with your message, setting a tone of elegance, respect, and personal care. While these guidelines are often associated with wedding invitations, they apply to all forms of formal correspondence, from elegant galas and charity events to holiday cards and personal thank-you notes. This comprehensive article will guide you through the nuances of etiquette, so you can confidently achieve Mastering the Art of Formal Addressing for any special occasion.

Standard vs. Formal Addressing: When to Use Which

Mastering the Art of Formal Addressing is vital to making a positive impression. Before diving into the specifics, it’s important to understand the key difference between standard and formal addressing.

Standard Addressing is what you use for everyday mail. This includes bills, magazines, and casual letters. It is typically less rigid, often using common abbreviations for street names (St., Blvd., Ave.), states (CA, NY), and titles (Mr., Mrs.). The focus is on clarity and efficiency, ensuring the mail is delivered correctly. Example: Ms. Jane Doe, 123 Main St., Anytown, CA 90210
Formal Addressing is a more traditional and respectful style reserved for significant occasions. It emphasizes elegance and attention to detail. This style requires spelling everything out in full (Street, Boulevard, Avenue, California), using specific honorifics for all individuals, and following established rules for ordering names and addressing couples. This level of care communicates the importance of the event and the high esteem in which you hold the recipient. Example: Mr. and Mrs. Jonathan Smith, 123 Main Street, Anytown, California 90210

When to use formal addressing: For any correspondence where you want to make a lasting impression and show a high level of respect, such as wedding invitations, formal event invitations, holiday cards, and significant announcements.

The Foundation: Understanding Courtesy Titles

Courtesy titles, or “honorifics,” are the building blocks of formal addressing. Using them correctly shows that you’ve given careful thought to each recipient.

Mr: The standard title for any adult man, regardless of his marital status.

Mrs: Traditionally reserved for a married woman.

Ms: A versatile and modern title for women who are unmarried, married but keeping their maiden name, or who prefer a title that doesn’t define their marital status. When in doubt, “Ms.” is often the safest and most respectful choice.

Miss: Used for young girls and unmarried women under 18.

Mx: A contemporary, gender-neutral title for individuals who prefer not to use a gender-specific honorific. This is a personal choice, so it’s best to use it only when you know the individual’s preference.

Pro-Tip: Always use full, spelled-out names. Avoid nicknames, initials, or abbreviations. For example, use “Jonathan” instead of “Jon” and “Street” instead of “St.”

Addressing Individuals with Formal or Professional Titles

Formal titles, such as those related to a profession or military service, take precedence over standard courtesy titles.

Doctor: Use “Dr.” for anyone with a doctorate, including medical doctors, Ph.D.s, and dentists.

Clergy: Titles vary widely, but common ones include “The Reverend,” “Father,” “Rabbi,” or “Pastor.”

Military Personnel: Use their full rank (e.g., “Captain,” “Colonel,” “General”) and follow it with their full name.

Pro-Tip: If you are unsure of the correct rank or spelling of a formal title, take the time to confirm it. A small mistake can be seen as a sign of disrespect.

Addressing Couples: A Step-by-Step Guide

The way you address a couple depends on their marital status, last names, and whether they hold formal titles.

Married Couple with the Same Last Name

Traditional: The most classic and formal approach uses the husband’s full name after the “Mr. and Mrs.” title. Example: Mr. and Mrs. Michael Jones

Modern: This version lists both individuals’ first names. Example: Mr. Michael and Mrs. Sarah Jones

Same-Sex Couples: Use “The Messrs.” or “The Mmes.” followed by the shared last name, or simply list each person’s name with their title.

The Messrs. Jones
Mr. Michael Jones and Mr. Thomas Jones

Married Couple with Different Last Names

This is a common and respectful practice. Always list each person’s full name with their appropriate title. The order is often based on alphabetization of last names or personal preference. Example: Ms. Lisa Rodriguez and Mr. Michael Smith

Married Couple with Formal Titles

If one person has a professional title (e.g., a doctor), their name comes first. Example: Dr. Michael Jones and Mrs. Sarah Jones

If both have formal titles, list them by rank. If the ranks are equal or non-existent, the order is up to you.

The Doctors Michael and Sarah Jones (or Drs. Michael and Sarah Jones)
Captain Michael Jones, U.S. Army and Ms. Sarah Jones

Unmarried Couple Living Together

Traditional: You would list their names on two separate lines, without using “and.” The names are listed alphabetically by last name. Example: Ms. Jane Carter Mr. Kevin Peterson

Modern: Many hosts use “and” or an ampersand (&) to signify their committed relationship, placing the names on the same line. Example: Ms. Jane Carter & Mr. Kevin Peterson

Special Situations: Navigating Complex Cases

Divorced or Widowed Individuals

Divorced Women: A divorced woman may choose to be addressed as “Mrs.” or “Ms.” and may or may not keep her married last name. If you are unsure, “Ms.” is the safest option. Example: Mrs./Ms. Lisa Smith

Widows: A widow can continue to use her late husband’s name (e.g., Mrs. Michael Smith), or she can use her own first name (Mrs. Lisa Smith).

Addressing Families, Especially for Holiday Cards

Informal: For a friendly and less formal approach, especially for holiday cards, you can simply write “The Smith Family.”

Formal: For a more formal correspondence like a wedding invitation or a formal holiday card, you can use the parent’s full names on the outer envelope and list the children’s first names on an inner envelope or on the invitation itself.

Mr. and Mrs. Michael Jones
James and Emily

Young Adults: Children over 18 should receive their own correspondence, even if they still live at home.

Mastering the Art of Formal Addressing: Best Practices

Spell Everything Out: Avoid abbreviations for street names (“Street,” not “St.”), states (“California,” not “CA”), and cities.

Use Formal Wording: Use “and” instead of an ampersand (&) for the most formal tone.

Confirm Preferences: When in doubt about a person’s preferred title, last name, or spelling, don’t guess. A quick, discreet check can save you from a potential faux pas.

Embrace the Power of Penmanship: For a truly elegant touch, consider using a service like Handwrytten. Our innovative robotic handwriting adds a beautifully authentic, personal touch to every envelope without any of the stress or time commitment of writing by hand.

Be Mindful of the Occasion: The level of formality in your addressing should match the occasion. A wedding invitation will be more traditional than a casual Christmas card, but both benefit from thoughtful execution.

By following these principles, you will be well on your way to Mastering the Art of Formal Addressing, ensuring your correspondence is always received with the respect and admiration it deserves.

Need Help?

If you need help scheduling or planning your outreach strategy, reach out to us—we’re here to help.

Contact Support: contact@handwrytten.com

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Automate Anniversary Cards

Ariel O'Brien — Wed, 13 Aug 2025 19:04:22 +0000

Now you can Automate Anniversary Cards—not just Birthdays! Whether you’re celebrating employee milestones or customer loyalty, setting up automated cards is simple. Here’s a step-by-step guide to get you started. You can also Automate Anniversary Cards for various occasions to make your celebrations more memorable.

Navigate to the Campaign Manager

Start by logging into your Handwrytten account.

Click your name in the upper right corner.
From the dropdown menu, select Campaign Manager.
Under Birthday/Anniversaries, click the Select button to begin.

Pro Tip: You can run multiple anniversary automations at once—for example, one for clients and one for family and friends.

By using our service, you can truly Automate Anniversary Cards and make every special date unforgettable.

Add a New Automation

- Click the Add New Automation
- Select the “Anniversary Card Automation” tab to begin setup.

Don’t forget, the key to successful outreach is to Automate Anniversary Cards effectively.

Choose Your Recipients (or Set as Default)

There are two ways to define who receives this automation:

Option A: Manually Select Recipients

Scroll through your contact list and select individuals with anniversary dates saved.
Only contacts with an anniversary date in the system can be added.
To edit or add an anniversary date, click the pencil icon next to their name.

Option B: Make This Your Default Campaign

Toggle the “Default Campaign” switch in the upper-right corner.
A Default Anniversary Automation goes to all contacts with anniversary dates, except those already included in another automation.

Once you’ve made your selections, click “Continue.”

This method allows you to Automate Anniversary Cards seamlessly, ensuring no important dates are missed.

Note: If you have automation for business contacts, where you specifically selected your business contacts, and then another campaign set as Default, the Default campaign will go out to all contacts except those in the business automation.

Select An Anniversary Card

Choose a card from any category in Handwrytten’s catalog—not just anniversary cards. This includes your saved favorites, seasonal cards, and even your custom-branded cards.

When you select a card, remember you can customize it to Automate Anniversary Cards that reflect your style.

Once you find the card you’d like to use, click Select Card to proceed.

Pro Tip: You can update your selected card anytime by editing the automation—great for keeping your outreach fresh and relevant.

Write Your Message

Now, craft your anniversary note.

Use the Merge Fields dropdown to personalize your message with the recipient’s first name, last name, or company name.
You can also include your signature, if you have one uploaded.

Once your message is ready, click Continue.

Personalization enhances your message, allowing you to Automate Anniversary Cards that resonate with your recipients.

Sample Anniversary Card Messages:

Friendly: “Happy Anniversary, {{first_name}}! Wishing you love, laughter, and happiness today and always.”

Professional: “Wishing you a very happy anniversary, {{first_name}}. We appreciate your continued partnership and look forward to many more successful years together.”

Client-Focused: “{{first_name}}, happy anniversary! It’s an honor to support you year after year. Here’s to continued success and growth ahead.”

Each message you craft is a chance to automate anniversary cards and leave a lasting impact.

Finalize Your Automation

Set the final campaign details:

Set your return address.
Choose an optional insert, like a business card, gift card, or small gift item.
Set your start and end dates:
- By default, anniversary cards are sent 14 days prior to the event.
- Want it to run forever? Set the end date to “No end date”—just remember to refresh the card and message occasionally!

When everything looks good, click “Save Automation.”

Need Help?

Still have questions? Our support team is happy to walk you through the process or help troubleshoot your campaign.

Email: contact@handwrytten.com

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if a contact is added to my address book after the automation is set up?
If the contact has an anniversary date saved and the automation is set as your Default campaign, they’ll automatically be included (as long as they’re not in another anniversary campaign). If you’re using a manually selected list, you’ll need to add them manually.

What happens if the scheduled send date falls on a weekend or holiday?
If your selected send date falls on a non-processing day (like a weekend or U.S. holiday), your card will enter our queue on the next available business day.

Can I use different cards or messages for different contacts in the same automation?
Not within a single automation. Each automation uses one card design and message template. If you want different styles or messages, set up separate automations for each audience group.

Are international addresses supported in anniversary automations?
Yes, you can! With our platform, you can Automate Anniversary Cards globally, making sure no one feels left out. Keep in mind that international mail usually takes longer—often 7 to 30 business days, and delivery times can be further extended during peak holiday seasons or due to customs delays. To ensure timely arrival, we recommend scheduling your international cards well in advance.

The post Automate Anniversary Cards appeared first on Handwrytten.

How to Schedule a Handwritten Card

David — Thu, 31 Jul 2025 22:00:59 +0000

Want to make sure your card arrives right on time—whether it’s for a birthday, holiday, anniversary, or just because? With Handwrytten, you can schedule cards to be mailed days, months, or even years in advance!

Here’s how to schedule a handwritten card, step by step, plus a few pro tips to help you get the timing just right.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Log into your Handwrytten account.

Head to handwrytten.com and log in to get started.

Select your card.

Browse our wide selection of cards and choose one that fits the occasion—or the personality of the recipient.

Craft your message.

Write your personalized note. Remember, our robots write it all in real pen, so it truly looks handwritten!

Need inspiration?
Browse our message templates for birthdays, thank yous, holidays, and more. Use them as-is or tweak to make them your own—perfect if you’re feeling stuck or want a little writing guidance!

Click the “Next Step” button.

This takes you to the page where you’ll confirm delivery details and set your send date.

Set your future send date.

At the top left of the next page, look for the “Requested Send Date” field.

By default, this is set to 2 business days from today.
Click the calendar icon to select a specific future date—even months or years ahead!

Pro Tip: Scheduling cards for major holidays? Try to future-date them at least 1 week ahead to account for postal delays.

Confirm your return address and recipient info.

Double-check that everything’s accurate—you don’t want your card going on an unplanned adventure!

Pro Tip: If you’re sending to a new recipient, save their info to your address book for faster future sending.

Add a gift card (optional, but fun!).

Want to surprise them with more than just words? Select from popular retailers and include a gift card inside your note.

Add to basket.

Review your order, then click “Add to Basket.” You can add multiple future-dated cards in one order!

Proceed to checkout.

When everything’s ready, check out as usual and let us take it from there.

Understanding the “Send Date”

The “Requested Send Date” is the day your card enters our processing queue—not necessarily the date it hits the mailbox.

Once it enters our system, it goes through:

Handwriting
Quality checks
Packaging
Mailing

This usually takes 1–3 business days, excluding weekends and holidays. After that, USPS takes over.

Pro Tip: Planning for a specific delivery date? Count backwards:

Add 1–3 business days for Handwrytten processing
Then add standard USPS delivery time (typically 3–7 days for U.S. addresses, but delivery may take longer during peak holiday seasons like Thanksgiving and Christmas).
Choose your “Requested Send Date” accordingly!

So when thinking about how to schedule a handwritten card, timing is everything!

Real-Life Use Cases

Once you know how to schedule a handwritten card, the possibilities are endless:

Birthdays: Set it and forget it—future-date all your friends’ cards for the year.
Holidays: Schedule cards for Halloween, Thanksgiving, or Christmas right now and skip the December scramble.
Anniversaries: Your partner will never know you pre-planned it.
Business campaigns: Pre-schedule handwritten outreach to land exactly when it matters most.

Pro Tip: Businesses can also integrate with Handwrytten’s API to automate future sends at scale!

Final Tips for Success

You can view and edit scheduled cards in your Order History before they process.
Future-dated cards will not be mailed before the selected send date—so you’re always in control.
Consider scheduling a few “just because” cards to surprise people when they least expect it!

Now that you know how to schedule a handwritten card, you’re ready to plan thoughtful moments in advance—without the stress of remembering at the last minute.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cancel or change a scheduled card after placing my order?
Yes—if your card hasn’t started processing yet. Check your Handwrytten account under “Order History.” If you see a “Cancel” option next to your order, you can cancel it and resubmit with any changes. If the cancel option doesn’t appear, that means your order is already in processing and edits or cancellations are no longer possible.

Will the recipient see that I scheduled the card in advance?
Nope! There’s no indication on the envelope or card that it was scheduled ahead of time. It looks like you perfectly timed it all on your own.

Can I schedule cards for international delivery?
Yes, you can! Keep in mind that international mail usually takes longer—often 7 to 30 business days, and delivery times can be further extended during peak holiday seasons or due to customs delays. To ensure timely arrival, we recommend scheduling your international cards well in advance.

Can I schedule a card from the Handwrytten mobile app?
Yes! You can schedule future-dated cards using both the desktop and mobile versions of Handwrytten. The steps and calendar tools work the same way on each.

Need Help?

If you need help scheduling or planning your outreach strategy, reach out to us—we’re here to help.

Contact Support: contact@handwrytten.com

The post How to Schedule a Handwritten Card appeared first on Handwrytten.

Using Tags to Sort Your Contacts

Ariel O'Brien — Mon, 14 Jul 2025 22:02:15 +0000

Keeping your contact list organized is key to sending the right message to the right people at the right time. Whether you’re planning a client campaign, seasonal outreach, or internal employee recognition, using tags to sort your contacts makes the process smooth and efficient.

This step-by-step guide shows you how to use Handwrytten’s tagging feature to better manage your address book.

Log In

Start by logging into your Handwrytten account. Once you’re in, you’re ready to organize!

Navigate to the Address Book

Click your name in the top-right corner of the screen. From the drop-down menu, select “Address Book.”

Select Your Contacts

Choose the people you want to tag:

Select multiple contacts using checkboxes
Or click the pencil icon next to a single contact to edit

Add Tags

Tagging Multiple Contacts

Select the contacts.
Click “Add Tag.”
Type your tag (like “Holiday List” or “Clients – Q4”).
Click “Add Tag To Selected Recipients.”

Tagging a Single Contact

Click the pencil icon to edit their info.
Enter your tag in the “Enter Tag” field.
Save changes.

Pro Tip: Add more than one tag to a contact to keep your outreach flexible across campaigns.

Filter by Tag

To view groups of tagged contacts:

Go back to your Address Book.
Click the Filter icon (next to the search bar).
Click the Tag dropdown.
Select your tag and hit Apply.

Now you’ll only see contacts associated with that tag.

Pro Tip: Using tags to sort your contacts is perfect for tracking campaigns like donor outreach, new customer welcomes, or event invitations.

Why Use Tags?

Using tags to sort your contacts helps you:

Personalize messages by audience
Automate campaigns more easily
Create strategic outreach lists
Save time when prepping for holidays or launches

Industry-Specific Tagging Ideas

Real Estate

Buyers – 2025
Sellers – Spring Market
Open House Leads
First-Time Buyers
VIP Clients

Tip: Tag by transaction type and timeline to automate follow-ups post-showing, after closings, or at anniversary milestones.

Healthcare & Wellness

New Patients
Post-Surgery Check-ins
Wellness Program Participants
Referral Sources
Front Desk Staff

Tip: Use tags to maintain a personal connection beyond appointments—like birthdays, thank-yous, or get-well messages.

Retail & eCommerce

Top Spenders – Q2
Abandoned Cart Reconnect
New Subscribers
VIP Loyalty Members
Holiday Campaign – Fall

Tip: Combine tags with campaign dates to create touchpoints around launches, anniversaries, or product category interest.

Education & Nonprofits

New Donors
Monthly Donors
Board Members
Alumni – Class of 2015
Volunteer Appreciation – Summer

Tip: Seasonally tag by event (e.g. “Giving Tuesday 2025”) or program for targeted thank-yous or updates.

Corporate & B2B Services

Decision-Makers
Event Contacts – Expo West
Onboarding Clients
Inactive Clients – Q3
Anniversary – 1 Year

Tip: Use tags to support lifecycle-based outreach, like onboarding, renewals, or re-engagement.

Consumer-Based Tagging Ideas

Whether you’re sending birthday cards, thank-yous, or holiday greetings to friends and family, tagging can help you stay organized and never miss a moment.

Personal Tags

Family – Birthdays
Friends – Holidays
Kids’ Teachers
Holiday List – 2025
New Neighbors
Wedding Guests
Thank-You List

Tip: Use tags for life events like graduations, weddings, and moves—so you can send timely, thoughtful notes without scrambling for addresses.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I create tags in advance before assigning them to contacts?
No, tags are created as you assign them. Once you’ve used a tag, it becomes available in the dropdown menu for future use.

Is there a limit to how many tags I can assign to one contact?
There is no set limit—you can assign multiple tags to a single contact to keep your outreach flexible and segmented.

Can I delete or rename a tag later?
At this time, tags cannot be renamed, but you can remove them from contacts individually and apply a new one.

Will deleting a contact remove its tag from the system?
Deleting a contact removes the tag from that individual, but the tag itself will still be available for use with other contacts.

Can I export a list of contacts based on their tag?
Yes! After filtering by a tag, you can export the visible list of tagged contacts for use in reports, planning, or syncing with other systems.

Need Help?

If you need help setting up tags or planning your outreach strategy, reach out to us—we’re here to help.

Contact Support: contact@handwrytten.com

Thanks for choosing Handwrytten—and happy organizing!

The post Using Tags to Sort Your Contacts appeared first on Handwrytten.

Your Guide to Creating and Sending Custom Designs

Ariel O'Brien — Mon, 14 Jul 2025 20:56:37 +0000

With Handwrytten’s “Design Your Own Card” feature, you can turn your personal designs into real, handwritten cards. Whether you’re creating a flat 5×7 or a folded A2 card (portrait or landscape), this guide will walk you through the full process—from upload to final message.

Start Your Design

Then:

Choose your card size and orientation (flat or folded, portrait or landscape).
Upload your design file as a high-resolution JPEG or PNG (300 PPI recommended).
Do not include printer marks like trim lines, registration marks, color bars, or file names. Only upload what you want printed.

What Kind of Images Can You Use?

Your card design is completely up to you—but here are some popular ideas:

Business Branding: Company logo, branded patterns, QR code to your site
Personal Touch: Family photo, pet portrait, kid’s artwork
Seasonal Designs: Fall foliage, holiday icons, fireworks, snowflakes
Minimalist Looks: Clean typography, subtle textures, monochrome schemes
Creative Concepts: Doodles, collages, vintage postcards, watercolor art

Pro Tip: Use the full card space—but keep important details (like text or faces) within the safe zone to avoid edge trimming. We consider the safe zone 0.375” from the bleed line (0.25” along all the edges except where the cars folds). See the attached guide for safe zone and bleed dimensions.

Save Your Design

Once uploaded, click Save. This stores your card with a blank message area. You’ll find it anytime under “My Custom Cards” in your account.

Pro Tip: If you’re creating a folded card, upload your front and back designs as separate files. The system won’t accept a single file for both sides.

Add Your Message & Send

Ready to send? Go to My Custom Cards and click “Send” (or “Bulk Send” if you’re mailing many at once). From there:

Type your message
Choose handwriting style
Finalize recipient details
Complete your order

Pro Tip: You can save time by using templates for messages you send often—great for client thank-yous, holiday notes, or appointment reminders.

Design Best Practices

Use clear, high-resolution images for best print results.
Make sure your design is sized properly and includes a 0.125” bleed on all edges.
Avoid placing text or logos too close to the edges. Stay within the safe zone to ensure nothing gets cut off.
Stick with CMYK colors for accurate print results (we don’t print in RGB or Pantone).

Bonus Ideas: How to Use Custom Cards

Send a branded thank-you to new customers
Celebrate team milestones with a personalized card
Turn your artwork into a birthday card for friends and clients
Create seasonal campaigns with festive imagery
Use photos from an event or vacation to make memorable follow-ups

Need exact sizing? Check the attached Card Dimensions Guide for card sizes, bleed specs, and safe zones.

Card Customizer Quick Guide – 2025

A2 Portrait (Folded) Templates:

A2 Portrait – InDesign

A2 Portrait – Illustrator

A2 Portrait – Photoshop

A2 Landscape (Folded) Templates:

A2 Landscape – InDesign

A2 Landscape – Illustrator

A2 Landscape – Photoshop

7×5 Portrait (Flat) Templates:

7×5 Portrait – InDesign

7×5 Portrait – Illustrator

7×5 Portrait – Photoshop

5×7 Landscape (Flat) Templates:

5×7 Landscape – InDesign

5×7 Landscape – Illustrator

5×7 Landscape – Photoshop

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a character limit for headers and footers?
Yes! Headers and footers are limited to 100 characters each.

Can I edit a saved custom card design?
Yes! Saved designs can be edited. Just go to “My Custom Cards,” find the design you want to update, and click “Edit.” Make your changes, then save it as a new custom card. This allows you to preserve the original while working from an updated version.

Can I add a message directly onto my card design (instead of typing it in later)?
Not exactly. You can include written elements like headers, footers, logos, or even QR codes as part of your card design—but the main message will be handwritten by our robot friends. If you’re looking to include a fully printed message (not handwritten), reach out to our design team for options and pricing.

Can I preview how the handwritten message will look?
Yes! Once your custom design is saved and named, click “Send” under your card in My Custom Cards. You’ll then choose from our selection of handwritten fonts and preview how your message will appear inside the card before completing your order.

Can I reorder a custom card I’ve already sent?
Yes! Once you’ve created a custom card, it’s saved under your “My Custom Cards” category. You can easily go back at any time and send it again—with a new message, a new recipient, or both.

The post Your Guide to Creating and Sending Custom Designs appeared first on Handwrytten.

Template Smarter, Not Harder

David — Thu, 03 Jul 2025 22:00:16 +0000

Save time without losing the personal touch

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

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