We discussed in our last post that a successful ecard is dependent on great visuals and an apt text.
It is vital to nail the message in an ecard. After all it reflects to the recipient what the user has conveyed.
Hence while writing messages keep the below pointers in mind:-
1) Identify the Sender and the Receiver
This defines the type of message that the card should include. The tone in an ecard message will differ for different relationships. When you design your ecard identify the audience you wish to target. If the card is intended to send to a friend then the language of the ecard can vary from casual to fun, whereas if it is meant for a parent it can reflect tones of respect, love and gratitude.
A classic example is Season’s Greetings ecards. While an ecard to a friend or family member includes wishes for joy, happiness and love business greetings would include formal wishes for a prosperous and successful new year.
Below is an example of an in-house Season’s Greetings> Business Greetings ecard and a Season’s Greetings> From Our Home To Yours ecard by Ashupatodia.
This is one of the reasons why 123Greetings.com offers various sub-categories. Uploading cards in specific sub-categories help cater to the target audience and thus appeal to the right group of people looking for specific content.
2) Identify the Emotion of the Sender
This will vary for different occasions. So the message should differ for Thanksgiving cards as opposed to New Year cards. The emotion on Thanksgiving would be to express gratitude to God, friends and family and to cherish all that you have. While for New Year the emotion will be to spread happiness and wishes for a brighter future. Hence the message must beautifully express these emotions. The card should be able to translate the user’s thoughts into words. This is especially important for Love ecards.
3) Use of Quotations
It is a great idea to use popular quotations in ecards to provoke a thought. However quotes should not be mistaken as wishes. They should lead the user to express more. Hence any quote must be followed by a personalized message. A quote must also mention the name of the author. Moreover only popular quotes or quotes by famous people should be used so to avoid ambiguity about the author’s credentials. After all a quote will only have an impact if it is said by someone who is widely appreciated and followed.
4) Audiences Connect to a Message woven in a Storyline
The message must engage the recipient. It should be charming and capable of kindling emotions. The recipient will always connect the message to the sender’s intentions and hence it must be beautifully displayed. Messages woven in storylines work best for ecards. For example a Christmas card, sending out wishes for a cheerful and merry Christmas can be laid around the storyline of Santa dropping presents and cheering people. Similarly, a Christmas message meant for family can be woven around a cozy house with family get-togethers.
More than writing skills, it is important to have an emotional quotient to understand user needs and provide for the same. Next week we’ll talk about visuals so keep reading!