The gratitude strategy: how to write a thank-you card

If December was the season of giving then January is the season of gratitude. With the flurry of corporate gifts, collaborations, and kind gestures during the holidays, there’s no better way to acknowledge it all than with a beautifully crafted thank-you card. 

It may be tempting to send a quick email or LinkedIn message. But a physical, handwritten note carries much more weight. A survey of 2,000 American adults found that 81% consider handwritten notes more meaningful than digital messages. 

It’s a clear signal for businesses: a simple handwritten thank-you message on quality stationery can leave a lasting impression where digital communications fall short. 

If you’re wondering how to write a thank-you card that helps build stronger business relationships, here’s a simple guide.

Why thank-you notes make good business sense

Handwritten thank-you notes offer businesses an opportunity to build stronger, lasting relationships. They show attention to detail, thoughtfulness and a willingness to go the extra mile to connect. They also demonstrate the value you have for your clients, partners and team.

Make gratitude a signature part of your business. Whether you’re celebrating a successful collaboration, thanking a loyal client, or recognizing your team’s efforts, a carefully crafted note adds a personal touch that people remember. In business, that kind of thoughtful communication goes a long way.

How to write a thank-you note

A thank-you note doesn’t need to be long to make an impact. If you’re wondering how to write an on-brand thank-you card, keep reading.

1. Start with a personal greeting

Set the tone by addressing the recipient directly. This small detail immediately makes the note feel personal and intentional:

• For clients: “Dear James,” or “Hi Maya and the team at [company name],”
  
• For teams: A friendly “Hi Team,” or “To the brilliant [department name] team,” works just as well.

MOO tip: If your brand feels relaxed and conversational, a custom Notecard with a bold or playful design can add personality to even the simplest greeting.

2. Be specific and sincere 

This is the heart of your message, so take the time to get it right. Be specific about what you’re thanking them for and why it matters. 

• For clients: “Thank you for trusting us with [specific project or goal]. It’s been a pleasure to collaborate, and we’re so proud of what we’ve achieved together. Your partnership means everything.”
  
• For teams: “Thank you for your creativity, hard work and dedication throughout [busy season/project]. It made a real difference, and I’m so grateful to have such a brilliant team.”

MOO tip: With MOO’s Printfinity option, you can add a unique touch to every card in the same pack. Print one set of sleek, branded designs for clients and another with motivational messages or team-focused illustrations.

3. End on a positive note

Finish strong with a forward-looking or appreciative line that feels sincere. This ties the message together and keeps the relationship open and optimistic:

• For clients: “We’re looking forward to supporting you on even bigger goals this year.”
• For teams: “Here’s to more wins, creativity, and success in 2025!”

Choose a closing sign-off that matches your brand’s tone of voice:

• “Best regards,”
• “Warm wishes,”
• “With appreciation,”

And don’t forget to include your Business Card if it’s going to a client.

When to send a thank-you note

Timing is everything. Sending a prompt thank-you shows it’s a priority for you. Send a thank-you card after wrapping up a big project or receiving a corporate gift. They’re also a thoughtful addition to product packaging and perfect for celebrating milestones like first orders, anniversaries or new partnerships. A well-timed, handwritten card shows you care and turns a simple gesture into something they’ll remember.

Say it with the right stationery 

Words matter, but how you deliver them makes all the difference. Premium Stationery transforms a simple “thanks”  into something people want to hold onto. With MOO, you’re not limited to just thank-you cards—our range of print products suits every message and occasion:

• Thank-you cards: Make every gesture of appreciation feel premium and personal. Customize them with your logo, branding or unique designs to create cards that reflect your business perfectly.
  
• Luxe Notecards: Keep it polished and professional with custom branded notecards. Featuring double-thick paper and a beautifully tactile finish, these notecards turn every thank-you into a statement piece.
  
• Postcards: Use them as elegant packaging inserts to thank customers, send personalized follow-ups after meetings, or include quick notes that feel thoughtful. With an array of Special Finishes, you can make every postcard a little piece of your brand that people want to keep.
  
• Letterheads: Make your message stand out with premium letterheads that showcase your brand identity—perfect for formal thank-yous, client updates, or professional correspondence.
  
• Envelopes: The finishing touch to your thank-you cards, MOO’s premium envelopes are sure to make an impression before they’re even opened.  Available in a variety of colours and sizes, they’re designed to complement your cards perfectly. 

Make your “thank you” mean more with MOO

Knowing how to write a thank-you card is a simple way to stand out and show genuine appreciation. With MOO’s premium print products, you can create thoughtful thank-you notes.

MOO Business Services can help you bring your thank-you notes—and all your other print products—to life. To get started, fill out this simple form, and one of our team members will be in touch shortly.