'Tis the season for sugar plums and stalled deals. You release emails into a void darker than Black Friday, and the only thing you're collecting is OOO auto-replies. And while regular people enjoy slices of pie and seemingly endless vacation, you're enjoying a second helping of "Bah Humbug" and sweating your looming number. Sound familiar?
To help, I've pulled together holiday email templates with eye-catching subject lines and get-to-the-point messages for more opens and higher response rates -- even as your prospects have one hand in the cool whip and the other on their expanding waistline.
Plus, I've included email templates for other holidays that happen throughout the year. Let's dive in!
Happy Holidays Email Templates
1. Holiday Checklist Email Template
Having a hard time getting your prospect's attention during the holiday season? Make it easy for them to follow up on next steps with this playful holiday checklist. It's a non-pushy way to give your prospect deadlines and keep your deal on track.
Hello [Prospect name],
I know this is a busy time of year, so I made you this holiday checklist to help us stay focused, on deadline, and committed to getting your solution in place and ready to start working for you in 2018:
- [Date]: [Milestone]
- [Date]: [Milestone]
- [Date]: [Milestone]
Thanks for keeping this a priority -- even when there's turkey, pie, and presents beckoning.
Regards,
[Your name]

2. Gift Guide Email Template
It's difficult to know how to approach prospects in the early stages of the customer journey -- especially around the holidays. If it's been a while since they touched base, send this quick email to remind your prospect who you are and what you you're offering.
Hello [Prospect name],
I know it's the busy holiday season, but I wanted to say "hello" and remind you why we're such a good match. Think of each point as a small gift to yourself this year:
- [Insert prospect problem + how you can solve it] (i.e., Data entry is eating away at your time, but Company X can reduce entry time by X%.)
- [Insert product, service or feature]: [Insert reason/way it benefits your prospect] (i.e., Multi-user upload function: Kiss the days of waiting for your 10 teammates to finish uploading before you have a chance. This feature offers a solution to one of your biggest pain points.)
- [Insert budgetary fit + discount info for buying before end of year] (i.e., Our price + your budget = the perfect fit)
If you're ready to get that demo scheduled, grab some time on my calendar here: [Link to meetings tool]
Happy Holidays,
[Your name]

3. Upsell Email Template
Upsells are a smart way to pad your number. Revisit old clients and tell them about your newest suite of features, a recently released product, or fresh training opportunities.
Say "thanks" for already being a customer by offering an appropriate discount, and don't be afraid to push for a quick close. The great thing about upselling is that these deals can move faster and without much red tape.
Hello [Prospect name],
I know, I know -- there's very little as important as pie for breakfast. But this [Insert upsell] is pretty important too (and has fewer calories). Here's how it can help you finish the year strong and set you up for success in 2018:
- [Product/feature name]: [What it does and how it benefits the client]
- [Product/feature name]: [What it does and how it benefits the client]
- [Product/feature name]: [What it does and how it benefits the client]
If you'd like to learn more, grab some time on my calendar here: [Link to meetings tool]
Happy Holidays,
[Your name]

4. Discount Email Template
This time of year, many prospects are more relaxed and less formal. Capitalize on that -- when appropriate -- by sending a lighthearted email.
But if you do, make sure what's inside really is better than Mona's sweater. In other words, now's the time to offer a discount if they close before the end of the year.
Hey [Prospect name],
We've all gotten gifts we wish had never been placed on this earth. But this gift I have for you? It's not one of 'em.
If you buy anytime between now and December 31, I can offer you [insert discount]. As simple as that!
If you're interested in learning more, give me a call or schedule some time on my calendar.
And if you'd rather go with Mona's sweater and get back to me after the first of the year -- that's OK too.
Happy Holidays,
[Your name]

5. Budget Reminder Email Template
Remind prospects to make sure residual budget is spent before end of year. Many companies also spend this time planning for the new year -- and that includes budget allocation.
So let your clients know you can invoice some of their deal now and some in the new year to make things more affordable.
Hello [Prospect name],
It's that time again -- the season where residual budgets disappear on December 31, and unused funds beg to be used before being absorbed into the 2018 budget or reallocated to your nemesis team.
The good news is I can help! If you're ready to buy, I'd love to talk to you today. Simply reply to this email or book some time on my calendar here: [Link to meetings tool]
Let's put that leftover budget to work making your life easier and your boss impressed.
Happy Holidays,
[Your name]

6. Thanksgiving Email Template
This is an email you should be sending to prospects and clients year-round, but it's especially poignant this time of year.
Haven't heard from a prospect in a few weeks? Instead of hounding them with another "Haven't heard from you" email, send a simple note of thanks and see what happens.
Hello [Prospect name],
I wanted to take a moment and thank you for working with me this year. I know you have a lot of choices, and I'm grateful you've chosen to spend time getting to know me and [Company's product/service].
Happy holidays, and please let me know if I can do anything to make your life easier this season.
Regards,
[Your name]

7. Calendar Scramble Email Template
It's tempting to wait until the new year to schedule meetings, but don't. Pack your calendar with as many calls and demos as you can during the holiday season.
Remember that for many people November and December are slow months full of planning, taking stock, and catching their breath. Put their free time to good use, because January always ramps up quickly and threatens to make you old news or a back-burner priority.
Hello [Prospect name],
The holidays are upon us and our (work) calendars usually look a little lighter. Before you turn on your out of office auto-responder, I'd love to grab a few minutes of your time for that demo you asked about.
I promise, it will fit neatly between your ugly sweater team lunch and the office white elephant party. If you're interested, feel free to grab time on my calendar here: [Link to meetings tool]
Happy Holidays,
[Your name]

Holiday Email Templates for Other Holidays
8. Memorial Day
Memorial Day is often when the summer slump starts for salespeople. Prospects are on vacation, not in the mood to learn or buy something new, or are scrambling to combat the slump in their own business.
An email template that calls this out can be key to grabbing their attention and moving your business forward.
I know you're eyeing that vacation time
Hello [Prospect name],
It's officially summer and before I lose you to some well-earned vacation, I'd love to get a call scheduled to learn whether I can make your job easier -- and hopefully help you take more vacation!
You can book time on my calendar here: [Insert calendar link]
Meeting with me is a great way to kill 30 minutes before you flip your OOO on.
Regards,
[Your name]

9. Labor Day
Labor Day often signals back-to-school shopping, a return to routine, and one last push before the end of the year. Capitalize on prospects ready to learn and grow by sending a Labor Day email that welcomes them back with a little humor and understanding.
Hello [Prospect name],
The cruises are over, the beaches are closed, and there's no better time to refocus your priorities and welcome a fall full of professional growth.
I'd love to take a few moments to explain how [Your company name] can help your team meet goals faster than ever before. Book time on my calendar here: [Insert calendar link]
I hope we can connect,
[Your name]

10. Fourth of July
How can you compete with summer in full swing and prospect motivation at its annual low? A tongue-in-cheek email that points out that your prospect's open calendar and vacation senioritis is the perfect time to schedule a little time to learn more about your solution.
I likely need a firework to get your attention this week
Hello [Prospect name],
Half of the country is out of the office this week and half has their eye on grilled food and friends.
Take this opportunity to put a 30-minute meeting on your mostly empty calendar and learn how [Your company name] can help your marketing team bring in three times as many qualified leads.
I promise I'll let you go in plenty of time to get to your first BBQ of the weekend!
Regards,
[Your name]

11. New Years
Many of us wait for that sacred week at the end of every year. We clean out our inbox. We organize a year's-worth of Google Docs. We savor our coffee and bask in a quiet office.
Reach out to your prospects who are doing this too. Make the most of that quiet week of recharge and refocus, and move your deal forward.
A toast to no one being in the office
Hello [Prospect name],
If you're like me, you're making the most of this quiet week at the office. I'd love to talk to you about how you can start the year with a bigger bang than ever before.
I've got some ideas I'd love to run by you. Grab some time on my calendar here: [Insert calendar link]
Regards,
[Your name]

You never know who's celebrating a certain holiday and who's not, so here's a little advice to follow -- when in doubt.
The holidays don't have to mean stalled deals and no commission. Be proactive this year, and use these email templates to make your prospects smile and your bottom line full of the holiday spirit.
