is using a template the best way to create a personalized announcement? For instance if i want to send announcements to 100 of my best customers and address each one individually and include 20% off on their birthdays.

I think a template is a good idea. They are usually designed by people who have a good sense of page layout, balance, etc.

If you use a Word template and create a client list in Excel, there's a way to use "mail merge" to add each person's name and birthdate to the announcement. For instructions for this, press the F1 key and search for mail merge.

Templates:

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&as_q=microsoft+word+templates&as_epq=&as_oq=&as_eq=&num=10&lr=&as_filetype=&ft=i&as_sitesearch=&as_qdr=all&as_rights=&as_occt=any&cr=&as_nlo=&as_nhi=&safe=images

Mail merge:
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&lr=&q=how+to+mail+merge+excel+word&btnG=Search

Using a template can be a great starting point for creating personalized announcements, especially when you have a large number of recipients like in your case. Here's how you can utilize a template to create personalized announcements for your best customers and include a birthday discount:

1. Choose a template: Look for a customizable announcement template that suits your needs. You can find various templates online, or you can create your own using tools like Microsoft Word, Google Docs, or email marketing software.

2. Customize the template: Start personalizing the announcement by adding placeholders or variables for individual customer details. These can include fields like their name, birthday, and unique discount code.

3. Create a customer database: Compile a list of your 100 best customers along with their details like names, birthdays, and email addresses. This can be done manually or by using an Excel spreadsheet or a CRM system.

4. Merge customer data with the template: Use a mail merge function available in most word processing software or email marketing platforms to automatically populate the template with each customer's information. This will generate a unique announcement for each recipient.

5. Include the birthday discount: Modify the template to include the 20% off discount information for each customer's upcoming birthday. You can include the discount code and instructions on how to redeem it.

6. Review and test: Double-check each generated announcement to ensure accuracy and formatting. Test sending the announcement to a few test recipients to verify that everything appears as intended.

7. Send the personalized announcements: Once you are satisfied with the personalized announcements, send them out to your best customers. You can do this manually by using email software or utilize an email marketing platform to schedule and automate the sending process.

Remember that while using a template is a helpful starting point, personalization goes beyond just addressing recipients by their name. Consider tailoring the content to their specific interests or preferences based on their previous interactions with your business.