It’s a beautiful and proud moment when your baby business idea turns into a legitimate company. You filed the paperwork, decided on a name, registered it, set up the website, and now set out to print business cards. But what do you need to know about marketing business cards and how to create the perfect card that reflects you and your business?
Marketing Business Cards: Pay Attention to Design and Content
Contrary to common belief, business cards are still considered important when getting the word out and building contacts. It’s a traditional means of passing down information about your business physically and tangibly. Business cards assist in creating and building your company’s professional image. They make your business seem legitimate and credible. Also, remember, not everyone has a smartphone or easy access to the internet. Here is where sharing information through a business card comes handy.
However, people can go overboard sometimes when marketing business cards. A crowded and shabby card can push customers away instead of enticing them towards your business. So what can you do to design the perfect business card?
Stick to the Basics: Keep Only Necessary Information
Keep your business card simple. Include the name, your name, phone number, email address, and 1-2 important social media links. It may seem like a good idea to mention all your social media accounts and multiple points of contact information in small font sizes, just to have it all there. However, believe us, it is not. Don’t make it harder for potential customers to read and decode content in small fonts. Even the description of the business shouldn’t be longer than a few words. If you have a tagline or slogan, that’s the way to go.
Make it Clear and Legible
You may be tempted to experiment with various fancy fonts to make your card stand out. But overdoing it can backfire. Pick a font, size, and color that is legible and not too loud. And one that is in line with your logo’s font would be a good option, too.
Market Your Contact Information
Most importantly, you want to ensure that they know exactly how to contact you. And so, include your email address and virtual or business phone number on your business cards with your email address. Since this is the way customers are going to interact with you, make the number and email address simple and not too complicated or confusing.
Place Your Logo Strategically
Your logo represents your business and potential clients will associate the logo with your company. So, it is important to place your logo on the card. It shouldn’t be too jarring. Instead, it should create the right impression. You can situate it on the top corners or the center of your card. Either way, make sure it is visible.
Utilize White Space
People often underestimate the power of white space. White space, from a design perspective, draws more attention to spaces including the text and logo. And you want potential clients to focus on these elements. So, avoid making your card too crowded. Allow white space for recipients who’d like to jot information down or make quick notes.
Design Differently for Each Profession
Now, if you’re a freelancer with different skills or have various side or part-time jobs, then you need to create different cards. Don’t advertise all your skills, jobs, qualifications on one small card. Instead, design for different audiences and highlight your skillset accordingly.
Include a Call to Action
Another thing that you may want to consider is encouraging the recipients to do something after receiving your card. You can do this by incorporating a dynamic QR code that they can scan to learn more about your company or enter some kind of promotion. Or, you could include a coupon or discount on it as well. Basically, give them incentives to participate in your business.
Don’t Forget The Back!
A lot of people intentionally or unintentionally leave the backside of the business card blank. However, this is a missed opportunity. When marketing business cards, be as creative as you can to support your company. And the back of your business card is one space where you can showcase your talent or quirkiness. For instance, if you are a photographer, you can choose to display one of your best photographs. A content or creative writer, on the other, can display their talent with words. The back should reflect what you do, who you are, and showcase your skills, if applicable.
Check out the following creative routes you can take:
- Blow up your logo and include a tag line
- Photographs
- Creative content
- Graphics for graphic designers
- QR codes that recipients can “scan for news and special offers”
- Social media links
- Maps or directions to your business
- Using a professional picture of you
- Promotions, discounts, coupons to draw attention
- Loyalty card like a stamp card where they “Buy 9, and get the 10th free”
- Add a magnet at the back so you can find a spot on their fridge!
Don’t Cheap Out on Marketing for Your Business
Marketing is essential for any business because it is the main way to let target audiences know that your business exists. Furthermore, your product or service is what they need. Putting effort into marketing business cards is a good way to get started. Use the cards to not only spread the word but make contacts and create networks with others in your industry or related fields. Have your name physically attached to your business and watch it grow!