Although many marketers now rely on innovative strategies, the business card still plays a key role in marketing. You might be surprised to learn that a small and cost-effective business card is an essential part of any successful marketing plan.
Even in a world of smartphones and innovative digital devices, a business card has a key advantage in that it creates an opportunity for face-to-face time with prospects. A business card is designed to include company and contact information, but it also allows you to talk to people on a personal level. For that reason alone, a well-designed business card will never go out of style, nor will modern networking tools replace it.
In marketing, digital tools are valuable, but they miss the human factor. A properly designed business card is an extension of you and your company. While the card relays brief information about your company, you have a chance to speak to prospects in person, which opens doors to explain in detail what your company does and how it benefits them. Prospects are provided with powerful and compelling information.
The design of a business card speaks volumes about the professionalism of your company. Based on the design alone, the card that you hand out will either create a positive or negative impression about your company and you. Business cards deserve special attention. For cards that send out the right message and to find a great printing partner, consider the tips for designing an effective business card provided below.
Helpful Design Tips
For starters, consider the style of a business card that best represents your industry or brand. Ultimately, the style that you choose should support a professional image of the company and you.
You also need to select the best printing company. Fortunately, you have many exciting options worth considering. If you continually network, there is a good chance that you know people qualified to design extraordinary business cards or those who maintain stock images and templates.
Typically, the best course of action involves choosing a professional company so that the design conveys the right message. Even if you have experience designing business cards, you might want to enlist a professional’s help for assistance.
In choosing the best design, remember that there are many unique types of business cards. For example, a basic card usually is printed in black ink against a white or off-white background. If you prefer a clean and classic type of business card, this is an excellent choice.
There are also picture business cards. These cards include a photograph, perhaps of the company or of yourself. The benefit is that this style of the card creates a personal connection between you and the prospect. When a photo of yourself is incorporated, prospects will quickly recognize you the next time the two of you come into contact. To stand out from the competition, you can choose a business card with an image of the product and/or service offered by your company.
Tactile business cards are yet another possibility for distinguishing your company from others. Depending on the exact style chosen, the card is embellished with folds, an unusual shape, or embossing, or perhaps it is made from a nonstandard type of material. Although this style of a business card is typically more expensive, the investment pays off.
You should look at multipurpose business cards for something that offers more than just your company’s name and contact information. The front looks like a traditional business card, while the backside serves as a discount coupon, appointment reminder, or another important purpose. You can even have a map leading to your business from a major highway or road added.
What Every Business Card Should Include
Effective business cards have the right design, but they also provide valuable information. Examples of information that should be included on every business card include:
- Logo/Tagline – As an extension of your brand, your business card should include both a company logo and tagline.
- Your Name/Position – In addition to your name, be sure to include your position within the company.
- Contact Information – The primary goal of handing out business cards is to provide prospects with information on reaching you. Therefore, always include business-related contact information only.
- Profiles on Social Media – Because we live in a digital age, it is imperative that you include your company’s social media profiles. Instead of providing every profile, choose those on the biggest platforms, including Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn. When meeting in person, you have the opportunity to provide additional social media information.
- White Space – If a business card appears cluttered, prospects will lose interest or pass over critical information. Therefore, be sure your business card includes some white space.
When the time comes to order your new business cards, you need to factor in a few things. You want to consider the weight of the product being shipped. Although most business cards are printed on 80-pound cover stock, there are other options. Therefore, speak to the printer before placing the order.
The finish of the business card is another factor. Smooth and linen are among the top choices. Of the two, smooth is often the preferred finish. There is also the factor of color. Although black-and-white business cards are common, the professional printer you choose will offer many other color choices.
You want to consider the number of business cards ordered, as well. Even if you will never use a significant number of cards, placing a larger order ensures consistency. It also costs less than if you order just one box.
Selecting the Best Business Card Printer
After deciding on the style, paper stock, color, graphics, and finish, you need to place an order to have the business cards printed. For this, you have multiple options. One of the most convenient involves working with a local printer. In addition to being more accessible, a local printing company offers in-person transactions. There is also online printing, which is often a more cost-effective solution.
Regardless if you decide to work with a brick-and-mortar business or choose an online printing company, make sure that you research several options before narrowing your choice to just one. As part of this, request quotes, look at the quality of business cards produced and check the company out through organizations like the Better Business Bureau.
Among the most popular printers in the United States are companies like JukeBox, VistaPrint, GotPrint, Overnight Prints, and Moo that do exceptional work. Lasertryk is an outstanding choice for European customers, with services offered in Denmark, Norway, and Sweden.
In building a successful marketing plan, you never want to overlook the value of business cards. Not only are they used by business people, but it is also common to find high-profile individuals carrying business cards around. Regardless of your business’s industry or niche, handing out business cards to prospects is a great way to introduce you and your brand.
