Custom business cards are very important whether you're running a business or looking for a job. Handing them out is one of the best ways to sell yourself and the services you have to offer. And since they are the very first things that your target clients get to see, your full color business cards then tell of who you are, what you can do, what you have to offer, and how serious you are in marketing your business.
However, most business cards have not been maximized to their full potential. Businesses and individuals often forget to use these very powerful marketing tools because they keep coming back to what is traditional and conventional. More than carrying your company name and contact information, your are flexible and can be used for different purposes.
As a marketing piece? Other than having your contact information and your name, your full color business cards can be used to carry a marketing strategy in that small piece of paper. Your cards would have more chances of being kept by your target clients when you use it as a loyalty card for example. Include a tag line like ?call us and you'll get a 10% discount on your first service?. Or do it like a frequent buyer card. Every time your clients go to your store to purchase a product, you put a stamp at the back. At a certain number of stamps, your client can avail of additional discount or a freebie on their next purchase.
As a survey form? Your custom business cards can be used to get feedback from your target clients. Every time you hand out a business card, ask your client to fill up the survey form at the back of the card. You can then tell them that they can receive a free gift or a discount when they return the filled up card to your store. When they visit your shop, you can hand them a new one so they can keep your contact information when they later need your service.
As a hang tag? are great substitutes for nametags, hang tags, and even gift cards. You can also use it as a ticket to an event you've organized. Not only are you handing out your contact information; you're also giving value to your clients with your business cards.
As a personal message? A business card adds that personal touch whenever you hand it out to a target client. It's a special representation of you that each time you hand one out means that you're also giving away a piece of yourself to your target clients.
As a referral card? Business cards are often made to give out to prospective clients so they in turn can hand them out to another potential client. Your clients, especially those that are loyal to you, can refer you to other people they know who have a need for your type of service.
The point: Your are more than just means to disseminate your contact information. It can be a powerful marketing tool that shows your target clients that you are open for business. Whether you're landing a job or marketing your business, a good business card can achieve more than what you have set out to do when you first created your cards.
First, let us examine what a logo means to the business. A logo is a graphic representation of what the business stands for. Every business has a mission statement and a vision. How do we communicate these messages to our customers? There are many different ways to do so but obviously, a logo is a very effective way. How can a logo communicate such strong messages?
A logo becomes a communication medium when it is used in print. Chances are, you will want to get your logo printed on invoices, work orders, purchase orders, office stationery, and publish your logo on your communication channels such as websites, brochures, etc. Your logo will be everywhere, telling everyone what you and your business stands for. People will see your logo, and depending on how well the logo is designed, they may or may not remember you. So it's the responsibility of the business owner to create an outstanding logo that will cause a long lasting impression.
What is an outstanding logo? An outstanding logo will communicate visually to the viewer two or three strong messages. For example, if you have a human resource business that focuses on hiring excellent IT managers, you may want something related to IT (like a monitor or a mouse) on your logo. But this is just a simplistic example. A professional custom logo designer will be able to guide you and serve your needs better because everyone has different needs. Your business is unique, and so should your logo. Anyone who goes for a cheesy looking logo that comes pre-packaged with a few thousand other logos are not going to leave a professional impression.
Image, reputation and impression are what counts. And the image of the business are often built based on how others perceive anything related to you or your business. If you have a logo with wrong colors, send the wrong messages, chances are that your potential clients will jump to the wrong conclusion and assume that you are going to something wrong for them as well. So take the time to choose a professional graphic designer to create a custom logo. There's no two way about it. Besides, it's a one time effort. Create a professional logo one-time, and reap the benefits over and over again during the lifetime of your business.
People will look at your logo and talk about your logo. Sometimes, they do so out of boredom. But for whatever reason, it's the perfect opportunity for you to tell them more about your business. You may say something like, "My logo is designed like this because my business deal with product ABC and deliver XYZ. This graphic here stands for..." You get the idea.
So there's no denying the fact that having a professionally designed custom logo will definitely have a huge impact on your business. Work on your logo as if your life depended on it. Create a logo that represents the high quality work that you're going to deliver, build more trust among your clients, and fly it high and proud.
Both Kate Manheaven & Gen Wright are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.