In this age of digital this, and technology that, when it comes down to it, there is very little to beat the business card for effective and economical promotion. It is quick, easy and efficient and will repay you many times over for its cost. Here are some tips to help you make the most out of each and every business card you hand out.
? Don't leave home without them.
? Keep a supply in your car glovebox and in your wallet or purse.
? Order in large quantities, making the per card cost substantially less.
? Ensure your business card bears every possible way to contact you, including landline, and even a map (on the back) if you are difficult to locate.
? A tagline or slogan is essential. Encapsulate your work in a brief, catchy but simple phrase and make sure it goes onto your card.
? Consider having your business card in magnet form. Magnets are widely used and even collected. They will often be used on the refrigerator door or filing cabinets at work and as such will be read many times over.
? Prior to designing your business card, collect them from everywhere you can. These will give you ideas for your own card, and you will see clearly what works and what does not.
? Even if you are working with a tight budget, it is wise to avoid using standard clipart to create a business logo. A logo brings with it brand awareness and today there are online companies who will produce a professional logo for you for as little as $100.
? Consider it essential to have a website on your business card. If you do not have a URL mentioned on your card, many people will notice it, and you risk losing credibility.
? Make absolutely sure that all the information contained on your business card is current and accurate, without any typos. If you change address or telephone number, don't simply write the new details over the old, to look professional it is a must to get new cards.
? As with most things, simplicity is the key. Don't use too many colors or fonts when designing your business card -- don't cram on too much information. Make sure that your slogan or tagline is prominent.
? Ensure that your business card reflects your business and your image to its best advantage. Ensure your color scheme and fonts are appropriate. Startling psychedelic colours on a lawyers card would be completely inappropriate.
? Be sure that your business card is easy to read. Light background with dark text works best. After your company logo, your name should be the largest text on your card.
? Don't make the mistake of cramming so much information on your card that the font has to be tiny and the print then becomes impossible to read.
? Proof read the copy for your business cards at least three times. Let someone you trust also proofread it to ensure there are no mistakes.
? Pin your business card on free notice boards in supermarkets, schools, libraries and anywhere else you can think of.
? The back of the business card can be used for a map if your location is difficult to find or for a translation if your clients speak another language.
? Use your business card as an attachment to emails, by scanning it to your computer.
? Make sure that you do not give out business cards which are damaged, bent or torn. Keep them in good condition.
? Find a way to make sure that your business cards stand out. I have seen business cards cut into an oval shape, and even with the four corners cut off. These made the cards unique and memorable.
? If you have a mobile phone number or a direct phone number that is not listed in your business card, write it at the back of your card before handing it out, and tell your prospects that you are giving them your direct number. This will make your card more important, and less likely to be lost or thrown out.
A business card is effective precisely because of what it contains: contact information in a convenient form. On that card is everything they need to know: name, contact number and/or email and the name of the business. If there is a web address listed, this means that a potential customer can contact a business or get more information at any time.
Almost no one has one of those fabled photographic memories. You may want nothing more than to do business with someone who you have met, but forget the name of the business or the person whose business it is. You might write yourself a note, but these are easily lost or if not, it can be difficult to remember what the note is about several weeks later.
However, if this person has given you a business card, all of this relevant information would be in one convenient place with the back of the card being a good place to put notes. This is also far less likely to be lost than a note or one's own memory.
Many tend to put cards in their wallets or purse and hang on to them for some time, which can help the business whose card it is have a better chance of eventually making a sale. Every time the person to whom it has been given sees the card, they will have the business fresh in their mind again and may perhaps make a purchase, or even spread the word to someone else.
You can make your card more likely to be kept and referred to again and again by adding some sort of value to the card such as a calendar on the back or making your business card a magnet.
A business card only gets results when you use it though. You need to get your cards into the hands of people who may be interested in your business. Keep your cards with you at all times; you never know when you might run into someone who is a potential customer.
Business cards can also be placed on bulletin boards, community centers, libraries and other public places where they can be seen by the public. Put business cards in all of your outgoing mail, including bills. This can help you get leads.
Everyone who has a business should have business cards. Cards can be a great lead generation method and give your business a more professional image.
Both Jeremy Duboys & Robert Williams 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.
Jeremy Duboys has sinced written about articles on various topics from Business Cards, Online Marketing. . One of the leading business stationery websites on the internet today. For more business related articles please take a look at his jou. Jeremy Duboys's top article generates over 1600 views. to your Favourites.
Robert Williams has sinced written about articles on various topics from Web Development, Affiliate Programs and Fundraising. Robert Paul Williams is the Editor of Work At Home Business Website. Come Browse Our Free Article Library. Stay Informed with the Latest. Robert Williams's top article generates over 90500 views. to your Favourites.