One of the most powerful tools you can use to promote your business are professionally designed business cards, which mention your name, contact information, company details and, if you have one, your website. While the first question that arises when designing a business card is what exactly to put on it, you don't have to limit yourself to the front. The back of the card doubles the available advertising space, allowing you to supercharge your business card. The print shop may well give you a special price to have something printed on that side as well.

What to put on the back of your business card? There are many options. On some cards you will find advertising which has nothing to do with the company the card is from. More likely it is the name of a printing company that offers to print a number of cards for free, and as compensation prints its own name on the back of your card. Think carefully before deciding to go for such cards, as it might have an unwanted effect on your company's image. The person receiving your card might get confused by this unknown name, or, if he or she knows it is a free card, might regard it as rather unprofessional, and you as a cheapskate.

There are many useful things you could do with the back of the card. For example, if your office is not that easy to find, print an area map on it indicating your address with a pictogram, much like you find on the back of cards from restaurants and hotels. Nothing is more frustrating for your business contacts to drive around in circles in unknown territory, looking for a difficult to find location.

Another thing to consider is translating the text on the front of your card into your target markets language. For example if your company is located in a country where English is not the main language, have your card translated and put the translation on the back of the card. Even if your business partner speaks English fluently, it will always be appreciated to see the information in his or her own language and it will show that you have an eye for detail. In Arab countries for example it is common to have business cards printed on both sides, one in English and the other in Arabic.

If your company forms part of a group, you could mention the names of the other companies on the back of your card. This could be complete details, or just an internet address. A way to ensure that your card will remain in your business partner's wallet is by placing important telephone numbers on the back, such as police, fire department, ambulance and hospital. Or what about a small calendar? Very handy if your prospective client forgets the agenda or just needs a quick reminder. Whenever he or she looks at the calendar, it will be a reminder of you and your company, and that will keep you in the picture.

As you see, a business card can be much more than a small card with your name and company details on it. It is a powerful marketing tool, offering you the opportunity to double your efforts to snag a potential client.