Marketing with business cards is the most common form of marketing
We live in a time of digital information. The whole world is available to us through our mobile phones. In today’s digital age, with all of that information all around us, marketing with business cards may seem outdated. Giving out little cardboard rectangles with our name on them probably seems more than a bit archaic.
Why Business Cards are Still Relevant
A well-designed business card is an incredibly powerful marketing tool in the hands of an entrepreneur or business owner who knows how to use them.
They’re Affordable
One of the biggest advantages of marketing with business cards is that they’re relatively inexpensive to produce. Compared to other marketing materials like brochures or flyers, business cards are a cost-effective way to get your message in front of potential customers.
They’re Convenient
Business cards are small and easy to carry around, which makes them a convenient way to share your contact information with potential customers. Whether you’re at a networking event, trade show, or just running errands, you can easily hand out your business card and make a lasting impression.
They’re Personal
When you hand someone your business card, you’re making a personal connection with them. This can be especially valuable in today’s digital age, where so much of our communication happens online. By giving someone a physical card, you’re showing them that you’re a real person who is interested in building a relationship.
They’re Customizable
Another benefit of marketing with business cards is that they’re highly customizable. You can choose from a wide range of designs, colors, and styles to create a card that reflects your brand and personality. This can help you stand out from the competition and make a memorable impression on potential customers.
Designing Your Business
Now that we’ve covered some of the benefits of marketing with business cards, let’s talk about how to create an effective card that will help you achieve your marketing goals. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:
Link to example: 1018 – Tick ID Card – 2 Sided
Use High-Quality Materials
Because business cards are often the first impression someone will have of your brand, it’s important to use high-quality materials that will make a good impression.
The paper you use will make a big difference. The feel of the paper is the very first impression your cards will make. Be certain that you have a card stock that is of good quality paper. The card stock should be fairly stiff. The actual paper type can vary depending on the type of clients you typically have in your business.
Heavy linen, the textured, and generally very expensive-looking paper stock should be utilized when the clientele is of an above-average income or social standing. It is hard to sell high-dollar products and services with cheap paper business cards. If you have high-end customers, you simply must have high-end business cards
If your business tends to be very “Green” or Eco-Friendly, then recycled paper is an excellent choice to reinforce your position with like-minded clients. This is especially important if you sell or provide “Green” products/services. Your clients expect this and will notice if it is not there.
Keep it Simple
When it comes to marketing with business cards, less is often more. You want to make sure that your card is easy to read and understand, so avoid cluttering it with too much information or design elements. Stick to the essentials, like your name, company name, and contact information.
Make it Memorable
To stand out from the competition, you want to make sure that your business card is memorable. In keeping with the need to keep your card simple, you could add a design element that depicts your business or industry.
Link to example: 2173 – Business Card Magnet – 2 x 3-1/2
For example, if you are in the Pest Control Management business, you could have the image of 1 or more pests printed on 1 side of your business card. If you are in the HVAC business, you could have an image of an air conditioning coil or a bundle of ducts. If you are in the Plumbing business, the obvious answer would be to have an image of a water pipe or 2 on your card. The pipes could form a border on the card and there could be a leak.
For every industry, there is an image of some type that is immediately identifiable as being associated with that business. Your business card can tell people what you do before they even read it.
Include a Call to Action
Finally, it’s important to include a call to action on your business card. This might be something as simple as “Visit our website for more information,” or “Schedule a consultation today.” By including a clear next step, you’re making it easier for potential customers to act and engage with your brand.
Design FAQs
Should my picture be on my business card?
While many people are absolutely against this idea, it can be highly effective if used correctly. It is very common to see real estate business cards with a picture of the agent. Big firms know this helps to make the sale.
Though you may not realize it when marketing with business cards having your picture on your business card instills a feeling of trust in potential clients. They feel closer to you, like they know you. Clients who feel this “trust” and “relationship” are far more likely to call you or visit your website when they require your services.
There is a caveat to having your picture on your business card. It is only effective if you use a recent picture. There is a realtor in our area that has his picture printed on everything. The problem is that the picture is 25 or more years old. The realtor looks nothing like the picture that he uses. If you cannot use a recent picture, then don’t use a picture.
What about double-sided business cards?
While double-sided business cards do give you more room to say what you need, they also can become overwhelming and confusing. Double-sided printing should only be done if the entire card is clean, clear, and organized. Even then, you need to consider the fact that many people use the back of a business card for notes, phone numbers, and an array of different items that may not even be related to your business.
What about vertical business cards?
Vertical business cards are very non-traditional. If you have a vertical design versus the traditional horizontal design, will potential clients in traditional or structural businesses possibly decide that you are too “hip” for their “old school” needs?
Should you have more than 1 style of business card?
Your card is helping build your market presence. If you have 2 or more different styles of card, the market recognition will be diluted.
Maximizing Your Business Card’s Marketing Potential
Now that you have your cards, they are a valuable asset for you. When you give your card to a prospect, if you treat it like it is valuable, they will too.
How can you create that additional value?
- Always try to handwrite something specific for the person who is getting your cards. This can be another phone number, another website address, or just a looking forward to hearing from your message.
- For every business card you give out, get their business card in exchange. If they do not have a card, bring out a second of your cards, turn it over, and ask them for their name and basic contact information. Assure them that you do not send unsolicited emails.
- Don’t be shy. Give your cards to unusual prospects, from the restaurant staff to your favorite bartender. You never know where that contact information may end up.
- Marketing with business cards is a numbers game. Don’t be shy. Give them to everyone you meet, from potential clients to fellow professionals. You never know when you’ll meet someone who could benefit from your services, so always have your business cards on hand. Every week you want to have enough of your cards end up in the hands of prospects that you will earn additional income. Next week, you will do it again. If you establish this practice, your income will grow.
To view the Crownmax Business Card selections for a specific industry, please click on one of the following links: Pest Management, HVAC Plumbing, or Miscellaneous.