The first thing businesses do when they startup is to get business cards. It’s one of the most inexpensive and powerful, and necessary, marketing devices used. Here are 26 tips to keep in mind as you create and distribute your custom business card.
Creation Tips
1. Include a tagline. A tagline is your slogan. It should be short, sweet and clear. Other than your name and contact info, this will help people remember you.
2. Place a large order. You’ll save money by ordering in larger quantities. Just make sure you really love your business card design and you don’t plan on moving or changing your phone number any time soon! You’ll get cheap business cards, but not cheap-looking business cards.
3. Use a business card printing service. Even if you can print your cards at home using a desktop printer, it’s best to use a professional printer. Your color business cards will look more saturated and you’ll just plain look more professional.
4. Don’t use clip art. Use your logo on your business card. Don’t use clip art as your logo. Your logo is a reflection of your product and your company, so don’t skimp on your logo design. Don’t use clip art to be cute or to reflect your product; it just doesn’t look professional.
5. Include your Web site and email address. You should have both of these. You can get both for free, so there’s no excuse not to have one.
6. Keep it simple. Don’t clutter it with too much information. Use a simple font that’s easy to read and a pleasant, balanced layout.
7. Reflect your image. If you are in a creative profession, it’s okay to use funky colors or fonts. If you’re a banker, use traditional fonts and images.
8. Add some texture. Ask a business card printing shop if they have any stock that is especially thick, or has some ridges flowing through it. Anything that feels different from the usual business card stock will work to make your business card stand out.
9. If you have color business cards, use contrasting colors. Dark blue on light blue stock doesn’t show up too well. Use a light background and a strong contrasting color for your text.
10. Prioritize your space. Your logo should be the biggest thing on your card. Your name should be the next biggest item.
11. Ensure it’s readable. Use a clear, simple font that is big enough to be readable. You don’t want people reaching for their reading glasses just to figure out what your name is.
12. Proofread. Make sure there are no spelling or grammatical mistakes in your card. Cheap business cards have mistakes and mistakes lead people to wonder what else you can’t do right.
13. Use the back of the card. Don’t forget about the back! Use that space for special offers or more information about you or your product.
14. Make it valuable. Use the back of your card by printing valuable information on it. Print important phone numbers (police, hospitals) or a calendar on the back.
15. Use logos of organizations that you belong to. This builds credibility. For example, if you are a Public Relations professional, using the logo of the Public Relations Society of America on your business card will impress people and show you are serious about your work. You need to check with these organizations first to see if this is an option for you.
Distribution Tips
16. Always have some business cards with you. You never know when you might need them. Keep some in your wallet, in your house and in your car.
17. Leave them on community boards. Hang them up right next to flyers and brochures that are on the boards. Your custom business card should garner some attention amongst the rest of the ads by its great design and by hanging it at eye level.
18. When you give someone your card, give multiples. This way your contacts can pass your card on to their contacts.
19. Include a business card in all packaging. When you send a letter or deliver a product, include a card in the envelope or box.
20. Scan it and send it through email.
21. Let your business card do double duty. If you design it right, you can use your card as an ad in the newspaper. All the newspaper has to do is scan the card.
22. Ask people what they do for a living. Most people will reciprocate by asking what you do. This is the perfect and most logical time to give them your card.
23. Handwrite your cell phone number on your card. Do this right before you give your card to your prospect. Tell them that you’re giving them your direct line. They’ll feel more special and will be more apt to keep your card.
24. Give your business card face up.
25. Translate your business card. Use the back to translate your business card information into the language of wherever you’ll be conducting business. Even if people can read both languages, they’ll appreciate the gesture.
26. Make your card a magnet. Literally. People love free magnets and have them all over their fridge. You’ll be in a spot where people will see your business card at least three times a day.
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