Your business card is one of the most important marketing tools you have. It's often the first thing potential clients and customers see, and it can make a big impression.
In many ways, it is a statement about who you are and what you do. That's why it's important to make sure your business card is well-designed, informative, and reflects your professionalism.
With the availability of online graphics tools like Canva, tweaking your business card design has never been easier or faster. And with so many low-cost printing options available, there is no excuse for using an old business card that doesn't represent you and your business in the best light.
Here are some tips for creating a better business card:
- Include all of your contact information. This includes your name, title, company name, phone number, email address, and website. In short, everything you want your connections to know. While it is no longer necessary to include a street or mailing address, I recommend it when possible.
- Make it readable. Print that is too small means your card is unreadable. But small print isn't the only issue; I've seen "arty" business cards that make no sense in terms of layout and copy, so unless you ARE Pablo Picasso, make your card easy to read and not a visual challenge.
- Make it look professional, not like a craft project. For example, unless there is a legitimate reason to hand-letter your business cards (such as you are ten years old, or your business is all about hand-lettering) or you’re thinking about doing anything else that is "crafty," don't. Not only is it probably a waste of your time, it looks both juvenile and terminally unprofessional.
- Include your photo. Photos are great on business cards, because they are visually arresting, help people recognize you, and because your face (in a photo) is an implied guarantee, especially for big-ticket items (now you know why most real estate agents have their photos on their business cards). Just be sure to use a current photo; save the dated glamour shots for private use.
- Use both the front and back. Have you ever noticed that when we get a card or a letter, the first thing we do is look at the back? I guess we all want to see what's behind Door #2. Take advantage of that behavior by including more information on the back of your card, such as a Top 10 list, a quote, or a call to action for your special offer.
- Include a call to action. Tell people what you want them to do after they receive your business card. Do you want them to visit your website? Contact you for more information? Sign up for your newsletter? Download your handy checklist? Tell them so, and give them a link to make it happen.
- Use a QR code. A QR code is a scannable code that can be used to direct people to your website, social media pages, or other online content, or your contact information.
- Keep your cards up-to-date. Make sure your business card always includes your current contact information. If you move or change jobs, be sure to update your cards as soon as possible.
- Give them away freely -- over and over again! Please don't be stingy with your business cards. While you should not force your cards on people who don't want them, you do not need to "qualify" each recipient of your business card. Remember: Just because someone isn't a prospect now doesn't mean that they might not pass on your card to someone who is a good prospect for you.
By following these tips, you can create a business card that will help you build your brand and attract new customers.
How to Optimize Your Business Card © 2002-23 Veronika Noize. All rights reserved.
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