One of the most important tools an entrepreneur can use is a business card. These small, inexpensive pieces of cardboard carry a lot of value. They are an incredible marketing tool, and one that every business owner must have. But, in order for their business cards to be effective, they need to be good. When designing your business cards, there are four things you must keep in mind:
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How does your card stack up against others?
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Does your card stand out?
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How much creativity has gone into the design?
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How did you implement the design?
#1. Stacking Up
When you hand out business cards to people, do they take the time to look at them, or do the simply shove them into their pockets, or even throw them away? Take note of the reactions your business cards get. If people are taking the time to look at them, then you are doing something right.
The cards you design need to make an impression, and it needs to make a statement about your business. When people are impressed with a business card, chances are that they are going to pass it on to others. This is one of the best ways to advertise, and you only have to spend a few dollars to get peoples’ attention.
#2. Standing Out
Take some business cards that you have collected and spread them out in front of you. Close your eyes for about 30 seconds, then look at the cards.
- Which ones stand out the most?
- You probably picked those that have bright colors, red in particular, images or photos, and black or colored backgrounds.
- If there were any in the pile, you likely picked the ones that were vertical rather than the traditional horizontal.
When you are designing your business cards, remember these things that really stood out for you, and try to incorporate some of them into your design. Jim Ewing, a leading print specialist from Superior Resource printing service provides a few suggestions how to make your cards stand out: “If you have a logo, make sure people will know what it says about what you do. Make sure the fonts are large enough to read and consistent, same font style. Colors depend on your industry, in my case, they “pop”, eye catching.”
#3. Creativity
Now that you have some ideas, you can start designing your own amazing business card. This is your chance to really get creative. Business cards no longer need to be little cardboard rectangles. You can use various shapes, create something that looks like trading cards with employee photos and stats, and there are even chocolate business cards that are really memorable.
- Try entertaining people with cartoons,
- or use a table or chart to show statistics.
- Three-dimensional pop-up cards are also fun.
- Try using different materials for your cards, such as leather.
- Be sure to have cards in multiple languages if you work in the international market.
- Finally, utilize the back of the card for additional info/graphics: website, bleeds, etc.
These are just a few ideas. Get creative and come up with something unique that people are going to notice and remember.
#4. Implementation
Once you have come up with the ideal design for your business card, it is time to have a bunch printed up. Don’t go with the cheapest printing company just to save a few bucks. It is true that you have to spend money to make money, and business cards are one of the best investments you can make for your business.
There are many websites you can use to print business cards, but your best bet is to work with a local printer. That way, you are showing that you support businesses in your own community. Plus, you are going to get a much more professional looking business card when you have someone actually working with you instead of simply uploading a design to a website.
Once you have your cards printed, it is time to start handing them out. Always carry some with you, and be sure to have plenty on hand when you are taking part in trade shows.
Images: ”Business Card./ Shutterstock.com“
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