Business Cards: The Trading Cards of Success (Part I of II)
How to Design this Powerful Marketing Tool
Business cards for success”The business card . . . is kind of an extension of yourself. It’s a little bit of giving yourself to someone else.” Ken Erdman, founder of the Business Card Museum, Erenheim, PA.
The most effective and least expensive marketing tool is literally at your fingertips. What is it? The business card. Just 3½ inches long and 2 inches wide, this small piece of cardstock packs a marketing punch when properly designed and distributed. Not only is it economical, but it’s low-tech, compact, and can have a lasting impact on those you give them to. But how can you be sure that your card will stand out while giving potential clients all the information they need?
Getting Ideas
The first thing you should do is look at other business cards. Thumb through those you have received or surf the internet to view sample cards online. Find a handful that appeal to you. What do you like about them? How do they stand out? Is the information clear and easy to find? Are there extra creative touches that you like? Maybe there’s a wow factor you’d like to incorporate on your own card. Keep these memorable business cards in mind as you design your own.
As you create the card that best represents you and your business, remember these three simple tips on business card design:
1. Make it clear
The recipient of your card should have no question as to what you do and how you can be contacted. There is critical information that should be included on every business card: your name, job title, business name, address, phone number(s), fax, email address, website URL, tagline (or slogan), product(s) and/or service(s) offered. With all this information, it’s important that the card display the information clearly. Keep fonts consistent, and remember that whatever graphic elements you want to include, content is king.
2. Make it concise
Remember, a business card is small. If you pack it with too much information, it will be cluttered and, quite possibly, illegible. If you decide to include more than what’s absolutely required, be sure it’s done in good taste and with an economy of words. And don’t trust your own judgment alone. Having designed the card yourself, you may not be objective enough to recognize flaws. Request that a second and possibly a third-party proofread the card and give honest feedback.
3. Make it unforgettable
Typically personal business cards for many professions are encouraged to be clean and minimalist. You have a bit more leeway when creating a card representing your small business. A card for your small business can be seen as an opportunity to promote your brand. The look and feel you choose should coordinate with current promotions you’re running. It should also reflect the image you want to project to potential clients. Considering all that, you should also make it stand out. Below are some creative ideas you might consider in making your business card unforgettable.
Other creative ideas
Rotarize. Create a business card the recipient can easily transfer from a wallet to a rolodex. Rotary business cards have the upraised tabs containing your business name and notches in the bottom for easy fit in a rolodex.
Make it useful. Provide information (generally on the flip-side) that many potential contacts will find useful and will frequently refer to. A popular choice is to include a calendar, but remember you want to stand out. Consider information that is accounting-related.
Include testimonials. If you’re thinking of ways to utilize the flip-side of your business card, consider including a testimonial or two.
Add incentive. Give the recipient a reason to keep and use your business card, perhaps by including some type of discount in small print.
Give it magnetic appeal. Turn your business card into a magnet. A small business will likely stick it to a filing cabinet only to be remembered when in need of your services.
Once you’ve decided how to approach your business card, start designing. And if you need a credential or two to help your card stand out, consider one of these:
UAC’s QuickBooks Specialist Designation
Become a QuickBooks Specialist and enhance your resume and your services all at the same time. By mastering the accounting software that over 80% of small businesses use, you could increase your client base by offering setup and consultation services. Not only that but you’ll help your clients prepare their data in a way that becomes even more useful to you.
