Strategies and techniques used in marketing today have almost taken on a life of their own, especially with the use of the Internet as a substantial tool in any company’s marketing arsenal. While you are worrying about effective link placement, properly designed landing pages, lead generation, blog content, and how to increase your visitor-to-customer conversion rates, don’t forget about the often underutilized marketing tools that still pack a powerful punch.
A business card can often be the underdog of your marketing campaign, and there are several benefits to be realized by keeping an ample supply on hand for distribution. By handing out business cards to networking contacts, partners, suppliers, and other professional peers or potential clients, you are providing a physical reminder of your company’s brand to those individuals. No matter where they may be or what technology they may (or may not) have access to, your business card remains available for them to refer to when they need your name, your company’s name, or your contact information.
While “plain vanilla” business cards that contain nothing more than pertinent contact information and a company logo can serve a purpose, they are not memorable. Making your business card stand out among the hundreds of other cards that get passed around throughout the day can mean the difference between a business being directed your way or toward your competitors.
Here are several tips for creating a business card that will deliver a memorable impact when passed into the hands of those you wish to cultivate business relationships with:
1. Get Creative
Use an original design, rather than the standard rectangular business cards you see everywhere. This can be an oddly shaped card, one that has multiple parts, a “pop-up” card, or even one that is in the shape of your company’s logo or one of your products. The more unusual, the more likely it is to be remembered.
2. Use a Related Material
Have your business cards created from a material that is associated with your business. For example, if you are in the logging or timber processing business, have your business cards made from thin pieces of wood. Metal workers could have metal business cards, and musicians could have their cards made on large guitar picks.
3. Include Your Purpose
Your business card is a miniature billboard for your company, so don’t forget to include information relating to what your company’s purpose is. If you are marketing data, products, services, or ideas, be sure this information is somewhere on your business cards as a reminder for those who have them.
4. Don’t Forget the Essentials!
Always make sure your company name, your name, and your contact information (including a physical address) are included on your card. You’d be surprised how many business professionals fail to provide contact data, causing them to lose out on leads and clients because no one knows how to get in touch with them.
5. Add Your Photo
Include your photograph on your business cards. This is especially helpful if you spend a lot of time networking in person, because many people may not associate your company with you unless they have a face to go with the company name.
6. Keep it Simple
The adage “keep it simple, stupid” definitely applies to business cards as much as anything else. If your cards are too “busy” in their design, the important information gets lost in the shuffle.
Regardless of what industry you are involved in, don’t neglect the use of business card printing as a valuable tool for getting more visibility and exposure. Other marketing techniques are certainly important, but business cards are often forgotten or overlooked. They can have just as much marketing power as the rest of your strategies.
Jasmine has spent many years researching the business and business development industries. She loves sharing her research & knowledge with others.