A business card has been the staple of professionalism for years. It’s one of the first things to complete when setting out on a new business or career.
Business cards are meant to stand out. Their branding can make a huge first impression. The following these steps will guide you to what information should be on a business card.
1. Don’t go overboard:
A business card quickly loses its charm when it’s crammed with too much information. The card is small, so your calls to action should be precise.
The role of a business card is to make sure that a prospective or current client can get in touch with you when they need your services. Keep your description of services small and your contact information bold.
2. Offer a space for notes:
Business cards are useful tools to generate, secure, and refer business. Make sure you leave space on your business card where minor personal notes can be added.
All you need is a clean and compact space you can quickly jot down an extra note when the situation arises. Make this a personal message to the prospect. Keep this in mind when wondering what to put on the back of your business card.
3. Readability:
Fonts that are too creative and elaborate may seem impressive, but the reality is they can turn off a prospect. If the information is too hard to read, you may miss out on a new business opportunity or referral.
4. Use quality material:
Cards are inexpensive, so why scrimp on the stock and leave the wrong impression? You are missing out on an opportunity to set yourself apart from the competition. Make it impressive. For a few extra dollars, upgrade the material they are printed on as they are meant to live a long life. Business cards are generally kept in harsh environments like wallets, backpacks, purses, or even in books.
Choosing a better quality material will help your card make it through networking events and back to your prospect’s office.
5. Get creative:
With mobile phones being so ubiquitous, many people are starting to leave the business card behind and simply transferring information digitally. This is fine but following up with a card ensures they don’t forget you among their other texts.
This is your chance to stand out and make your business card useful.
Nowadays, business cards are available in designs such as USB drives, phone chargers, bottle openers, or even cheese graters! These are the same concepts as a “card,” but your prospect will see your name much more often.
6. Always Proofread:
With all the excitement of creating a new card, you may miss the most important part of the design: proofreading.
Imagine reading a business card which is supposed to be concise and correct in every manner to attract you to call, email, text, etc., and then there is a typo. Even if it is just a simple word misspelling, your prospect may be turned off. If your email or phone number is wrong, they won’t even be able to contact you! Have a third party proofread your card.
There you have it, six tips that can help you to make a catchy and useful business card. Consider hiring a professional to design your card, and we don’t mean the typesetter sitting in the corner of your local print shop. Hiring a professional designer to lay out your card is well worth the investment. Your card will have a better chance of staying in the hands and minds of your potential clients… instead of in a trash can.
