When I started my business getting my business cards created was quite a time consuming activity. I like plain and simple business cards on good quality card – when I showed my sister she told me in a kind and supportive way that it was…well a bit boring! So I went back to the drawing board and my designer came up with another option. My sister’s response this time was “Look it’s ok; you can change it later”. My sister is extremely creative and she showed me some brilliant designs but at the time I didn’t have the courage to take the bold steps she was suggesting. I am pleased with my cards and maybe I would consider being a bit bolder in future. However, this whole process got me thinking about how important business cards are as they are among the marketing tools that entrepreneurs and SMEs use most often. Your card says a lot about you and also your creativity, the one thing you don’t want to do is blend into the background and when someone looks at your card you want it to help them remember you. Below are the points you should take into consideration when working with your designer to get the right business card for you.
- Get an expert to design your card – all too often business owners try their hand at designing or modifying their business cards because they think it’s an easy job, seldom does it look good. A designer has had years of experience and in most cases undertaken a 3-year graphic design course. Talk to your designer and tell them your ideas/concerns, together you will get the right design for your business.
- Have a look at your competition and what their business cards look like – you want to make sure that you are different and not just another ‘me too’. By undertaking some competitive research and sharing this with your designer you will help them to present ideas that will make your business card stand out from the crowd.
- Choose a good stock paper to print your cards on. If it’s too flimsy the card will not feel substantial or pleasing to the touch. Good quality cards are normally printed on a paper weight of 400 gsm.
- Your business card should clearly tell the reader what your business does. If it’s not clear from the name of your business then include a supporting strap line or wording. This can also have the added benefit of serving as a powerful key message that tells clients why they should do business with you.
- The worse card I ever saw was one that was cluttered with information and key messages; it had too much going on and looked very busy. You don’t want to skimp on the information but you only want what is necessary. Keeping your card legible, simple and original will make it effective.
- Don’t forget about the new technology that’s around like ‘Augmented Reality’, ‘Bliper’ and ‘QR codes’. All of this can bring your business card to life and give the holder of the card a host of extra information about you and your business. This new technology is taking time to get off the ground but if you start researching it now you could be ahead of your competitors.
- Finally, always remember to keep a supply of business cards on you at all time – there is no point keeping them in the box and you never know when someone might ask for one.
If you ensure your business cards achieve the above then you will be safe in the knowledge that potential clients know what you stand for, what you do and who you are.
