Make your Business Card Work for You
Business cards are powerful things – when used correctly. Here are a few tips:
1. Don't write a novel on your card
Keep your card short and simple. Leave the detailed business plan for your brochure and website. We recently received a brief from a company who wanted to publish this information on the back of their card:
Our suggestion? Simplify the back with one strong visual and a suitable tagline:
2. Explain what you do
As a start up, make sure your card gives an instant and clear impression of your services. Be sure to include a descriptive slogan, short list of services or explanatory visual (especially if your company name is nondescript). Publish your web address so they can find out more.
3. Use the back
Maximise the "real estate" on your card by using both sides. Don’t let the looming threat of a one-sided CD wallet (gasp!) hold you back. Here are a few ideas:
• Include a graphic and slogan that communicates what you do, or
• If you provide a location-based service (eg. hair salon or dentist), include a map to your venue
• Let the back of your card double up as an appointment card (if you are a therapist
or psychologist)
• Publish the back of your card in another language, if translation is your forte
• Devise a loyalty program that will entice people to hold onto your card (relevant for DVD outlets
and smoothie shops, for example)
• If you are a yoga or dance studio, be sure to include a schedule of your classes for quick
reference
• Publish a few interesting facts and statistics (if you are a research analyst or consultant)
• Chef or cooking instructor? Print a trademark recipe.
... the possibilities are endless!
4. Make sure it stands out
There are many creative ways to make your business card stand out. We recently met a dynamic payslip organization, who wanted their business card to resemble a typical payslip in look and feel. Users have to tear off the perforated edges to access the person's contact details:
This sort of interactivity ensures your card is memorable.
5. Have your card with you at all times
Now that you’ve got your snazzy card, make sure to have some handy wherever you go – keep a stash in your wallet, your business folder, your hand bag and your desk drawer. Even put a small stack in your glove compartment and gym bag for those chance encounters. Sending a parcel or letter to a new client? Include a business card with that comp slip.
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