What makes a successful business card?

A professional business card should be designed to attract and acquire new customers to your product or services.  Not only is it an advertisement, a networking and lead-generating tool, it is a visual representation of you and your business.  The bottom line is if it is not bringing you business and presenting a professional image of you and your company, it is not working.

For many people, the business card is the only marketing tool used, especially for those just starting in business.  People frequently think a business card that can be designed and printed on their home computer will be a good enough tool to get them noticed and remembered.  The truth is business cards are one of the most overlooked of all business tools.  A well-designed, professional card makes you and your business look professional; a homemade business card typically gives the impression of an amateur taking a stab at being in business.

TIPS FOR BETTER BUSINESS CARDS:

• Use a compelling image that complements what you are trying to sell. 
• Make it different enough to capture and retain attention.
• Use at least one hundred pound card stock and multiple, bright colors.
• Picture business cards with photos that stir emotion are some of the most effective, but are not appropriate for all business images.
• Use non-standard materials such as plastic or colored stock, even something out of the ordinary is bound to be kept and remembered.
• Be different with shape, such as over-sizing the card or making it in the shape of your product.
• Changing direction with a vertical card can draw extra attention.
• Cards that fold in half or tri-fold can be like mini-brochures.
• Produce multiple interesting cards that encourage people to collect them.
• Utilize a noisemaker attachment, or even a distinctive scent, but do keep in mind that many people are allergic to perfumes.
• Include all standard contact information  such as a company name, address, phone numbers, fax number, website and e-mail as well as your name and title.
• Include a logo, picture or graphic image that you will use consistently on all of your marketing materials.
• Include an advertising slogan that stimulates an emotional  response, announces a distinctive brand identity  and acts as a directory to your specific customer.
• Keep it simple with no more than a few different fonts and stay away  from unusual fonts that are hard to read.
• Use a font size large enough for people of any age to read with ease.
• Never use cards with outdated information.
• Keep information to the point and as brief as possible.
• Utilize the back of your card for product information, testimonials, a special discount or free trial of your service, a calendar or something that they will want to keep and use.

THINGS TO THINK ABOUT

• Chances are that if you are not going through a few thousand business cards a year, then you probably are not close to utilizing every  opportunity to market yourself and your business.
• If your card does not stand out when placed on a bulletin board with numerous  others, it probably isn’t good enough to be remembered.
• When you hand your card to someone, if they do not make a favorable comment about your card, it is probably not good enough to be remembered.
• When handing out a business card, always ask for one back and utilize the opportunity to follow-up within a few days, adding this new contact to your mailing or E-mail list.