One of the most important marketing tools for your enterprise is your business card. It is a tiny "billboard"-an advertising method that must capture a potential customer's attention and then explain in a few memorable images and words the product and services your venture is offering. The cost of having business cards printed can range from $25 to several hundred dollars which can be minimized if you use pre-designed papers and desktop publishing software.
Because your business' card is often the first introduction to likely new clients, you want to make sure your card motivates people to contact you and (hopefully) purchase your services or products.
Here are some suggestions what your business card should (and should not) include:
Your card should not...
- ...be inferior quality as to the paper you use and the printing on it.
- ...have incorrect contact information such as old phone numbers, e-mail and Web site addresses, etc. Crossed out information on a business card looks "tacky" and detracts from the professional image you may want to project.
- ...have a logo or clip art that does not relate well to your business. If these do not depict the proper "image" of your business, are boring or mediocre, or give an unclear picture of the services and/or product your business is offering, then add a tagline or change the illustrations to ones more appropriate and self-explanatory.
- ...be difficult to read. Stick to 8 points or higher with your type and fonts.
- ...be too dark of a color. Dark colors inhibit people from making notations on your card about you or your business.
Your card should ...
- ...highlight a slogan, mission statement, or catch-phrase, that sets your business apart from your competitors.
- ...be memorable and (tastefully) standout with its statements, design, color, size, etc. Most cards are standard size (2 inches by 3.5 inches), however odd sizes, for example, like a bookmark (6 inches by 2.5 inches) or a folded card with important statements printed inside can be effective. Do not be afraid to use both sides for information.
- ...inform where they will purchase your product and/or services-your home office? a retail establishment? their home or place of business?
- ...include your name or a contact person and also your street address-post office boxes are often not acceptable for deliveries.
- ...be given out to anyone (and everyone!) who may be a potential customer or who could give it as a referral. Look for business card exchange opportunities at local and national business associations' functions and industry trade shows.
A well-designed business card can be a crucial factor in the continuous growth of your business!
Additional Information:
· Software for business card design:
-- Microsoft Publisher from Microsoft®
-- MyBusinessCards by MySoftware Company.
· For examples of" business cards," "fonts," "typefaces," "clip art," etc., on the Internet, type in these key words in your favorite search engines.
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