When starting out as a new business entrepreneur, getting yourself noticed for all the right reasons can be daunting and intimidating. You want to make sure you stand out in the crowd, in front of any competitors, and have your message heard loud and clear. But with so many different marketing tools available, it can be hard task deciding which tools are right for your business.
The humble business card is a bit of an unsung hero – a traditional marketing tool that still is searched for over 90,000 times a month. A pocket-sized piece of card, it has the ability to give a great, memorable first impression of your brand.
Why do business cards work?
A humble hero can pack everything you need into just 85-90mm x 55m. The business card can pack quite the punch and here’s how:
They give the first impression of you brand
Establishing a good first impression is essential – it can often be your only chance to make an impact. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure that your business card accurately communicates your brand. You can customize your card to make it unique from the rest and to better reflect your business. Additionally, there are companies that can Test potential business cards with 100 real consumers within two hours, which may help you identify the most effective design for your business card.
They are, literally, pocket-sized
This is one of their best traits as you can always carry a stash wherever you go. This means you are always prepared should you bump into a potential new client – anyone you give one to can pop it in their pocket, purse or wallet. They will be reminded of you and your company every time they go to pay for something.
They keep things personal
Face-to-face networking adds a personal touch with business exchanges. The exchanging of business cards is a personal way to introduce yourself, and part of your brand too. Business cards can lead to real business connections.
They maintain traditional business etiquette
They may be old strategies, but traditional marketing strategies are still around for a reason – they work! With business cards at hand, you can acquire new business connections with all ages, no matter where you are.
Extra-special business cards get shared
It is worth taking time out to get brilliant business cards designed. Clever or special business cards get shared, so there is potential for online coverage here. Check out this example at Bored Panda and this at Paste Magazine.
Designing a memorable business card
Business cards need to leave an impression on a client or business connection – and a good one at that. But how do you design a card that ticks all the essential boxes?
- Less is more – the simpler the better. Don’t overcomplicate. Don’t cram too much in. Instead, use a clear font. Stick to your key information, and make it memorable.
- Think about your target market – and cater your business cards to their needs. If you have a young, party supplies business, your business cards would have a different audience to those working in B2B engineering, for example.
- You need to put all the key points of information and contact details on the cards. We recommend company name, web address, your name, email address and phone number.
- It is worth investing in a good quality card – the best thickness you can afford. A thicker card will be more hard-wearing, and less likely to crumple. If you can push for a thicker gsm or finish, it’s worth a try.
- Want even more of a luxury feel? You can upgrade your business card even further with a luxe business card options – triple-layered to 920gsm. Go even further with the use of Scodix, which helps to create tactile, memorable business cards with specialised embossing and varnishing finishes.
For more advice on business cards, visit our business cards page. To receive regular selling tips and products guides, sign up to our Print Inspiration newsletter. You’ll receive new product ideas, valuable sales strategies and other useful resources.
