What is Your Business Card Costing You?
Are you losing sales because your business card isn’t up to scratch? Are you winning business because your business card is causing your phone to ring off the hook? I have found at business networking events many people I meet hand over a business card they are obviously embarrassed about, almost apologising for it. It is a fascinating problem that such an inexpensive, yet widely used marketing tool can so often be overlooked. The quality of your business card speaks volumes about who you are as a person and a business. First impressions do last.
Business cards can be produced in many ways from inkjet printers, screen-printing, offset printing and laser printers. They can be printed on a variety of stocks, glossy, matte, textured and speciality papers. They can be full colour, one colour and so on. Business cards can be die-cut meaning they can be unusual shapes and sizes. But, why is all this important?
When you recognise the power and importance of the humble business card for almost every business, you will leave it to the experts to ensure you get the best possible result. It is very common for people to remember people by their business card, since the great majority of us are visual learners. You may do it yourself, when you go through your business cards to find a phone number; you associate a face to that card simply by seeing the card. Your business card communicates powerfully to the subconscious mind.
Have you ever experienced being handed a business card printed on a home printer and pre-scored business card paper? These types of cards are often produced on a basic word-processor such as Microsoft Word. Maybe they have purchased some business card templates that come with clip-art and other graphics. You know the type of card I’m talking about. What was your impression of that business when they handed it to you? Did you trust them as a reputable business?
Business cards can also be a great advertising tool. The back of your business card is the perfect place to communicate your marketing message or call to action. You could use it as a reminder card for your client’s next appointment ensuring the card is retained and your customer is regularly reminded of your brand whenever they see it in their purse or wallet. You could even upgrade your card to be a loyalty card having the business card details on one side and the loyalty program details on the other side. Loyalty cards can be printed on a plastic material for durability or simply by laminating a paper card.
If you are on a tight budget, a supplier with a range of existing business card designs can shortcut the design process saving your time and money. These can often be a great starting point and your graphic designer can modify it to suit your specific needs. These ready-made designs can make achieving professional looking business cards a quick and easy process. By the time your logo and colours are added you wouldn’t even know the business card isn’t a completely new design. Often you can also save some money by ordering matching letterheads and with comps slips when you order your business cards. This is the ideal situation because it ensures all your material matches while saving you time and money.
Creating a good impression with professionally designed and printed business cards can be the difference between winning new business and losing them to your more professional looking competitors. After all, if you present yourself with an amateur quality business card, it is only reasonable for your prospects to see you as an amateur quality business.
