MY TOP TEN BUSINESS CARD TIPS:
As I do lots of networking I pick up 40-50 Business Cards a week : some good: some bad. I would never give critiques about those passed to me: but as I work for a print company, people who have ordered them from a certain online company often make excuses for them:”I was in a rush and just ordered them off *****print”,”I’ll get proper ones later” or even: “it’s just a business card after all!” In my opinion this amazingly cost effective tool is one of your most important investments: when I filter through the cards I receive I’ll remember those that stand out: not generic flimsy cards: here are my tips for what they’re worth:
1. Have them designed by a graphic designer: you may bake a great cake, cut hair to Sassoon standard or be an amazing accountant: but please leave design to a professional !
2. Keep short and sweet: it’s a means to contact you not a brochure! I had a business “guru” tell me I should list my products on the back: what, 30 core products on an 8 x 5cm card? (By the way, said guru had a free generic card from aforementioned online site). Best avoid folded cards too: they never close properly and try too hard to be a mini brochure: list your services on your website and use the card to draw them to it
3. If you have bought a domain name for God’s Sake invest a whopping ￡3-￡5 in a matching email address: e.g. If domain is www.jimmyshair.com get [email protected] rather than using something like [email protected] or yahoo.com: the company from whom you bought domain can supply this sometimes for free
4. Add social media addresses e.g. Twitter: @AndyC maybe using logo instead of the word "twitter"
5. If you can, use a proper landline number for your business: you can also buy an 0844 or 0800 to divert to your mobile: looks so much more professional
6. Get a proper logo designed : you need this from the start : it’s your brand: your identity!
7. Good quality cards don’t cost much ( we do 500 on heavy 400gsm Matt laminated for ￡45) : remember this is your First and maybe ONLY impression
8. Don’t get those little mini cards offered by some online companies: they’re a 1/3rd the size of a normal card: it may seem “cute and quirky” : it’s also amazingly easy to lose and hardly practical
9. It’s better value to order more at a time: you may be thinking “he would say that!” But we actually would earn more if everyone ordered 50 every time: don’t order 50 if you network a lot and will have to order more next week! Order 500: so much better value : similarly if you have multiple staff members : ask if anyone else needs cards next time you run out: they’re cheaper if ordered together!
10. Make your business card interactive : why not add a QR code with a link to your contact info on website or with a Link to a V Card ? Your recipient can scan with smart phone and have your info in their contacts instantly
I hope this hasn’t come across as cheeky or arrogant: just a printer’s honest advice. For any advice on any of the above: contact me by emailing : [email protected]
Cheers...