What makes a good business card?
It’s all about how your card prompts the recipient into contacting you. A clean, clear design shows that you care about appearance and immediately sends out a professional vibe.
Most important, your card must clearly show your contact details. That’s the priority. It’s a no-brainer, but you’d be surprised how many cards hide the contact info behind some over-done colour scheme or illegible wording.
Size deserves a mention too. If your card doesn’t fit into a holder or wallet it won’t be kept.
Your business card is one of your most important marketing tools, especially as you start your business because of your shoestring budget.
You can start networking before you even start your business, but if you don’t have a business card then nobody can follow through.
Here are some tips to consider:
• Don’t cut corners and buy business cards that are thin and flimsy. 400 gsm (thickness of paper) is the minimum these days and .5mm is good for plastic cards.
• Include a logo, picture or image that you plan to use consistently on all of your marketing material. Start building your brand.
• Include all of your contact information including social media accounts. It makes you look available and up-to-date.
• Why not double the amount of information you can share with your contacts? Even something as simple as an appointment time and date on the back is easy to do.
• Make sure you add a short statement or tag line describing the products and/or services you offer. This will assist the person receiving the card in being clear on what you can offer them.
• Remember to never give out business cards that have out of date details on them such as old phone numbers, email addresses or location. Don’t cross out old details and try to re-use cards, that only works for recycling businesses. Cards are cost effective these days
• Also be sure to get a card from the people you meet, just in case they lose yours. Connect with them online, through LinkedIn or another means shortly after the event as this will allow you to keep in touch with them.
