Many people overlook the value of having a professional Business Card that accurately reflects your brand image and opt for the cheapest they can find, yet this small piece of paper can be an important part of your marketing package. It's often the first item clients receive from you, so it's your first opportunity to make a strong, positive impression with them.
The concept of do-it-yourself online business-card printing companies is an interesting and somewhat troubling phenomenon. With limited exceptions, it's fairly easy to spot an inexpensively produced card. When you choose to "go cheap" on your Business Cards, what message does that send to those with whom you wish to do business? Are you really doing yourself any favours by missing out on the opportunity to start building a positive brand image right from the start?
Cheaper isn't always better when it comes to first impressions. Give clients a great first impression with these tips and tactics:
Things to consider when ordering your Business Cards
1: Enlist the help of a professional designer unless you have the requisite skills to design your Business Card yourself.
Ideally, this person's also tasked with designing your other marketing material (letterhead, brochures, website, signage etc.), so it'll be intuitive to carry your brand image through from those pieces to your card so people recognise your brand. We offer a FREE basic design service so if you're not creative or don't have the right design software we can help you at no extra cost.
2: Keep it simple.
Business Cards are typically a standard size of 85mm x 55mm so you don't have too much space with which to work. Don't make your logo too large, don't make the type too small to be comfortably read, and don't be afraid to leave White space as making your card too wordy can have an adverse effect.
3: Keep to the standard Business Card size--unless you're the adventurous type.
There are things you can do to a standard Business Card size of 85mm x 55mm to differentiate yourself (e.g., rounded corners), but going with an unusual shape can be tricky. A round card, for instance, is quite memorable, but it certainly won't fit in standard business-card holder devices. You must be willing to trade convenience for memorability if you choose an unconventional shape or size.
4: Be deliberate in choosing the information to appear on your card.
What's most important? Your name needs to be there, along with the name of your company (via your logo), your phone number and your e-mail address. Space permitting, you can add your physical address, mobile phone number and company website address, if desired. Don't clutter things up too much--as with the design, simpler and cleaner is always better.
5: Make use of the back
Make sure the information is of a relevant nature: e.g., your company's logo and or mission or tagline. While Business Cards should promote your brand identity, they shouldn't be confused with advertising. The back of the card is valuable space which is often wasted.
Think about how you use / perceive other people's Business Cards when you make decisions regarding your own. Do you get frustrated when you can't quickly find the information you need? Or the type is too small to read? Or printed in a font that's hard to decipher? Do cheaply produced cards make you think less of the person, product or company represented? Does it take you a while to realise whose card it is, or what company that person works for?
Don't make those same mistakes when designing your Business Card. Make sure it's a positive reflection of both you and your company, and it's consistent with your companies brand identity.
For further information or advise please call 01376 341164 or visit www.signsandprintltd.co.uk
