What does your business card say about you? Most of the
time, it is not as positive or business-building as you
think. Do not, under any circumstances, estimate the power
of your business card. Follow these sure-fire branding tips
to transform your business card into a marketing and
branding power-house.
1) Stick with the standard size
Larger format or odd shaped cards can be rather unwieldy and
cumbersome. A Standard size card will definately be easier for
your prospective clients or business partners to put in a
business card holder.
2) Consider offst printing
Though digital printing is cheaper if you need less than 1,000
business cards, you may want to choose the design options and
greater variety of color that offset printing can provide.
And if you are printing more than 1,000 cards, the cost
difference between offset and digital printing is negliable.
3) Have a logo professionally designed
A logo is like your fingerprint or face. It is a unique
representation of your business.
What ever you do, do not use clipart, which is the easy route.
Clip art is not a logo! It is used by vaious kinds of businesses,
and does not aid in distinguishing yours at all.
4) Choose high-quality paper.
Today's standard for business cards is 100- to 110-pound paper
stock. You should use the type of paper that is common in your
industry.
Glossy stock is most often used by people in entertainment-
related businesses. Those with more of a corporate type of
business usually use matte stock.
5) Use the back of your card.
By all means do not neglect the back of your business card.
You can have marketing tools scuh as maps to help customers
find your establishment.
Another trick that you can use to embellish the back is your
own unique logo.
6) Keep the design simple.
This is where the K.I.S.S. principle really comes into play.
Try to avoid making your business card looking cluttered or
confusing.
Basic contact information, and maybe your slogan or other
marketing message should suffice.
7)Embellish the card
Embossing or hot foil stamping are expensive, but may be worth
the cost. anything that amkes your card stand out and lessens
the chance of it being thrown out is a great business expense
and will pa out in the long run.
These 7 simple steps will surely improve the marketability
and networking prowess of your business cards.
