Business Cards: How to Make a Professional First Impression
If you’re a businessperson, it’s highly likely that you carry business cards with you wherever you go. If you don’t, it’s time to start! A business card serves as your professional introduction to other people, whether they are clients or colleagues from another company or potential new friends and contacts in your community. Business cards also serve as an easy reference tool in case you ever need to contact someone again, plus they also provide valuable marketing and branding opportunities if you use them properly. Here’s what you need to know about business cards and how to use them to your advantage!
What are business cards?
Simply put, business cards are cards that have an individual’s name and contact information on them. It has traditionally been used as a means for business people to distribute their information at a meeting or trade show so that other people who might be interested in doing business with them can contact them. Business cards are also great for handing out during job interviews, conferences, and events. Depending on your line of work, you may need different types of business cards; if you do not want your personal number listed on it, you may want to look into getting yourself a business card that has both a personal number as well as one for your company. Not only do business cards serve as business or personal contact cards, they can also be used as part of your company’s branding. For example, if you are in marketing, your business card can reflect that. The back of your card could be printed with an advertisement for one of your products or services, and it could have pictures or screenshots taken from some of your advertisements on it. They actually also come in different shapes and sizes; some even have additional information printed on them such as barcodes and QR codes. If you have very little room for words on your business card, consider including something short about yourself such as Marketing Coordinator underneath your name so people know what department at the company you work for.
Why do I need them?
Who are you? What do you do? Why should I care? If you want anyone outside your immediate circle of friends and family to know about your business, making a good first impression is critical. A business card is an easy way for people to remember who you are and how they can connect with you in the future. Additionally, we live in a highly digital world now and many people will want (and expect!) an online version of your contact information as well. Your business card needs to include both physical and online elements in order for it to be truly effective at generating leads or sales leads in person or through email. In addition to building your brand, having business cards is essential if you plan on attending networking events or conferences, or looking for new clients. By handing out your card, you’re creating an opportunity for people to connect with you and find out more about what you do. It’s also how they’ll find out about special offers or discounts that are available only to people who have your card. However, as soon as someone leaves your physical presence or goes back home without their card, your branding and lead generating potential are gone unless you include an online version of your contact information (like an email address) on it.
The components of a good card design
If you’re planning on handing out your business cards at networking events or sending them along with proposals, it’s important to make sure that they are formatted correctly and include all of the essential information. A good card should have three components, including a logo (or an image if there isn't one), contact information and physical elements such as color and texture. The logo should be easily recognizable without being too simple, and it should work well with your company's branding. Your contact information—whether it's an email address or phone number—should be clearly displayed, but don't forget your website, either.
Budgeting for your cards
Business cards are one of those inevitable expenses every business has to make. The good news is that with a few simple tips and some smart financial moves, you can make sure they’re an investment, not just a cost. Here’s how: 1. Start With Your Goal Business cards aren’t all about branding—they’re about making yourself memorable. So before you start your design process, think about what you want people to remember about you when they get your card. This can include hobbies or interests, or it might be something more work-focused—what do your customers value? Write down what makes you special and keep that in mind as you consider business card design options (more on that in a minute). 2.
Creating your own design
One of the biggest mistakes people make when ordering business cards is not giving their designer any direction. If you have very specific tastes, then you probably have an idea in mind of what you want your business cards to look like. But if you don't know what kind of design style you prefer, take a little time and browse some examples online until you find something that catches your eye. It's also important to think about who will be receiving your card. If they work in an office, they'll most likely be stuffing it into their Rolodex or filing cabinet rather than carrying it around in their wallet or purse.
Ordering your cards
You want your business cards to make an impact and help you stand out from others in your industry. To do so, you’ll need a professional-looking design that feels like you. The first step is order business cards that are on brand with your company’s identity, whether it’s through print or digital channels. You might not think about how people interact with your card until you see their response after handing it over; use these tips for ordering business cards that immediately set you apart as both professional and memorable
Distributing them wisely
Business cards are an important tool for any business. If you don’t have your own, go out and get some—and use them wisely. Ask for a business card when meeting new clients or business associates. When people see that you have one on hand and willingly offer theirs in return, they’ll think of you as organized, prepared and professional—someone who knows what they’re doing. Be sure to keep your cards with you at all times so that you can spread your brand and message when opportunity strikes. You never know who might want to be introduced to your product or service!
