Business cards are an affordable way to keep your business "top of mind" when meeting new people. Here are some ways to make sure your business card stands out from the rest:
1) Have it professionally designed. An attractive, well-designed business card speaks volumes about you and your business. So does a cheaply-made online template version.
2) Your card's look should be consistent with your other print materials. As an extension of your brand, or your business's personality, your business card should include your logo, your colors and any other common elements that visually depict what your company is about.
3) Spend the extra money to have a glossy coating put on the card. Some companies offer this at no extra charge, but even if it costs you a few extra bucks, the smooth finish is worth it. It adds a professional touch you won't find on everyone's card.
4) Use the back of the card. When I redid my cards earlier this year, I added a list of my services to the back of the card. That way when I meet someone knew, he or she doesn't have to remember what I do. They can refer to the back of the card for some of my more popular services.
5) Give everyone two copies of your card, one to keep and one to share with a friend or colleague.
Use these five tips when creating your next business card to ensure that your card is one that gets saved!
Virtually Yourz,
Dana Neuts
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Showing posts with label business cards. Show all posts
Showing posts with label business cards. Show all posts
Friday, July 10, 2009
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Make a splash with a world-class business card!
To some, a business card is just a small piece of card stock with contact information and a logo. To those who know how to sell themselves and their companies, it is a powerful marketing tool in a small package. A well-designed card will stand out from others and carry on your brand wherever you go.
If you'd like your business card to scream "save me," follow these tips.
1) Have your card professionally created by a graphic designer. It may cost a few bucks up front but, once complete, the design is yours to keep and reuse over and over.
2) Ensure that your card's design flows with your brand in terms of look and feel including fonts, logos, colors and messaging. If you aren't sure where to begin, take out a stack of business cards you've collected and lay them face up in front of you. Which cards do you notice first? Why? Jot down the things you like and discuss them with your graphic designer. She can use that information to design a card that's perfect for you and your business.
3) Include useful information on the back of your card to make sure people use it and remember you. If you're a stylist and nutritionist, for example, turn it into an appointment card. If you're a real estate agent, include home buying tips, home selling tips, key local numbers (utilities, government, schools, emergency) or a referral offer. Another useful option is to list your products or services on the back of your card.
4) Go for a clean, uncluttered design. I've seen business cards that were so crammed with contact information that it was difficult to read the tiny print. Others included every professional designation the person had. Stick to the basics: your company name, logo, marketing tagline and primary contact information. If you want to include your designations, include only those that will be easily recognizable to your clients or put them on the back of the card.
5) Consider upgrading your card stock or adding a glossy finish to your card. These little touches can make your card pop. My card is made from normal stock but it has a nice glossy finish which makes the card stand out among others, and it feels nice to the touch. People often comment on how great my cards look. If that's their first impression of me and my business, I've already succeeded in getting their attention.
The next time you have business cards made, follow these tips and you'll be thrilled with the results. Go out and make a splash with your new world-class business card!
Virtually Yourz,
Dana Blozis
If you'd like your business card to scream "save me," follow these tips.
1) Have your card professionally created by a graphic designer. It may cost a few bucks up front but, once complete, the design is yours to keep and reuse over and over.
2) Ensure that your card's design flows with your brand in terms of look and feel including fonts, logos, colors and messaging. If you aren't sure where to begin, take out a stack of business cards you've collected and lay them face up in front of you. Which cards do you notice first? Why? Jot down the things you like and discuss them with your graphic designer. She can use that information to design a card that's perfect for you and your business.
3) Include useful information on the back of your card to make sure people use it and remember you. If you're a stylist and nutritionist, for example, turn it into an appointment card. If you're a real estate agent, include home buying tips, home selling tips, key local numbers (utilities, government, schools, emergency) or a referral offer. Another useful option is to list your products or services on the back of your card.
4) Go for a clean, uncluttered design. I've seen business cards that were so crammed with contact information that it was difficult to read the tiny print. Others included every professional designation the person had. Stick to the basics: your company name, logo, marketing tagline and primary contact information. If you want to include your designations, include only those that will be easily recognizable to your clients or put them on the back of the card.
5) Consider upgrading your card stock or adding a glossy finish to your card. These little touches can make your card pop. My card is made from normal stock but it has a nice glossy finish which makes the card stand out among others, and it feels nice to the touch. People often comment on how great my cards look. If that's their first impression of me and my business, I've already succeeded in getting their attention.
The next time you have business cards made, follow these tips and you'll be thrilled with the results. Go out and make a splash with your new world-class business card!
Virtually Yourz,
Dana Blozis
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Creating, collecting, and maintaining a quality customer list
In an ideal world, we would all have industry-specific software tracking each and every minute detail of our business and our customers. If you don’t have that luxury, there’s still a lot that a small business owner can do to keep better tabs on their clients.
We’ve all seen those fish bowls sitting in the front of restaurants and shops asking for your business card in return for a chance at winning a prize. Giving away a prize is minimal compared to what that business is gaining: an inside look at their customers. Most business cards contain enough information that one can ascertain the industry, skill level, location, and sometimes even the education level of that customer.
After sifting through all those business cards, one might discover that a large segment of their customers are coming from people at a professional building one block away. The business owner may then target a different professional building two blocks away, trying to entice those customers to try out their business. You can also use those business cards to create a postal mail list or an e-mail marketing list using a service like Your Mailing List Provider or Constant Contact.
For more easy, do-it-yourself tips, check back often. I update the site several times a week!
Virtually Yourz,
Dana Blozis
We’ve all seen those fish bowls sitting in the front of restaurants and shops asking for your business card in return for a chance at winning a prize. Giving away a prize is minimal compared to what that business is gaining: an inside look at their customers. Most business cards contain enough information that one can ascertain the industry, skill level, location, and sometimes even the education level of that customer.
After sifting through all those business cards, one might discover that a large segment of their customers are coming from people at a professional building one block away. The business owner may then target a different professional building two blocks away, trying to entice those customers to try out their business. You can also use those business cards to create a postal mail list or an e-mail marketing list using a service like Your Mailing List Provider or Constant Contact.
For more easy, do-it-yourself tips, check back often. I update the site several times a week!
Virtually Yourz,
Dana Blozis
Friday, September 26, 2008
Always Be Prepared to Recruit New Clients
The other day I was asked to speak at a networking function. With just two days notice, I scrambled to put together a set of marketing materials for those who might want more information about my services. I had some older versions already prepared, but I needed to update them. How could I have been better prepared?
On a quarterly basis - or more often if needed - put together "recruitment packets" to tell prospective clients more about what you do. Include a business card, bio sheet and menu of services along with any brochures or other printed material you have on hand.
I like to put mine in a simple colored folder that matches my logo and has space for a business card. I stock up on my favorite color - red - during back-to-school sales. That way I can get the best price, and I can find plenty of folders that match by business cards!
By putting together these packets ahead of time, you'll be ready on the fly if you have a last minute meeting or function to attend!
Virtually Yourz,
Dana Blozis
On a quarterly basis - or more often if needed - put together "recruitment packets" to tell prospective clients more about what you do. Include a business card, bio sheet and menu of services along with any brochures or other printed material you have on hand.
I like to put mine in a simple colored folder that matches my logo and has space for a business card. I stock up on my favorite color - red - during back-to-school sales. That way I can get the best price, and I can find plenty of folders that match by business cards!
By putting together these packets ahead of time, you'll be ready on the fly if you have a last minute meeting or function to attend!
Virtually Yourz,
Dana Blozis
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