Business Card Marketing - Part 2

Now that you are convinced that business cards are an awesome way to promote yourself or your business, why not think about the card itself.  It is your miniature billboard, your mini-brochure, your hook for more business, more gigs, more sales.

Design -  This is a bigger deal than you might think.  First of all, color is important.  It is especially important if you provide artistic or creative services or products.  I don't mean some wild chunk of card stock that looks like leftovers from Woodstock.  I mean something coordinated, tasteful and RELATED to what you do.  A plain, raised letter business card on white card stock is fine... if you are an undertaker!  If you are a ballet dancer, or if you make ballet shoes, why not a picture of ballet shoes on the card.  A bookseller's card could have books.  IN COLOR!  Most card printing companies offer full color fronts AND backs fo nominal fees.  I usually get a full color front and black & white or gray-tone back.

Size - Don't try the odd sizes.  They don't fit in card cases, won't go in a wallet and aren't worth the extra money they usually cost.  Stick to the traditional size.

Folded or Not Folded - This is a personal preference.  I have seen many articles about folded business cards.  Some say they are like a "mini-brochure", but I am not a fan.  Sure, they can contain a lot of info.  Sure, they look nice.  However, they cost more for fewer cards and I can carry fewer in my card case.  As I checked on price for me they came to about 3.2 cents per card compared to 2 cents per card.  I can give away 50% more cards for the same price!  Also, instead of 20-30 cards in my case I can only carry 10-15 cards.  Again, personal preference.

Font Size and Style - recently I ordered postcards with a printed message on the back (more on post card marketing on another post).  Online the proof looked fine.  When they arrived the print was too small.  I used a font that looked neat, but really was not a good choice.  Stick to recommended sizes and styles.  Most business card sites have templates that give you recommendations. 
Don't mix fonts.  Not a good idea.  Keep it simple.  One or two fonts on a business card max.

Content - Don't try to overwhelm with information.  It will just clutter the card.  Keep it simple, tell what you do and leave it at that.  Use your website or blog to post your resume or CV... not your business card.  Use the back side of your card for additional information.  However, I recommend you print LESS on the backside than on the front.  I usually print my website and phone number on the back.  (Note: stephenhollen.com also contains my name, so you can add your name to the back)

Make your business card reflect YOU.  Give it away freely and carry it with you everywhere.