What Does Your Business Card Say About Your Company?

Business cards are often the first point of contact you will have with a potential customer. It is often the crucial item that provides the “first impression” to other business associates and your clientele. Why then do so many businesses fail to understand the importance of this 2″x3.5″ card?
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Printing is an influential part of marketing your company. If you hand a new business associate a business card printed on your home printer with the rough perforated edges still showing their first impression is going to be bad. Looking unprofessional to private or business acquaintances can ruin your business. If you are a new start-up it can derail your chances of becoming anything more than a thought.
You have to make your business cards stand out – so that you and your company stand out – even if this means paying for a professional to design your card. It is well worth the money. When selecting your business card you need to consider the following:
1. How do I make an impression? You need to make sure the card is placed in the “keep” pile and not in the trash can. Selecting a full color card, a die cut shape, special card stock, foil or even a plastic card will help you stand apart.
2. Make sure that the font is easy to read and matches what your company image is trying to promote. If you are a high-end retailer do not go too fancy with the font in the information part of your card. Fancy – curly- fonts can become hard to read.
3. Do not write a novel on your card. The consumer’s attention span is short and clutter makes them nervous. Keep the basics on your card with a possible tease as to other services you offer. The contact you are making wants to know business name and location, contact person and information and a quick synopsis of what you offer. Anything after that is lost.
4. Utilize the back of your card. While empty space can look attractive – it can also be an additional selling spot. Use the back to promote your company in a different manner, perhaps with a photo or a special incentive.
Branding your business card and printing to match the needs of your company is critical to success. You must think highly of your business card so others, when they see it, will think highly of your company. You only have one chance to win a potential customer or make the right business acquaintance, after that it will be an uphill battle to win their confidence.