Updated: Business Cards 2.0: Make The Jump From 1.0

 

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In the first part of this min-E-book series we talked a bit about why your business cards need to stand out, but now let’s take the next step and talk about how you can start that transition from a 1.0 business card to a 2.0 marketing tool.

I’m sure that you have all seen the good ole fashion common business card. It has a small logo, small text with the business-person’s information, and nothing on the backside of the card. The biggest way that you can stand out is to utilize the space provided on a business card and then think outside the box. Remember that you want to get the most bang for your buck with the space provided. So, in order to take your business cards to the next level:

1. Select a background color that is associated with your logo, or implement an lightened image or pattern that is affiliated with your business as the primary background. A great example for a photographer is to use a lens side camera on the front part of the card and the viewfinder side of the camera on the backside (or vice-versa). Keep in mind, though, that you don’t want the image or pattern to become the focus of the card so lighten the image to draw more attention to the logo, contact info, and other pertinent aspects.
2. You get one shot to make an impression through your text. Make your name, your business’ name, or your company’s message stand out by using either stronger text in the same family of font, or bold out the current font that you are using for the content. Remember, you want to highlight the most important aspect of the card be it your name or your business message as that is what people will remember when they think about your business card. This is your shot to make that one major impression.
3. Place your professional picture on the card to help put a face to the name and business. This is one of those personal touches that we will talk about consistently, and studies have shown that people tend to hang on to business cards with pictures on them over cards with no pictures. Your target audience wants to know who you are and what you look like as they have an innate need to feel confident with whom they give their business to.
4. Provide incentive to use your card and give your audience a reason to keep and utilize your card. For example, place a bar code on the back of each card and label it (Good for 10% off purchases of “x” amount or more). Another example would be to add the “Bring-A-Friend” function (i.e. “Present this card at our registration desk and your guest gets in free”). Whatever your business may be, there can be a higher calling for your business cards. Find it and us it as often as possible.

Overall, remember that you need to take the time to upgrade your business cards from the old 1.0 layout to a 2.0 design with overall functionality. If you are able to successfully reposition yourself (either with our help or by yourself) with more efficient business cards, you will take another step above your competition and consequently increase your productivity.

Need Help?

If graphic design is something that you are interested in but don’t know how to get started, contact us today to schedule your free marketing analysis.

Sources:
“The Essential Step-by-Step Guide to Internet Marketing”-E-Book
SlideShare.net
Image Source: HubSpot, “The 2011 State of Inbound Marketing”, E-Marketer.com

About Andy Scherer

Professionally blogging and designing top search engine ranked web logs and websites for the past 5 years, Andy has published thousands of articles throughout a broad scope of topics. With a degree in both Psychology and English, he consistently ties his work into the behavioral and emotional responses of his audience through specific writing techniques and formulas. Along with his writing ability, Andy also specializes in Search Engine Optimization, social media marketing, and brand marketing. He is technically sound with XHTML, CSS, WordPress, and all social networking platforms. Through his experience, Andy innovatively creates blog articles that keep audiences coming back for more..

Categories: Graphic Design Small Business

Tags: business card design, business card help, business card layout, business card tips, business cards, business cards 2.0