The 3 Keys to Unforgettable Business Cards
Everyone seems to be looking for free business cards, thinking that all you have to do is find that magic free business card website, fill in a few blanks, and click the “submit” button. But what is often overlooked is how to turn your free business cards into more than cookie-cutter landfill that will carelessly be tossed aside by a potential customer. So how is it done? Below are some of the key points from the article “The Four Corners of Unforgettable Business Cards™” by Scott Ginsberg, author of The Power of Approachability.
#1: Get Noticed
When you give your business card, do people ask for another one or show it to others? Or do they simply put it in their pockets? Would your business card easily be confused in a bowl of business cards, or does it stand out?
Your objective is to get noticed. Mr. Ginsberg gives the example of Gus, an advertising professional whose business card was thick, shiny, colorful and double-sided…all while being simple. About 10 years ago, I was given a plumber’s card that was made out of a copper-colored metal. I’ve moved since then, but still have that plumber’s cool business card! These are the cards that get noticed and get business.
Here are some ideas for what stands out most:
-Text in red
-Picture of you on the card
-Vertical printing, instead of horizontal
-Black background instead of the traditional white
-An image on at least ¼ of the surface area of the card
#2: Think Out of the Box
You might consider trying some of the following:
-New size or shape (oval-shaped anyone?)
-Cut-out or design in the card (cut out star for child-related business, charred hole burnt in fire-related business card)
-New material like metal, plastic, leather, chocolate…yum…
-A theme, like trading cards for a company that is team-oriented, complete with pictures and stats on your “players”. There could be a prize (like an item with your company logo) when your customers “collect all 7”!
-Caricatures or cartoons commissioned for the back of your cards
-Something useful on the back of your card, like a mortgage loan interest table, a recipe, or some interesting facts about your field of business
-Images of your products
-A motivational phrase or quote that’s relevant to your business
#3: Implementation
-Free business cards are great, but don’t be afraid to spend money for upgrades. The difference could be a business card kept vs. a business card in the dumpster.
-Don’t waste your business cards by giving them out to everyone you meet. Wait until you establish rapport, as it increases the chance the card will be kept and used.
So follow Mr. Ginsberg’s advice and unleash the power of your business cards!
Mr. Ginsberg’s full article can be found at http://www.businessknowhow.com/marketing/bcunforg.htm.
#1: Get Noticed
When you give your business card, do people ask for another one or show it to others? Or do they simply put it in their pockets? Would your business card easily be confused in a bowl of business cards, or does it stand out?
Your objective is to get noticed. Mr. Ginsberg gives the example of Gus, an advertising professional whose business card was thick, shiny, colorful and double-sided…all while being simple. About 10 years ago, I was given a plumber’s card that was made out of a copper-colored metal. I’ve moved since then, but still have that plumber’s cool business card! These are the cards that get noticed and get business.
Here are some ideas for what stands out most:
-Text in red
-Picture of you on the card
-Vertical printing, instead of horizontal
-Black background instead of the traditional white
-An image on at least ¼ of the surface area of the card
#2: Think Out of the Box
You might consider trying some of the following:
-New size or shape (oval-shaped anyone?)
-Cut-out or design in the card (cut out star for child-related business, charred hole burnt in fire-related business card)
-New material like metal, plastic, leather, chocolate…yum…
-A theme, like trading cards for a company that is team-oriented, complete with pictures and stats on your “players”. There could be a prize (like an item with your company logo) when your customers “collect all 7”!
-Caricatures or cartoons commissioned for the back of your cards
-Something useful on the back of your card, like a mortgage loan interest table, a recipe, or some interesting facts about your field of business
-Images of your products
-A motivational phrase or quote that’s relevant to your business
#3: Implementation
-Free business cards are great, but don’t be afraid to spend money for upgrades. The difference could be a business card kept vs. a business card in the dumpster.
-Don’t waste your business cards by giving them out to everyone you meet. Wait until you establish rapport, as it increases the chance the card will be kept and used.
So follow Mr. Ginsberg’s advice and unleash the power of your business cards!
Mr. Ginsberg’s full article can be found at http://www.businessknowhow.com/marketing/bcunforg.htm.
Add a Comment
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Comment by Sam Bateman on July 5, 2009 at 9:36am - Thank you for your great ideas and tips. I am working on designing my next biz card purchases.
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Comment by KingdomWarrior on June 2, 2009 at 11:56pm -
I just purchased my first biz cards - I followed about half your advice. They do stand out, though not in red or different shape. Plain black with white lettering, but since I am in jewelry, there are bright diamonds scattered on the side. Looks elegant without going over the top.
I have handed them to several today and all have commented on the cards and how classic yet unique it is.
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Comment by SUp.biz, CEO on March 21, 2009 at 1:28pm - Corey, thanks for the additional source for free business cards. I'll check it out.
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Comment by coreyzmcgrath on February 24, 2009 at 1:38pm - I agree with a lot of these tips. I've long been in the online printing world and this is good information. I do have another source for "Free Business Cards" which is a little better than the others you'll see. Thicker stocks, much better quality, unlimited designs, no "Vistaprint" or any other company printed on the back, and you can even upload your own design and it is still free outside of shipping. Take a look- http://www.printrunner.com/business-cards-154.aspx
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Comment by George Grimes on February 22, 2009 at 11:47pm - Great article for those of us who have been struggling with a design for our cards. Thank you.
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Comment by marstraveler on February 11, 2009 at 9:25am - hi Sup, that is some great advice on business cards (especially the chocolate one), i have several website that i would love to have on business cards, but i do not have a logo for them. i will have to look into a logo making software like you were talking about on your Logo Design blog. thanks very much for the great blog.
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Comment by LaVerne Adekunle on February 3, 2009 at 8:24pm - FANTASTIC memorable tips!
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Comment by cuemella mcallister on February 3, 2009 at 3:29pm - Wow! This is great information. Right on time. I am in the process of updating cards for me and my team.
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Comment by Joseph Smith on January 29, 2009 at 8:59pm - Thank you for your great ideas and tips. I am working on designing my next biz card purchases.
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Comment by Workathomemomblogs on December 23, 2008 at 9:09pm - THIS IS A GREAT IDEA I HAVE BEEN USING THIS IDEA FOR YEARS AND IT SAVE YOU MONEY. THANK FOR THE TIPS
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