What Makes a Good Business Card?
What Makes A Good Business Card?
Making a first impression on someone is a key aspect in business that cannot be stressed enough. Besides your personal appearance, and how you act towards someone your company business card is also a key factor in making a good first impression. Sadly many business cards do not properly represent what a company stands for and if poorly designed often end up in the garbage minutes after being handed out. So how do you avoid your business card from ending up in the garbage and staying in a potential client’s wallet? Here are some tips:
Card Size Matters
The best size to have your business card is at wallet size (3.5” long X 2” wide). Although this means your business card will be similar in size to all the others, it also means that it will fit perfectly into any wallet. Having a business card that is of a bigger size and design is usually too awkward to properly put in a wallet and often results in it being thrown into the trash. As for impression you can try a unique size that really stands out, but be careful because this could be risky if the card is not practical.
Paper Quality
Good paper quality is key in order to having a good business card. If the paper is too thin it often results in a card being torn. Your card is a representation of your business and by having a thick, durable stock can send send a positive reflection on your business as a strong company. Don't use the perforated business card paper that you print off on the home inkjet printer. The message your sending is that your company can't afford or be bothered to have a professional look. Remember it's your image so take the time from think about the message you're really sending.
Depending on your company budget there are options to go even further by having your cards printed on plastic or metal. Although these options cost more, they are longer lasting than paper and can help your card stand out from the rest.
Design and Layout
Your Business card layout should be appealing to your target market, clearly allowing the reader to know who you are and what your company does. The color(s) of your business card is an important balancing act. If you have too many colors it takes away from the information that is displayed on the card. However if you have a black and white business card it is not noticeable and will be forgotten. Try and aim for 3-5 colors that compliment each other and do not take away from the cards information. It's also extremely important to make sure that your card matches your company image, from colors, fonts to the style. Send the message that you are organized and that the proper company image is being reflected.
Call To Action
This is a part that can help increase your sales leads and is most often forgotten on business cards. On your business card beyond the contact information add a short message that offers a discount or special offer. This will have people not only hold onto your business cards, but give them incentive to learn more about your company.
Going Digital
Recent app developments such as the Business Card Reader allow for your business card to be scanned and stored on a Smartphone. Make sure that your card is properly formatted for digital use by insuring fonts and font sizes are easily legible. You are also able to design an electronic business card that can be sent via email to others. This will help you keep your contact information and social media outlets properly linked which is key in receiving callbacks.