Some marketers like to joke that representatives of the Zoomer generation don’t even know what a business card is, not to mention its looks. True, today we are used to doing so many things, both work-wise and in private life, in the paperless mode, that there are fewer and fewer paper documents and files left in our life. Yet, a card is still alive and kicking, as many people are using it on a daily basis in their business. And if you still don’t have it and don’t use it, this may likely mean that you are missing out on a rather efficient marketing opportunity. Naturally, not all business cards are equal in terms of their efficiency and effectiveness. Today, hiring an agency to have your business cards designed and printed out doesn’t require much money as it used to be in the past. However, in all likelihood, you’ll end up with the standard version that another thousand small businesses are using. And such a card has practically zero relevance. Remember, that a business card serves more purposes than just exchanging information. It is an indispensable tool in shaping the first impression the potential customer gets about your company. Moreover, it is an ice breaker that helps capture the audience’s attention and boost further dialogue. Here come some most efficient tips that will assist you in designing your own business cards.
Why?
This is the essential question to be raised before you start making any practical steps towards acquiring your own business card. Why do you need one in the first place? What message do you want to convey with the help of a business card? This piece of paper is called ‘business’ for an important reason – make sure your name, title, and company’s name, are highly visible and easily readable. Take your time to think about what kind of contact information you want to have on your card. Today, when a business normally has a physical address, official website, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn pages and messengers, it’s vital to understand what options to put in the spotlight. The golden standard reads that your website, email address, and contact phone number, are crucial.
Be Creative
When you have decided on what information you want to incorporate on your business card, you need to move on to the next stage – how you are going to do that. In fact, there are many great options on how to tackle this challenge. However, the baseline is – be creative! There is nothing sadder in this world than a dull cliché-driven business card. Of course, the degree of creativity depends on the business specifics and the industry it operates in, but even a conventional law firm with 200 years of pound history can find a way to be creative with their business cards that would be just right. Luckily, now you have a great option to use a business card design online free and generate as many card designs as you wish to analyze them and select the one that suits you best.
Use Special Finishes
Using a special finish is a sure and quick way to add impact to your business card. When it comes to defining a special finish, the choices are unlimited: metallic inks, foil decorations, unique texture, UV text, and many others. Obviously, it will cost more when compared to a standard finish, but in the end, you’ll understand it’s absolutely worth it. The key to success here is to find a special finish that has a clear connection to your company and your product/service.
Color
Color is another crucial element of a successful business card. First of all, it’s always a nice idea to keep your business card in line with the overall company’s design and branding concept; if you have corporate colors, then you should use them. Avoid using clashing colors, because it might make your business cards look unprofessional. Importantly, don’t be afraid to use bright colors: when used correctly, they will add a distinctive touch to your cards. A classical black and white design is a good solution, too – many people still consider it stylish and memorable.
Visual Content
One image is worth a thousand words. And when you simply don’t have space to type these thousand words on, then using a picture appears to be the only wise option. Using images on a business card is a very efficient technique. You can choose anything related to your business from a photo of your product to the company’s premises. And here is a small hack: don’t forget to use the backside of your card. It’s a perfect spot to add an image, so don’t just leave it boringly blank.
Conclusion
Undoubtedly, digital channels have completely changed the way business communication and marketing are carried out today. And business cards were impacted as well, which resulted in considerable changes in terms of their design, content, and use. Still, it’s too premature to declare that business cards are dead.
