A lot goes into creating a business from the ground up, especially since just getting your idea off the ground isn’t enough. When you’re ready to open your doors, you have to make sure everyone knows that your doors are open!
There are a lot of ways to do that. You can purchase ads on the internet, you can do some cold calling, and you can depend on word of mouth. However, one of the easiest methods to make sure everyone you meet knows who you are and what you do is to pass out business cards.
But just any old business card won’t do!
Don’t waste your money on business cards that don’t work. Here are a few tips that will help you get the most out of your business cards.
Choose the Right Brand
The quality of your business cards matters. That’s why you have to be very careful about where you have your cards printed.
Avoid printing them yourself. Although it’s something that can easily be done with today’s technology, you’re likely to end up with cards that don’t look very professional.
Instead, choose a company that has been around for a while. A site like Vistaprint is a good choice because tens of thousands of businesses have used them over the years. In addition, Deal News says, “Vistaprint is the one-stop shop for all your business printing needs,” so they have the capabilities to print your business cards and much more.
Get a Good Deal
Business cards aren’t what they used to be. They no longer simply list the name of the business and contact information in black ink. Many cards look more like mini pieces of artwork!
That means business cards can get expensive.
Take your time to see if you can find a good deal on cards. Most websites, like Vistaprint, which was mentioned above, are always having deals. Unfortunately, that doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll save big.
“Vistaprint nearly always has a large selection of coupon codes. The site also hosts regular sales and one-day specials, which result in frequent savings of at least 50% off,” according to Deal News. “However, Vistaprint only allows one coupon per order, so you have to be strategic about picking the right codes.”
No matter who you order cards from, it is well worth your time to do a little research online to find the coupon that will save you the most money.
Less Is More
With so many options for business cards today, it can be tempting to cover every inch of your card with information. This may sound like a good idea, but too many business cards already end up in the trash. You’re just asking for your card to be tossed immediately if it is cluttered with information.
Instead, keep the information on your business card simple. Include basic info like:
- Your name or your business’s name
- A short business description or tagline
- Contact information
It’s also a good idea to include your company’s website. That way, if the person has questions about your business, they have a quick and easy way to learn more.
Get Creative About Handing out Your Cards
Handing out business cards isn’t hard, but just handing someone a card in passing isn’t likely to get your business noticed. Instead, get creative about how you hand out those cards and people will want to take a closer look.
A few ideas include:
- Placing them in goody bags with freebies
- Drop cards in lobbies, buses, taxis, and more
- Ask for a business card when you hand yours out
- Hang them in gyms, community centers, and churches
Pass out Info Cards Instead
Unfortunately, business cards aren’t nearly as effective as they once were. After all, what are you likely to do with a business card when you are handed one? Chances are, you toss it in the trash can.
If you’re looking for an alternative, consider an info card instead. Print a powerful quotation, interesting industry statistic, or useful tips and tricks on the card. Then, include your name and contact information. This kind of card is more likely to get read before it ends up in the garbage.
Business cards are as popular as ever, but if you want yours to work hard for your business, you have to make sure it stands out from the crowd. With these tips, you can ensure more eyes read the information on your card, which will certainly translate into more business for your budding company.
