Everyone has business cards! And why not! They are an affordable way to network yourself and your business to others. Unfortunately, because everyone has them, many people do not pay much attention to them anymore. They get added to a stack that someone is collecting, if you are lucky. If you are not so lucky, they end up in the trash. You have to have them for your business, but what can you do to make them stand out and not get lost in a sea of other business cards. Well, there are many ways to stand out.
First, the material of a business card is extremely important. Just handing someone the card, they can immediately feel if you have put love into them. For instance, some businesses just print them out on their laser printer on copy paper. Compare that to a thicker paper, such as a tag stock and you can immediately feel the difference without even looking at the information on the card that leaves an impression. Some companies are choosing to really stand out by choosing a magnet business card or a plastic business card. Some take the plastic cards one step further and create their business card in a clear or frosted plastic. Those cards make customers look at them…and keep them looking at them just to figure out how the printing is done and how unique they look. There are so many ways materials can work in your favor.
Another way to make your business card jump is by the colors and designs you choose. You need not have neon colored cards, but if you have a professional looking crisp design, it builds trust and shows you take pride in your corporate image. Some companies add foil or holographic images to their cards. Sometimes that is great and sometimes not so much. It just depends on your company image. You do not want to have a wild colored business card if you are going for a conservative look and vice versa.
Finally, size is also a slight factor also. Although it isn’t a necessity, having a functional business card that isn’t the standard size could also help you stand out. Plastic business cards are a little larger and fit just like a credit card in a wallet, so they are very convenient. Some businesses opt for a non-traditional approach all together and create an unusual shaped card such as an oval or a car or a cake…whatever their business is about. This has both advantages and disadvantages. Unusual shaped cards definitely get noticed; however, your customers may have a hard time finding a place to keep them. A good option would be a custom shaped magnet, where they can just slap it on a refrigerator or filing cabinet.
Like all marketing collaterals, your business cards are a reflection of you and your business. Have fun with them. Add a coupon on the back or a quote. Choosing the right style for you may be a work in progress; however, in the end the rewards will be worth it!
