Business card design and print

Here is some advice which you may find helpful next time you are considering a new business card. A well designed, good quality business card is one of the most important pieces of marketing literature that a business person uses, but it’s amazing how many people just don’t maximise the use of their business card.

There is vital information that you must have but there are other things you can do to maximise your return on investment. If someone has a pile of cards on their desk that they have collected from networking events or meetings, take steps to ensure that your card stands out from the piles that are collected at networking events.

Here are some helpful pointers to consider next time you order a new business card.

• Succinctly describe your business and the problems you solve.
• Spell out what it is you do. People can’t guess! For example, don’t just say you are a printer, say you are a specialist commercial trade printer specialising in B1 full colour printing; it then becomes clear who you are and what you are offering.
• You may have one of the best business cards but don’t forget the basics. Show who you are, your job title, your contact details, and your company name.
• It’s important, to include your Unique Selling Points (USPs). Don’t tell people how long you’ve been in business, make it clear what major benefit you provide. Think carefully about what makes you different from your competition and add it to your card.
• When you go to a networking event and speak to someone, remember there are others offering your skills, so you and your card must be memorable.
• Everyone likes free stuff! Think what you can give away free, possibly an ebook or at least the first chapter to give them a taste. If you offer a free consultation put that on your card.
• The main purpose of your business card is to make it easy for a potential client to contact you and to inform them of your product or service. I would always recommend you use both sides, after all if you don’t that’s 50% of your advertising space wasted!
• The large proportion of printing costs are in the setup, particularly with short run products. If you add a second side to the print run, it is relatively cheaper and well worth the investment for the extra marketing opportunity. Matt lamination is a cost-effective way of enhancing the look and feel of your business cards.