In the age of online business, mobile, and social media, your business card still matters. Building personal relationships, meeting face-to-face, and good handshakes are still vital elements of getting business done. The business card is still an essential tool to help people remember you, your business, and build an important relationship.
So why then is your business card getting thrown away? Why aren’t potential clients keeping your information at hand and calling your business when the need arises?
There are many reasons why your card and all your precious contact information might just be headed for someone’s waste bin. Today we look at a few issues that may be behind your cards impending doom.
1. Unprofessional Design
Like all business people your are looking to keep your costs low and your budget tight. We get it. You skimp on your business card because there are lots of other places to spend your money. But when you just grab a template off of some website somewhere you are sending a clear message about your business. Using a generic template says you aren’t different, you aren’t exceptional, or better. You and your business are just like every other company out there.
So when a customer sees your card, they don’t see you. Instead they see just another choice in the sea of choices.
Hiring a professional designer is about showing who and what you are as a business. Literally putting your best foot forward. You can show your unique selling propositions, and the level of care and respect for your customer all through quality design. A good designer will capture your business and translate it into a quality vision that can build an impression on your customer.
2. Terrible Printing
Just like with your lack of a professional designer, you’ve trusted the printing of your documents to some faceless bargain basement printer on the internet. As a result, your cards are cut oddly, lack color consistency, and are on flimsy paper that bends at the slightest touch.
We’ve talked many times on this blog about how the feel and look of your card matters. Your card is a symbol of you and your business. Do your really want to tell your customers you are flimsy, cut corners, and are inconsistent.
Again, quality matters.
3. No Added Value
When you give a customer or potential customer your business card or other stationery, it is an opportunity to build your relationship. Just giving away your contact information isn’t enough. You need some kind of call to action.
You’ve left the back of your card blank. The next time you print them consider including a coupon or promotion of some kind. A 10% off coupon, limited time deal, or offer of free shipping can make an impression. This could be the difference between a customer pinning your card to a corkboard or tossing it in the trash.
Work with your designer to create a come-on that fits your business and will stand out.
4. You don’t care yourself
Even if you have your business cards professionally designed, printed well, and include a call to action, if you don’t value your business card no one else will either. Think about where and how you keep your cards.
Are they stuffed in your back pocket? Crammed between receipts in your wallet? Or thrown in a pile in your top drawer? How you treat your cards will affect what they look like and the impression you give your customer when you present them. You should always know right where your cards are, and how to get to them. You don’t ever want to have to fumble for your business cards. And then, if you pull out a partially crinkled and worn card, any money you invested in it is gone right from the get-go.
Luckily, a few minutes of care and forethought can solve these problems. The most simple idea is to invest in a business card holder. One for your pocket, briefcase, or desk. Or one for each. These are not an expensive item, but will help you stay organized and help you look more professional. A simple search on Amazon shows over 47,000 varieties of business card holder many of which are under $10.00.
Obviously, there is a theme here. We believe business cards are a way of presenting your company and building an impression with your customers. Taking time to ensure you have a nice, professional card shows you care. Further, it’s a way of demonstrating a level of respect and care that will reflect on your business and the mission of your business.
If you have more questions about business cards, or would like to get started having your card designed and printed, feel free to stop-in, give us a call, or comment below.
cutpasteandprint Printing, graphic design, binding, and promotional product specialists in Huntingdon Valley, PA. We proudly serve the Bucks and Montgomery County areas with superior quality, great customer service, and a commitment to getting you and your the best possible printed materials. Our services include: Digital Printing, Offset Printing, Graphic Design, Promotional Items, Bindery, and Copying.
estimating@cutpasteandprint.com • 215.364.3898
