With all the high-tech and digital wizardry dominating small business marketing these days, it’s easy to forget just how important it is to have an impactful business card. If you bring just one thing to a business meeting or networking event, it better be your business card, so make sure you don’t commit one of these common business card fails:
1) Your branding doesn’t stand out
Many small business owners, especially those just starting out, decide they should save a few dollars and go with a business card template. The problem with doing this is your card will automatically have a very generic look and feel to it, and in no way reflect your branding, or stand out from the crowd. The absence of custom colours, a logo, and a “feel nothing” design will subliminally send out the message that you and your business are nothing special.
Worse yet, many template business cards come with a dreaded advertiser’s message printed on the back! Not only does this give the impression that your business isn’t worth a small investment and printing upgrade, but it muddles your business card’s message. You have so little space to play with on a business card: it doesn’t make sense to waste valuable real estate on someone else’s company name or website URL.
2) Your design is poor
Speaking of valuable real estate, don’t forget that your business card has a front AND backside! Every precious square inch is a branding opportunity. Also, try to include some space for your card’s recipients to make notes about you.
Above all, your card needs a “wow” factor, and it also needs to be legible and convey what you and your business are all about… instantly. A great business card design is part work of art and part marketing machine.
3) Your card feels flimsy
Your choice of your cardstock and finish (gloss or matte?) are important. These aspects in some way reflect your brand, your business and you. So choose wisely!
4) Your card has no call-to-action
This is a common faux-pas. Most business cards say “call this number” but why should you? “Follow my blog!” “Check us out on Facebook!” “Visit our website!” Why?
Give people a reason to want to follow up with you. Consider including something like, “Follow us on Twitter for great marketing tips!”
Investing in your business card’s design and production is relatively low-cost when you consider the impact it can have on your business. Business cards are a big part of making a great first impression, and we all know, we only get one chance at those!
Need a hand with your business’ brand? Call Kim Speed at Purple Moon Creative today!
