Better Your Business Card
3.5 x 2
In that small space, you're supposed to be able to convey everything. Who you are, what you do, and most importantly, why the person holding this piece of card stock should hang onto it and contact you in the future.
Business cards are a hallmark of the industry, and for many businesses, you've "made it" if you've got a company card. But in the technological world we still live in today, do business cards still have a chance?
That's up for debate, but according to Entrepreneur, the answer is still "yes" - at least for now.
Business cards provide a first impression for your business, and it's also a personal way to swap information, rather than just adding your name to someone's phone and getting lost in their contact list. Not only that, but it also shows that you are prepared. Whether at a networking event or a showing, being able to pull out a business card when a person asks for your info shows that you've put thought into your business and you care about what you do.
With that said, there are some business card basics that need to be followed in order for this old-school format to be successful.
Keep It Simple
One of the cardinal rules of business cards is to keep it simple. You've got a small area of prime real estate, so don't fill it with information that is unnecessary. Here's what you absolutely MUST have.
- Name/Company Name
- Job Role
- At least one form of contact
Photo or No?
One of the greatest debates in business card basics is whether to include a headshot. With such a small canvas, is it necessary to fill a good chunk of that space with your face? However, we all know that real estate is a business all about people, so isn't it important to connect a face with a name?
According to two agents on MarketLeader, the jury is still out on this one.
In a study conducted by attorney Eric Bryn, a photo didn't help with a consumer's engagement. In fact, it actually harms it. Of 1,000 business cards sent out to consumers without a headshot, there were 200 responses. Of the 1,000 sent with a headshot - there were none.
However, some agents still feel that it is an important element to include and can be incorporated properly and professionally. If you're worried about taking up space, don't forget - there's a back to the card as well.
Most importantly though, if you do decide to go with a headshot, be sure that it is a professional and recent photo.
Design and Quality
Following right behind content is design.
According to Forbes, a business card should be designed like a website. Colors and fonts should be simple, and there should be plenty of white space so you don't overwhelm your client. If you're able, take the branding from your website, and continue that branding onto your business card. Not only does this help by establishing you and your business, but it will also help you simplify your design.
In addition to design, consider quality. When printing business cards, high-quality card stock is a must. An expert with MarketWatch says most "cheap" business cards are printed on 100 lb. gloss cover that still feel professional and sturdy. To really step it up, consider upgrading or consider a somewhat textured card stock that will stand out to clients in a pile of cards.
Technology
It goes without saying that we use or phones and technology to do every bit of communicating, so include this information on your business card.
On your card, include information to your website, as well as your social media presence. If you're including your Twitter or Instagram, just include your account handle (the @myname portion, not the full link). But beware, if your last post on that Instagram was from 2016, then don't bother putting that handle on your business card.
With regard to your website, remember that any link you put on your business card isn't just a hyperlink that your clients can click and immediately see. This means that your link should be short and sweet, and shouldn't require clients to continuously go back and forth from their screen to your card in order to make sure those numbers and letters are all in the right order. You can also consider including a QR code on the back of your card either next to, or in place of, a headshot. Almost everyone's phones now can read a QR code through their camera, and it's a quick and easy way to get your client where they were going to head anyway - the internet.
Use Them Wisely
Finally, and arguably most important - you have to use your business cards wisely. Although we depend on technology, that physical 3.5 x 2 piece of card stock can really leave an impression.
J. Maureen Henderson with Forbes said it's crucial to not lean on your business card as a crutch. Handing someone a card should never be your introduction. Rather, it should be a way to put a final punctuation mark on a great conversation. A business card should be a reminder of you and the connection you and your potential client made.
Additionally, as much as you hand out your own business cards - you should also be collecting them. Remember when you're out networking that you should also be gathering cards of those you had connections with and following up with them.
Regardless of the digital age, the "old-school" staple of business cards can be effective in helping you build your business. As Entrepreneur states, you never know when you could meet a potential client, so be sure to keep a quick and professional representation of your business at all times.
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