Is Your Business Card Effective?

As well as providing vital contact information, your business card can say so much more - some of it without words.

The quality, feel and design of your card will give the recipient an unwritten message that's as important as what you have printed on it.

So what does your business card say about you? Does it portray your company accurately?

Our Top Tips....

Within seconds of a potential client receiving your card, they are already making assumptions and judging your mobile disco long before you plug your mixer in. Have you ever handled business cards with your eyes closed and judged their quality? That is exactly what recipients do unconsciously with your card. A good quality card of at least 300gsm is essential with a finish of either silk or gloss.

Then they will glance down at it. Is the design attractive? Are they left wondering whether this person is a rocket scientist or DJ? People buy people, so including your name adds that all important personal touch. Other essential information that clients look for are your contact details such as telephone number, email address and website. If you are a DJ specialising in a particular area, ensure your card is aimed at that target market. For example, if you are a wedding specialist, having a 'vinyl mixing' picture/design wouldn't fit in with your target market.

Its all too easy to try to cram too much into such a small space. Choosing the right size print is paramount; too small, and it makes it difficult to read, too big, and you can't include all the necessary information.

Colour and design send different messages. Maintaining the same branding as you've used on your website not only looks professional but also confirms to the client they have the same person when locating your website from your business card. Your choice of colours tell their own story. White often gives a clean professional look, but has the potential of looking bland. The blue spectrum can appear cold and is often associated with professions such as solicitors. On the other hand, using blue in a design does conjure up a 'paradise' effect. Reds, oranges and yellows have occasionally been associated with cheaper brands. A clear example of this use is the infamous budget airline. On the other hand, they are warm inviting colours. The choices are endless and as you can see not an exact science! It's your overall design and combination of colours that will create the unique eye-catching effect and image you want.

There is no clearly defined rule on whether to use one sided print or two, but arguments for both. If you leave your 'backside bare', there is room for a potential client to jot notes on your card. Some would argue that this is wasting good advertising space to detail your services, unique selling points or 'what's in it' for the client. If you include all the necessary information, there should be no need for anyone to add additional notes. Some people opt for including a calendar or appointment form on the back. Alternatively, you could colour print the reverse with the same design as the front, thus giving room for more information and a further opportunity to sell your services without cluttering up the front. Quotes from client testimonials on the reverse can add valuable endorsements for your business.

The size of your business card is very important. Many people keep cards safely in a wallet. The chances are that an oversized card could get discarded because it doesn't 'fit'.

It's time to go to the printers. There are many printing shops and online services offering great deals on business cards. Avoid cards that have 'free from .......' on the back as this could give a very negative view of your company. It could appear a cost effective prospect to print your own cards at home, but at the end of the day you can never achieve the same feel and finish to your cards that a professional printer could, and the 'home made' or 'cheap' message is portrayed to your potential clients.

And finally; what do you do with your business cards? A perfectly worded and designed business card is about as useful as a radio mic without a receiver if you leave them in the box or at home. Always have some in your pocket because you never know when, during a casual conversation, someone may mention they are having a party or getting married. Your business cards are mini classified ads, so put them to work for you!

Hopefully this newsletter has given you a few more ideas to think about - until next time - Good Luck

Paul & Sandy (yep - joint effort this time!)