A certain Youtube video about business cards has been getting a lot of attention recently. Maybe this is down to the comedy value of seeing a man who appears to be so in love with his business card, that he might just kick out his wife and set up home with it.
Click here to see the video
His name is Joel Bauer, a self-proclaimed ‘infotainer’. And sure, the video is ‘infotaining’, but the emphasis is really on the ‘taining’ because the ‘info’ is a bit thin on the ground.
The video does raise some interesting points however – namely that a good business card will provide good publicity, whilst a bad business card will provide bad publicity.
Well, that might seem obvious. But why is it that we regularly see poorly designed cards representing companies? Often home-made cards are handed out by start-ups and small companies. Why is this?
Remember, a business card provides someone with an image of your company from which they will build an impression – and it’s often the first impression they will have of you. A badly designed and produced card serves only to provide a bad first impression!
But should everyone have a business card like Mr. Bauer – foil stamped, embossed and die-cut to the shape of their face? Of course not. But there are some vital points that you should follow when putting together your business card.
Don’t try this at home
The reason people make their own cards using domestic equipment is obvious: to save money. All you need is a computer, printer, the right kind of software and the right kind of paper. Maybe even a laminator. Most people will have these to hand – especially those in business. And saving money might seem like a good idea – but remember that when you’re distributing your cards, you’re creating an image for yourself. And it’s this image that you’re hoping will drive people to use your products or services. A home-made business card will not portray a high-quality image.
Think of it as a mini-flyer
Would you send out a black and white brochure with no images, plain text and lots of white space? Of course not – but why do so many business cards exist to only portray the bare essentials – contact details – in a basic manner?
Think of a business card like a mini flyer. Keep it simple, but keep it interesting. Use colour, images or designs, an interesting & relevant slogan and your logo. Of course, the contact details should be there too. Your business card needs to capture the holder’s imagination, inspire them to get in touch with you and provide the necessary information for them to do so. Don’t make it too wordy though – it’s not a book. Give them enough information to be interested, and no more.
Keep it functional
A business card is not there just to make you look good. It’s not a vanity aid. It should also be functional. “My Company” along with “John Doe” and “CEO” means nothing to anyone. The card needs to say what your company does, and why the holder should contact you instead of your competitors.
Avoid ‘free’ business card web sites and mall booths
It might seem like a good idea, but they often offer a limited choice of basic pre-set designs and small quantities. If you want larger quantities you’ll have to pay, and your card will look exactly the same as countless others, thus cheapening your image!
Call the professionals
All the above information is moot, because the best method of obtaining high quality, functional business cards that deliver results is to contact the professionals.
While it might seem like you’re saving money printing your own, or using an instant ‘business card booth’ at a shopping centre, it might surprise you to learn that using a professional design company and printing firm could actually save you money.
This is because quantity is as important as quality. Distribute your professional quality cards en masse in order to get the word out. Utilising a printing firm for a bulk order of cards may actually cost a lot less than printing them yourself.
Three To One offer a full business card design and print service. Your design will be unique, and have the necessary impact on prospective customers that a could business card should. We offer a range of sizes and print-finishing options. Enquire to find out more at www.ThreeToOne.co.uk
Author: Three To One
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