Business cards are cards bearing business information about a company or individual. They are shared during formal introductions as a convenience and a memory aid. A business card typically includes the donor’s name, company affiliation (usually with a logo) and contact information such as postal addresses, telephone number (s), fax number, e-mail and website. It may also include telex, bank account, the tax code. Traditionally many cards were simple black text on white background, now a business card will sometimes include one or more aspects of striking visual design.
Why is it so important to have a card?
The business card is your / your company face to the customer, how they (or not)you remember. In addition to its main function (provide your contact information) the card must be fast representation of what you do in a memorable way and creative. It can add status and value of your work, what makes your service to be noticed for its quality. Give a good map and people will be impressed, keep it, and you remember when they need your services. Always take your business cards with you, we never know when we will meet a potential customer.
Important aspects of communication as its main function is to give your details, they must be current. May seem simple, but be sure that people will find you with this information. It is also important to have a website to showcase your services / products, if possible, as an online portfolio. Do not forget to say exactly what you do, people need to see your profession and services, because they cannot you remember, but they have to tell them the card.
What a business card should have:
It is not necessary to include a complete list of services or products on the card. Keep to the point. Use brochures and personal interviews to disclose the full range of services or products offered.
Orientation: Horizontal ones are the most typical, the most widely used format for business cards.
Name: Whether using a horizontal or vertical layout, the name of the person or business name is usually the element most important text on the map. It is usually placed in the top half or center of the map and said with a font larger or bold.
Contact: Contact information is usually placed in the bottom half of the map (left, right or centered). The preferred method of contact (such as phone number or email) is often emphasized by a larger size, bolder font, or placement more important.
Mini-format ads: Provisions of business cards frequently mimic common formula and successful Ogilvy ad layout that places the graphic (logo) in the top left or top of the card followed by the title (name) with the signature (contact information) in the lower right corner.
While going to have a business card we must avoid all those things which give a negative impact like:
1: Have a card that fits in with everything else;
The vast majority of business cards out there don’t leave any real impression and soon become a distant memory. Let someone with a card that looks great, feels great and clearly defines what your business does – and you and your card will not be forgotten anytime soon.
2: presentation of a map of poor quality:
A map of the poor requires a company that will have poor quality products and services. Instead of attracting business, this type of card would most likely repel potential customers.
3: Have a card “Mystery” Business:
When someone looks at your business card, can they say immediately what your business does? If not, you are not likely to get as many calls or referrals.
4: Do not provide a Unique Selling Proposition;
Many companies are missing a golden opportunity to use their card to its full marketing potential. Your map should include at least one very powerful reason a customer should do business with you, that is, card A Auto Service Center I reads in part “, complete auto repairs” and “all work fully guaranteed. ”
5: Using a large map;
Common sense dictates the use of traditional and 3.5 standard business card of 2 inches. All that great does not in most portfolios or business card holders. It is likely that it will eventually be filed in the circular folder called garbage.
6: Print that is too small;
Your business card have a font size so small you need a handy magnifying glass in order to be read? Beware of this practice. You may be able to cram more information on the card with a small font, but what if people can not read it? Since 95 percent of the population aged 35 or older need reading glasses, a good guideline is to use a smaller type that does 7-8 points. Your point name can be a bit bigger, that is 9 points, and the name of the company generally looks good at about 12-15 points.
7: A map congested;
An attractive card does not print the contents of a novella. Print looks too busy and extremely professional: Simple is best. Order information and keep only what is absolutely necessary for someone to know your name, your company, what you do, and why should you use – but do not skimp on your contact information, you want be easy to achieve.
8: improper use or wrong color:
Spice up your business cards with a little splash of color, you’d be surprised the difference it makes, for example, as are restaurants use the color red for its quality appetizing, the judicious use of a red card is very visually appealing. Avoid the common mistake of printing gray on a white background, it lacks contrast and printing is hard to read.