Many comprehensive marketing strategies miss one very important, albeit small, tool to build a business. A business card is an absolute essential. You never know who you're going to meet in line at the grocery store or out on a hike with your family. The world is small and a business card can make all the difference between a new customer and just another stranger. To make the most of this small tool, pack it with these ten features and get the most bang for your buck.
Logos brand your business and help build mind space. Show someone the Nike swoosh and they think shoes. The orange circle and red circle blending into each other signify MasterCard and Cocoa Cola has their gorgeous curvy red bottle. If you have a logo on your business website, unify your brand and include it on your business card. Give people an image which represents you and helps them to remember who you are and what you're about. One note make sure your logo doesn't overpower the rest of your card.
Clean and easy to read. A business card must be clean and easy to read. If you have multiple locations, list a primary location on your card or just your website address and telephone number. A business card which is too difficult to read will get tossed or quickly forgotten.
Friendly slogan or tagline. Do you have a slogan or tagline? Like a logo, this type of marketing will help create mind space people will remember you when they need your services.
Call to action. Use your card to motivate a sale. For example, call now and receive 10% off your first appointment.
Memorable URL. Don't forget your URL. Even if you're a brick and mortar establishment, it's essential to have a website which at least lists your locations, hours, and services. The majority of internet users research online before they make a purchase. Have a website and list your URL on your business card. The more memorable your URL the better.
Contact information. This sounds like an obvious thing to put on your business card however you'd be surprised to find out how many people actually forget key contact information. At the very least you want to list a website address and a phone number.
Hours. Provided there is room on your card it is often helpful to post your business hours with your contact information. This is particularly important if you have a brick and mortar operation. There's nothing worse than hopping in the car to go to a business and finding out they're closed - especially if you have your pet in your car with you. Address. Likewise, your location is essential if you have a brick and mortar operation.
Make it a coupon. The back of your business card is a blank slate. Don't leave it blank. Make it a coupon to encourage people to make a purchase. You can also use the back of the card to market your website opt in list. For example, Visit www.ourwebsite.com for a free report on how to care for your dog and the environment.
Pass it on. When passing out business cards, give people more than one. On the back of the card you can print something which tells people they'll receive a Use the back to encourage reciprocity or word of mouth marketing. Share this card with a friend and receive ten dollars off your next service. Business cards provide a wealth of opportunity to both inform prospects about your services and market to them. Spend some time making your business card easy to read, informative and use the back to promote your business in a creative way.