4 Ways to Add Pizzazz to Boring Business Cards

Despite rapid technological advances and the rising popularity of the digital age, business cards are still an effective and necessary marketing tool. A business card is small, fits neatly into a wallet or purse, and contains all the necessary information a potential client needs from you.

Although business cards are easy to hand out, once they are in someone’s wallet, purse or organizer, that person needs a reason to pull it out and remember you. Unfortunately, with the rise of homemade business cards, many risk getting thrown out because they are boring and unmemorable.

If you want your business card to stand out and inspire possible customers to contact you, keep in mind that by investing a little time and money with a printing company specializing in business card printing, you will end up with business cards that demand attention instead of divert attention.

Here are four ways you can add a little pizzazz to your business cards and inspire potential customers to seek you out:

• Paper or Plastic? Set your business cards apart and ensure they don’t get ripped or ruined by spilled coffee and print them on plastic. Plastic business cards come in a variety of colors, including transparent or opaque options, and they will showcase your business information the same way a traditional cardstock business card would – except it’s more likely to get noticed among the other business cards. Plastic business cards are the same size as regular ones; they simply stand the test of time better – just like your business.
• Shapely Options: Most business cards are the traditional size and shape, meaning they are uniformly 3.5 by 2-inches. There is no law that dictates business cards can’t be a square, oval or rectangle with rounded corners, for example. A different shape will show that your business can think outside the box.
• Add Texture: Instead of printing your business name like most other businesses, add texture by embossing or using a die-cut of your logo or business name to add creativity and liven up your image.
• Forget Black and White: An easy and budget-friendly way to make your business cards shine is to inject some color. You might make your logo and business name stand out in full color or include a photo.

Moderation is always key, so choose the option that best complements your business and brand, and then go for it!

How to Use The Back of Your Business Card to Sell

Your business card is one of the most printed advertising items you have.  While you should always have a supply of business cards in your desk and on your person to give out to potential customers, there are ways you can use business cards as more than just a contact tool.

Business cards are generally printed on just one side. That little 3.5” by 2” piece of cardstock real estate is usually just enough to provide your name, title, business name, and contact information. But what about the other side? Should it just remain blank?

There is a host of ideas that you can use for the back of your business card to help make it work as a promotional tool and help potential customers remember your company.

• Coupons – Put a small coupon on the back of your business card. A coupon gives incentive for a potential customer to keep the card and use it when visiting your business. It could be a simply “20% off” coupon or even a free gift on their next visit.

• Rate List – New customers who may be interested in your business are always curious how much you charge. A simple list of your rates for services could help them decide how to use your services better.

• Hours of Service – Some business owners find it helpful to provide their hours of operation on the back of a business card. This gives a potential customer an exact range of times they can contact you, especially if your business hours fall during weekends or evenings.

• Bio – After you meet a new prospective client and hand them a business card, what do they really know about you? Print a brief bio about yourself and your qualifications on the back of your business card to help give additional qualifications and credentials to your specialty.

• Photo – You can use the back of your business card to place an attractive photo. It could be a photo or drawing of your business office, a photo of your premier product, or even one of two sample photos of your own photography business.

• Client List – Sometimes a list of previous or existing clients gives that “wow” factor to your company. If you have a list of high-profile clients, don’t hesitate to print them on the back of your business card.

• Tips – The back of your business card can also be used to provide a helpful tip to your prospective customer. Tell how they can save money, save time, or other benefit with a helpful tip.

• Menu Special – If you run a restaurant, you could print your “house” specialty on the back of your business card. Whet the appetite of a prospective customer and give them reason to come try your cooking.

Business card printing on both front and back is easy to do for any printer. The extra printing can mean extra dollars for you, so consider using that back space for business  promotion.