Business Card Marketing Tips

Business Card Marketing - Get Exposure Naturally:

Creative and Useful Business Card Marketing Ideas - Try these ideas that small business owners have employed to make standout business cards.

1. Use both sides - You can list products or services, have a coupon, an appointment reminder, or even a graphic on the back of your card.
2. Create a vertical card - Almost all professionals use a horizontal layout, so here's one simple way make your business card stand out from the rest.
3. Use color - Studies show that color grabs attention better than black and white. You'll also have have the opportunity to establish a consistent logo and color scheme.
4. Create different versions - Different markets may require different information or messaging, so creating multiple versions of your business card can make business cards more effective from a marketing standpoint.

Where to Hand Out Business Cards:

"Everywhere" and "anywhere" generally top the list of good places to hand out your business card. Everyone can be a potential customer, or at least knows one. 

It's true that the majority of people outside your target market will probably toss the card, but consider the expense of a business card a necessary one, and carry them with you. If you're extremely busy or forgetful, it might be handy to keep your business cards in the following locations:

1. Car.
2. Office.
3. Home.
   
4. At partner businesses.
   
5. Purse/briefcase.
   
6. Jacket/coat.
   
7. Wallet.
   
8. Trade show or convention display cases.

Additional Tips for Distributing Business Cards:

If you have a retail store/location:

• Include your address, phone, and business hours.
• If you're hard to find, include a map or local landmark references (i.e. "just past McDonald's").

If you're an Internet-only business:

• Put a trackable link on your card.
• Use social media or online affiliate icons on your business card.
• Consider having several e-mail addresses for different customer groups.

If customers contact you directly:

• Put your photo on the card, so there's a face with the name.
• Avoid using a personal email (such as Yahoo or Hotmail) and get a professional domain.
• Include your cell phone number.

Staying Within Your Budget:

Once upon a time, I used to get upset at how many business cards I would blaze through after a weekend show, and how few contacts I got. The bottom line? Time. I was surprised to learn, years later, how many people still had my card and used it when they finally needed my services. If cost seems to be an issue for you, try some of the ways to get business cards on the cheap:

1. Vistaprint.com.
2. Print your own.
3. Hire a freelancer or intern. (Freelancing sites like Elance.com can be a good place to look.)

Don't Just Hand Out Business Cards; Collect Them Too:

In addition to handing out a lot of business cards, it's also important to collect them. Picking up a small plastic protector for business cards will help you remember the professionals you've worked with, and keep their contact information handy. 

If you review the names on the cards from time to time, you'll be prepared to recognize them when you're at events together. The other party will certainly be impressed that you've taken notice of them and remembered their name, and will want to remember yours.

 

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What's Next

Next In This Guide
Part 25:
Sponsoring Events as a Marketing Strategy - Sponsoring a community or online event can be a great way to associate your small business with a well-known event that attracts your target market.

Previous In This guide
Part 23:
Enlisting Help from Other Business Owners - Rather than spending too much of your budget seeking advice, it may prove worthwhile to enlist the help of other business owners.

Table of Contents
Street Smart Guide to Small Business Marketing

 

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