Jul
29
2010
Considerations For Using Business Cards As A Sales Tool
Author: adminIf you have been around the business world for some time you know that business card printing services have long been used as a means to leave details with your customers and associates. More often than not that details was pretty basic, including name, company name, address, and contact facts like phone and fax numbers.
With the coming of email and the world wide web, some began to see the opportunities of using that small document as more than a page in someone’s address file. As more facts was placed on the document it became a tool to supply important data to your clients. In its simplest form that might only be your company’s identity, but it could easily be product facts. The idea was to make it memorable to your customer so that he saved it.
When it is time to order your next card there are many things to consider. You want it to be a tool that is useful, so consider a lot of these factors as you make a choice on the plan of this new tool for your business.
The message that you are attempting to get across should be the forefront of your mind. Are you trying to keep it simple such that what is conveyed is a strong brand association of your business name, or do you want to get specific and put detailed product facts? One of the greatest sales tools is a referral from a happy client, so you may wish to consider putting this kind of info into your new design. It is essential to have your message found out first, as it will assist lead you through the determination of the physical areas of the design such as color, shape, size, and materials.
If you are fairly {traditional conventional} you may choose to stick to the average size of 2 by 3.5 ins. Even so, this is not a requisite, and there is something to be said for being a little bit different than all the rest. Even in these hard times there are many sizes available, from a little bit smaller to much larger, and there really are no constraints on what you can choose. Choosing to make your card a different size will make it stand out, which can be a positive or a negative, dependent on the customer.
If you determine that you like to maintain the normal size, and yet want more surface space for printing, there are at least two available options. One is to print on both sides. This way you can supply the basic particulars as normal, and then some sort of additional information on the other side. If this isn’t quite enough space for your message, there is the option to create a foldable card. It ends up being the usual size when folded, but provides you with four surfaces for printing. This also makes yours unique without being a different size, and provides you with loads of space for conveying your message.
If being different attracts you, you can stray from the tradition of printing on white paper with the other alternatives accessible today. The very first is to use colored paper. Currently there are many weights of heavy paper obtainable in a rainbow of colors that can make your document really stand out from the others. If your thinking of a thing that will last a long time, and be rather different from the rest of the pack, plastic might be the answer. It is somewhat new for this kind of application, but is available in multiple color alternatives as well.
Another newer alternative is to place your photograph on your card. This is more common in some industries than others, but it can give you an advantage. If your client has a pile of cards and yours is the just one with a photo on it, he is more probable to remember you from that than from name alone. There is a school of thought that people feel more like they know you if they can associate your face with your name. Additionally, if the client feels he knows you better he might be more inclined to buy your goods or services, that is the ultimate intent of using this tool.
The function of your business cards is to make an impression. As you plan your new design, consider what it is you want your clients to remember. That will help you select a design that has a lasting impact, both to your clients and to your company results.
Tags: Business, business cards, printing, printing services