Designing Your Business Card
How
Effective is Your Business Card?
As well as providing vital contact information, your business card can say so much more; some of it without words.
The quality, feel and design of your card will give
the recipient an unwritten message that's as important as what you have
printed on it.
So what does your business card say about you? Does it
portray your company accurately?
Our Top Tips
Layout
It’s all too easy to try and cram too much
into such a small space. Choosing the right size print is paramount; too
small, and it makes it difficult to read; too big, and you can't include all
the necessary information.
Content
People buy
people, so including your name adds that all important personal touch. Other
essential information that clients look for are your contact details such as
telephone number, email address and website.
Design
Is the design attractive? Are they left wondering whether this person is a
rocket scientist or a DJ? If you are a DJ specialising in a particular area,
ensure your card is aimed at that target market. For example, if you are a
wedding specialist, having a 'vinyl mixing' picture/design wouldn't fit in
with your target market.
Using gradients on your background such as
light to dark shades, either top to bottom, diagonally or centrally, adds
depth and interest to the overall design. These can be achieved using photo
or picture editing programs such as Publisher from Microsoft Office or
Photoshop from Adobe.
Back of the card
If you
leave the back of the card blank, there is room for a potential client to
jot notes on your card. Some would argue that this is wasting good
advertising space. You could utilise this to detail your services, explain
your unique selling points or emphasise 'what's in it for me'. If you
include all the necessary information, there should be no need for anyone to
add additional notes.
Some people opt to include a calendar or
appointment form on the back. The question to ask is, will it be useful and
will it be used.
Alternatively, you could colour print the reverse
with the same design as the front, thus giving room for more information and
a further opportunity to sell your services without cluttering up the
design. Quotes from client testimonials on the reverse can add valuable
endorsements for your business.
A good quality card of at least
300gsm is essential with a finish of either silk or gloss depending on your
personal preference.
And Finally…
What do you do with
your business cards?
A perfectly worded and designed
business card is about as useful as a radio microphone without a receiver if
you leave them in the box or at home. As well as having them with you when
you’re performing, always have some in your pocket when you’re out and about
because you never know when, during a casual conversation, someone may
mention they are having a party or getting married.
Your business cards
are mini classified ads, so put them to work for you!