Does your most visible marketing tool really do its job?
We’re talking about your business card. Your business card is an extended version of your business – a message to both loyal and potential customers. Depending on its impact, a business card can communicate that you can provide the service or product they are seeking. Creating impact with smartly designed business cards will without a doubt, get people your contact information.
What about your stationery? Your business stationery, on the other hand, is an invitation for employees and customers to be a part of your business and show their support. The five steps below will guide you to designing the perfect card and stationery.
5 steps to create your own business card and stationery that makes an impact:
1. Match Colors & Visuals on your Business Card
People recognize colors and images before they acknowledge words. Therefore, it’s important that your business card and stationery carry colors that match the colors of your business. The same goes for any images or graphics associated with it. Even though they will be smaller in scale, they will pop out at customers first. When your card and stationery are viewed, it should give the same experience as it would if someone were standing outside of your storefront and looking at the building.
2. Be Accurate and Detailed
Your business card should give customers accurate and detailed information. However, since you will be limited on the number of words you can actually fit on a card, only the most important information should be included. You want to include your name, physical address and/or website address, business and cell phone numbers, and email address on the front. It’s a good idea to include a map and hours of operation on the back.
3. Use Space Wisely on your Business Cards and Stationery
Business stationery normally doesn’t include as much information as a business card does, but it can include some. Notepads, cups, and magnets might allow you the space to include the same contact information, but pens, clips, and small gadgets might not. For these items, it’s necessary for you to use the space to advertise the name of your business, logo, phrases, a phone number, and possibly a web address. Use the space wisely, though. Images and visuals should appear exactly as they do on signage and billboards on larger items.
4. Include a Short but Catchy Descriptor
Popular phrases, quotes, and words that describe your business can make your card or stationery stand out. Your customers know your business but brand new contacts might need to be convinced. You do not have much space on your business card and business stationery – so be brief, but impactful in this line. Think of a jingle or catchphrase that would be heard on commercial advertisements, radio announcements, and in-store promotional material.
5. Don’t Skimp on Quality
Business cards and business stationery are materials that the customer will handle and use. If it is of poor quality, it will reflect your business practices and care for customers and employees. The best solution to guard against sending the wrong message is to make sure all of the stationery you plan to distribute are of the highest quality. Business cards should not be flimsy, easily torn or damaged, and should feel high-end, even if a lower grade stock paper is used to print them.
Your business card and business stationery are two of the most effective methods of advertising and marketing your business to potential customers and a unique way for loyal customers to show their support for a company that delivers the services or products they seek. You can rely on the five steps to create the perfect card and stationery. When you have an idea in mind, contact us to assist you in your printing needs.
Run out of time, or need a professional eye with your stationery? Work one on one with our designers to give your business cards and stationery that extra ‘umphf’.
