Business Cards as a Strong Marketing Weapon for Your Small Business

Business Cards as a Strong Marketing Weapon for Your Small Business

With this post, I will start a series of posts related to marketing weapons or resources that I claimed in the Marketing resources post. The first marketing weapon that I will present here is business cards. Every business MUST use them as a strong marketing weapon.

Business cards present a strong marketing weapon that contains all necessary information about your company when some people need your products or services. This is the most effective marketing weapon for small business owners when we talk about expenses. But, it would be best if you remembered that they aren’t tools that can cover all data about your business or your products or services. There will be information or messages that cannot be on this marketing weapon.

More importantly, your cards must give one professional image of your company. An image that can enter the brain of the business card holder and that can encourage specific actions from potential customers.

Why Do You Need a Business Card?

You may wonder why someone needs a business card, but it can be helpful when dealing with a business. Whether you’re trying to promote yourself, your company, or your products, a card can help you spread the word about what you’re doing and what you’re all about.

Your business card serves three primary purposes:

  • First, it gives potential clients a way to contact you.
  • Second, it provides a place to keep a copy of your company’s phone number, website address, email address, and social media links.
  • Third, it offers a convenient place to include your company’s logo, contact information, and other pertinent information.

It’s all about the image. A business card is the visual equivalent of a handshake. Before you even say hello, the first impression you make on your clients will be via your card. To make a lasting impression:

  1. Make sure your business card stands out.
  2. Get creative with your design.
  3. Use a different color or pattern. If you have room, include a short paragraph summarizing your company’s mission and core values.

A well-designed business card will get your clients’ attention and help you build a reputation for trustworthiness.

Different Types of Business Cards as Marketing Weapons

An effective business card is not just about the design of the card itself; it’s about the design of the marketing message it conveys. That means the visual impact of your card is just as important as the words on it. In fact, when it comes to the physical attributes of your card, the words on it should be secondary. What matters is the image you convey. What type of business card do you want to project to your customers? Do you want to project a professional, corporate image? Or do you want to project a fun and informal image? Would you prefer something that makes you look friendly and approachable?

The type and quality of the cards will depend on the company you are running. Companies that sell consultant services probably will go with better quality business cards printed in color. These cards will be different from cards of a car repair service that you may print in black and white color with the picture associated with car repair.

Today, you can make business cards in different ways and with different styles, and on different mediums. Here are some examples and different types of this marketing weapon that you can include in your marketing strategy:

Paper-based

Paper-based business cards are made from paper.

A paper-based card is easy to overlook in this day and age, but many people still print and keep these cards to maintain contact with potential clients and colleagues.  

These business cards are cheaper than others, but they don’t bring a better impression to the prospects. The disadvantage of these paper-based cards is that they can quickly be damaged and discarded in the garbage.

Cardboard based

These cards have dimensions that can ensure their placement in the pocket. If there is no need to make an impression with your card, you can use a black and white or one-color printing technique. Color cards give a positive impression and a professional image, and because of that, I suggest using them. They are more expensive than black and white or one-color cards but can bring a fast return on investment. You can place your picture or logo on the color business cards to provide a sense of a well-known person.

Business cards from unusual materials

These cards are made from other materials like wood, metal, stone, etc. You can use these business cards as ornaments that include basic company information. These cards are the most expensive business cards because their production cost is very high. But you can use them on special occasions like an anniversary or signing big contracts as a very effective marketing weapon.

Multipurpose business cards

These are cards, as the name suggests, with more than one purpose. These cards can serve as an informative card for your company, and on the other side, like a discount coupon or some other notable information that may be useful for the cardholder. For example, you can put a calendar or town map on the backside of the cards. You can use all the business cards I mentioned in previous paragraphs as multipurpose business cards. With this type, you can expect cardholders to use it because they have additional important information about you or your small business.

Made by Plastic

These cards are made from paper or cardboard, but they are laminated with laminating machines after printing. These cards make a good impression on your business. Their quality is good, and they are resistant to damage. On the other side, these cards are a little more expensive than paper or cardboard cards because they have one more process of finishing – laminating.

Electronic

Electronic cards present mini-CDs where you can put different information related to your business. You must open these cards on a computer or other CD reader. Now this card is not so much expensive. But, you can’t use these cards every time because you will not have a CD reader on each occasion or location. The electronic business card is usually multipurpose because it can contain some tourist guidelines for the country or town where the business operates.

Unconventional

These cards use unconventional mediums such as chocolate, sugar, coffee, etc. This is a really interesting business card, but their durability is minimal until the media is not destroyed after use.

Digital business cards.

In these times when everything is going online, having a digital card is becoming a necessity. In fact, virtual business cards for WordPress will allow you to be proactive in those business meetings and events.

What do Your Business Cards Will need to Contain?

Frequently asked questions about this marketing weapon are about what they must have as information on them. Here are some recommendations:

  • On the front page of the card, you must have:
    • business logo
    • slogan
    • Your name, surname, and workplace
    • Business address, telephone number, mobile phone, fax, e-mail, and your business web page
  • On the back side of the card, you must have:
    • Some advantages that your business offer
    • Products or services that your business offer

In this way, the front side is the side that gives information related to your business, while the back side gives information about your products or services. Now your business card will become a brochure on the back page.

You must remember that your card is the first contact of your business with your prospects and potential customers. And, one more thing, you must share them with people, don’t leave them on the shelf. How much more you disseminate to the prospects, you will have more people entering your sales funnel.