A cheap and effective method to let people know about your business or product can be by using business cards and flyers. The advantages are that they can be easily carried around, they easily catch people’s attention and they are easy to produce and distribute outside the difficult realms of corporate advertising.
How to Design Business Cards
Business cards should be designed in such a way that information is concise and fits into a small space, should prompt the reader to want to have more information and should be pleasant to look at. Three main design elements can accomplish all of this.
Logo/Design
The product or business name should sport a unique appearance so that people will find it easier to remember for a longer time. Logo should be designed carefully. There is a lot to pay attention to depending on the business: serious business, in-home service that is friendly or creative enterprise. The looks for each of these types of business cards have to be different to give all the info about your product/service. As an example, an attorney would need a more rigid font to announce his services when compared to that announced by a friendly dog walker.
Color/Graphics
It is important to use the right colors and art elements when communicating about the business/product through cards. Colors should be sober and not jarring. It is a good idea if the graphics that are presented are related to the business/product that you are promoting. As an example, the picture of a dog may be unsuitable if you trying to promote painting supplies as a painter. The viewers may be plain confused.
Also of great importance is the text that is used in the business card. The card should not have too much text making it look cluttered. It should contain only basic information pertaining to what your business is about and how they can get in touch with you. A statement that indicates how you are the best in the field, or a phrase that is indicative of your personality with the help of humor or a slogan can help.
Who Will Design your Business Card
There are many options available when it comes to designing your business cards/flyers. Online printing services allow you to design them yourself. You can choose from existing design templates or upload new designs that you want for your card or flyer. There are also the options of hiring a freelance designer to do the work for you or hiring the services of a printing studio. Prices and services vary over a wide range and it is best that you find out what works well for your budget.
It is a good idea to collect samples of cards prior to designing your own business cards/flyers. You can have an idea as to what appeals to you. Having a look at marketing materials will also give you an idea as to what your advertising copy should look like and how your design should appear to be.
Paper Stock
To get the best out of your business card or flyer it is important to choose the right kind of paper stock. A professional paper stock lends credibility to the business/product that you are promoting. A business card coated with UV gloss works to protect it from damage as well gives it a nice appearance. A paper stock that is slightly heavy not only lends a good look, but also protects it from wear and tear, keeping it in good condition for a longer time.
Distributing your Business Cards
Business cards are easy to carry around and can be distributed just about anywhere.
Mailers: You can mail your card to those who may be interested in your services directly in case you have their mailing addresses. Ensure that your card catches the attention of your prospective client and does not get lost along with junk mail.
Public Advertising Space: You can leave business information in coffee shops, restaurants, college campuses, or even post offices. If you are clear about who needs your business card/flyer you can leave it at an appropriate place. Ensure that you get permission from the owner of the premises so that your valuable business cards/flyers do not get discarded or thrown out.
Handing Out Information: A conference or a fair is a venue where you can hand out your business cards to potential clients who come visiting there. This gives a chance for the clients to attach a face to the business/ product being promoted.
Internet/Digital Marketing: You can mail a digital copy of your business card/flyer to clients. You can send details to sites that allow users to furnish information about their business/products.