Business cards are a great way to communicate with potential customer and long term clients. Nothing is worse than meeting someone who is genuinely interested in conducting business, and having to write the contact information on a cocktail napkin or crumpled piece of paper. This approach to business is unprofessional. The paper may become tucked away in a wallet or purse. When the customer goes to look for contact information the words may be faded, smeared, or not legible. Here are the top three benefits of creating great cards.
Creating a business card is an exciting way to share business image, attitude, and contact information. Use a company logo, interesting graphic, or stick with a white background and clearly printed font. Try to use the same logo that is on company advertising literature, printed letterhead, and on social media pages. More companies are open to engaging with customers online. There are technologically savvy people of all ages who want to do business with companies that care.
The business card can also display one or several social media addresses. Creating a Facebook fan page is a fun way to interact with the public. An interested person may sign up to be a fan. There is a high chance that they may sign up for a mailing list, listen to customer testimonials, or print out a special coupon directly from the fan page.
Websites or blogs can be created through a professional or through personal effort. Having a home online creates a professional presence. Recipients of the professional cards can easily find the web address in clear plain print. It is easier to update product prices or service specials on the website, instead of printing new business cards.
Word of mouth referrals are extremely popular. If the customer that received excellent service already has a business card in their possession, it is easy for them to make a strong referral. Instead of the interested party receiving directions and a name or an incorrect web site address.
Order enough business cards to last for at least six months. Think distributing the cards at networking events, casual meetings, and giving them away to current in store clients and customers. Make it easy for people the find company location online and offline. Go to local non-competing businesses and ask to leave a few cards. Leave the cards at community bulletin boards, local churches, school lobbies, and any place that is open to this idea.
A business card can pass hands several times. Give the best phone number and domain based email address for customer service inquires or concerns on the front or back of the card. Decide in advance how contact should be made. If business demands does not allow for phones or email to be answered quickly consider outsourcing or delegating this task. There may an employee that can handle incoming calls, respond to emails, return phone calls, and check social media inboxes. Use these tips when expanding a business of any size through cards.
