Custom Business Cards -- What are they exactly, and how can they help people with a web-based business?
Custom business cards are one easy way to set your company apart from your competition. Many companies get their business cards from a printer who uses the same template for everyone -- this isn't wise, if you want to stand out, nor does it help if you are trying to create a unique image, and that's where the importance of having custom business cards comes into play. Ordering custom business cards can be done very easily online -- but, many of the existing websites for custom business cards, have special made templates for you to just plug in some text and voila! -- however, you don't have any control beyond that point of putting your logo on your custom business cards, so what do you?
All web designers need to promote their web design businesses offline. When designing a custom business card, there is no profession out there that has more problems than people in web design. Custom business card designers have a huge task of having to prove their work before they even show their portfolio, and they do this with a beautifully designed business card. Custom business cards for web designers are so important, as it illustrates what kind of talent they may have, or what their specialty might be.
The web design business is a competitive one, and you need to stand out ... you are not only advertising yourself, but your web design business specialty. A unique way of using your custom business card to show what you can do is to have a custom business card designed that utilizes both sides of the business card. On the back of the card you can list your services -- this is also an excellent way to prove to potential clients you have the skills necessary to design their website.
Color business cards are vitally important in selling yourself and your business -- potential customers expect you to have vivid colors, or a stunning picture, preferably one that you have designed yourself. Make sure it is clear what you do when designing websites -- if you design blogs for personal use then make it more creative and fun.
Designing for professional websites require alot of work, with the bright colors and stunning photos -- yet, with custom business cards, it's imperative to include your design logo if you have one that will match your web design business -- a professional logo is the best way to bring new customers in, and make them remember you.
You don't want to make it hard for anyone to remember that you work in web design, so try and keep it down to no more than four words in the title, as this should be the most to use on any business card because of the size -- remember; on the business card, you should try to emphasize why people should do business with you. Custom business cards should always leave enough room for a small line on the bottom, or a tagline under your company name.
Again, make it short and sweet, with just enough information to make them feel that you are the company to use -- the final tip, and the most important, do not forget to add your website to the card ... this tells potential clients what kind of web design you can do for them, by having them visit your website.
10 Networking Tips Using Custom Business Cards
1. Before leaving home -- Check to be sure you have business cards -- any "by chance" meeting is an opportunity to give out a business card. A morning run or a quick trip to the local store could be an opportunity to network ... always make this a daily habit.
2. Never underestimate the power of networking -- Insert a business card when mailing bill payments -- why can't you advertise your skills or services in this manner? You may not think a person in another state who opens your credit card bill payment can help you, but the person on the receiving end may need your services, and you'll be in a prime position to get their attention when they least expect it. Don't be afraid to put in more than one card into the envelope, just in case the recipient wants to give one to someone else as well.
3. Use proper business card etiquette -- Whenever you give a business card, ask for a business card ... when given a business card, don't just take it and place it in your pocket -- make the person feel important by looking at their card for a few seconds. Write notes on the card such as date, location and common points of interest, these may prove valuable when following up with that person ... then place it in your wallet, as this lets them know they're important to you.
4. Be generous -- Give your custom business cards out to everyone ... vanity should not stop you from giving out your last business card or giving 2 at a time to each person. Many people miss the purpose of a custom business card ... never be caught saying, "I only have a few cards left and I need them" ... holding back your custom business cards can actually hurt your business.
5. Ask for referrals -- When giving someone your custom business card, don't be afraid to say ... "I would appreciate a referral, if you know anyone that could use my services." This approach is far better than asking them if their company is hiring and always places you in a better position with them; they'll feel better about helping you, especially if you give them several of your custom business cards.
6. Take advantage of every meeting -- You never know when you might meet someone who can help you, especially attending family or friends social events which could produce unexpected encounters with people who need your services ... giving that person a custom business card could prove beneficial for both of you.
7. Being at the right place at the right time -- What about job fair's or business conference's? Volunteering at these types of events places you in a great position to present your resume and/or custom business card. Company representatives will notice if you've gone the extra mile in helping them make their presence easier to manage. Get involved by doing a Google search for "calendar events" in your city and place yourself in positions to give out your custom business card.
8. Make sure to follow up leads -- Company recruiters; potential client's; and/or employer's may never call you back, with the "Out of sight - out of mind" attitude. Today's economic climate clearly shows you're in competition with at least 100 or more other people for the same position or contract. It's quite a task for people to keep track of each individual meeting ... so, immediately after a meeting, mail a hand written note thanking the person for their time, and insert your business card. Now you're in the driver's seat by standing out from other people in the crowd.
9. Use promotions wisely -- Newspapers often have stories of people being promoted to high levels in different organizations -- seize this opportunity. Consider getting some invitation size blank greeting cards and use the Internet's search capabilities to find out the address of the company's executive offices. Send the blank invitation type card with a hand written note sincerely congratulating a person on their promotion, again insert your custom business card.
For the cost of a stamp, you have just made someone's day and possibly created an impression that would make a person feel compelled to respond back to you. You just never know ... people open invitation type envelops faster than any others.
10. People remember a slogan -- A memorable phrase or slogan insures people ALWAYS associate a company name with their product or services. People remember even after the commercial is over ... it's called "branding". Companies pay large sums to advertising agencies to come up with these lasting slogans, and you should do the same strategy on your custom business card. A slogan makes all the difference between getting hired or not, because people will remember you long after a meeting.