What do I do with the Back of My Business Card?
Jackie wrote:
What’s your take on putting stuff on the back of a business card?
Jackie, great question! The back of your business card is prime real estate. However, there are two different ways to use this real estate.
1. Print helpful information on the back of your business card.
2. Leave it blank and write helpful information on the back of your business card.
For most industries I prefer #2. I like to be able to leave a personal note, quote, or contact number on the back of my business cards. Frequently I use my business cards and calling cards if I visit a client and they are out of the office. I’ll leave them a short note on the back of my business card telling them I’ll call them later, or come by a different day.
Many people print something very similar on both sides of their business cards. That I would definitely not recommend.
If you decide to use the back of your business card to print on, make sure it is attention grabbing and action oriented. Make the prospect want to do something (buy a product, visit your site) by just viewing your business card.
Here are a few posts related to your question:
Your Business Card is your Calling Card
Creative Business Card Uses
Print on the back vs. Leaving it blank
Business Cards as Appointment Cards
Good luck with you business card design!
French Travel Agency Business Cards
Boris wrote:
Do you have any suggestions how I could use business cards to promote my online travel business?
Boris, thanks for the question. I really like the content of your site. Never have been to France, but it looks wonderful.
As far as business cards go, I would first start with a branding of your website/company. You wouldn’t have a logo or tagline to put on a business card, so it would basically just be your name and the website address.
For under $100 you should be able to find a good logo dealing with travel. Once you have that, then you can start with the business cards.
I would make sure your business cards clearly stated that you provide information that can help make an informed French trip even better. Since you don’t seem to sell travel plans, let them know that all of your information is free. No registration required.
If you can combine a nice logo with a little bit on information, you’ll have people visiting and linking to your website regularly.
Thanks again Boris!
Submit a question, get a link.
Business Card Thickness
Martin wrote:
What is the average paper thickness of a good business card?
Martin, thanks for the question. Business card thickness depends on the business card. If you’re printing plastic business cards, they’re usually the size of a credit card in terms of thickness. That usually equates to .020″ to .030″. If you’re printing paper business cards, that a different story, and different measurement.
Traditional business cards usually measure somewhere between 12 and 16 pts. I personally prefer business cards to be 16 pts. That makes them thick enough to be a very professional card, but not so thick they don’t fit in any kind of business card holder.
Hope that helps!
Online Content Writer Business Cards
Alfa Mercado wrote:
If I am a web content writer or I blog for a living, how should I mention that in my business card, how do I put that on my business card in a way that even those unfamiliar with my job will be enlightened?
Alfa, thanks for your question. I wrote similarly about freelance writer business cards, that post might help too.
For your specific business, I understand how you feel. Many people don’t realize that a lot of what they read on the internet isn’t written by those who claim it on there own. Often called Ghostwriting or Ghostblogging.
I have myself purchased content from writers like you for my blogs and websites (not this one, but others). For me, finding those people was a matter of either searching forums, or checking freelance job sites.
For people who aren’t technically savvy, they would be best approached offline, like you are trying to do. Business cards would be perfect for that.
On your content writer business cards, I would make sure and be very specific with the words you choose. Not only because you’re supposed to be a professional writer, but you’re going to have to convey a new idea with only a business card. Here is what I would write:
Have a website? When was the last time it was updated? I provide quality content at affordable prices for your website or blog. By updating often, you are telling your visitors that your website is important, and therefore they are important to your company.
You might need to change that a little, but you get the idea. Make them ask themselves a question, explain what you do and finally why it is important to them. Hook, line, and sinker.
Thanks for the question, anyone else want to submit a question?
Business Card Tools
Steven wrote:
What tools do we need and what do we have to do in order to make a good looking
and professional business cards?
Steven, as for business card tools, you’ll need a printing press and an experienced printer! I would suggest designing your own business card and then let someone else print them for you.
As for business card design tools, I personally prefer Adobe Photoshop (CS2 for me on a Mac).
The learning curve is a little steep, but once you get the hang of it you’ll never look back.
For the average person who is just designing a few cards I would recommend Business Card Designer Plus by CamDevelopment.
The software has been around for a long time. I have personally used it and found that it was very user friendly even for the novice (my wife liked how simple it was).
Thanks for the question Steven!
Anyone else want a free link?