Business Card Life Span
Jim Thaler wrote:
What if the average “life span” of a plain, text only business card versus a
full color business card or other unique design card?
Thanks for the question Jim! As far as the business card itself, they usually are dead by the time they’re printed on! I’m sure they tree didn’t mind, it was glad to give up it’s life so we could make a few sales, right?
As for design, it really depends on the business card. If you look at advertising from the 1980’s, it’s obviously out of style and “old”. If you look at stuff from the early 1990’s, that too is obvious. That is my caution, keep an eye on advertising and see what is popping up. As your business cards start to move from stylish to out of style, have them updated by a professional designer. You don’t have to go through a radical change, but a change is always necessary.
If you’re business card is mainly text with your company logo, don’t worry too much about the life span, it should last as long as you keep the same address and company logo.
Let me give you a few pictures to diagram what I’m talking about in terms of life span of a logo. Which ATT Logo would you be more likely to want on your business card?
OLD:
NEW:
Now looking at these logos, which one is the oldest, and which one is the most recent? Would you be embarrassed with the logo before the current logo? I surely would, and that is how you know how long your business card lasts. Are you still handing them out as proudly as you did the first day?
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Business Cards for Make Money Online Website
Sara wrote:
Hi Brandon,
As a blogger who writes about making money online, how could a business card benefit my business?
Sara, thanks for the question. As for ways to make money online, that happens to be my passion as well!
In order to create a business card that will benefit your business, I would make sure you that your business cards do the following:
1. Match the theme of your site. You have a nice green theme with the pajama slippers. Keep that theme going to your business cards.
2. Make yourself memorable. In order for your business cards to convert to website visitors, you need to give them something on the business cards that will make them remember you and want to visit your site. I would try to highlight a few of your old posts. You might be able to say something like, “Don’t miss these posts:”. Then you could list a few of your most popular posts.
3. The last thing I would recommend is being part of the design process. Don’t just pay someone to design a business card, make sure you’re part of designing it. That could involve asking for a few updates from your designer as the process is progressing, or asking him for a few proofs and make sure he knows what you’re looking for.
4. Hire a great designer. Did I mention that I design business cards? Also, you can contact me for more information!
Hopefully that will help you with your business card creation!
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Are Business Cards Successful in Converting Sales?
Ryan wrote:
Statistically, how often are business cards successful in converting sales?
Ryan, good question, but unfortunately I can’t give you the type of answer you’re looking for. There hasn’t been any kind of study done that differentiates business cards from the full marketing package. What I mean is that most people don’t just leave a card with a prospect and walk away.
The business card is just part of the marking plan.
Because of that, it is nearly impossible to give a hard number on how well business cards convert. Not to mention in some industries (car sales for example) you could give out 25 cards per day, 30 days per month (750 business cards) and only sell 10 vehicles. In that case, your percentage of cards given out to actual sales is 0.013%! Pretty poor.
But if you look at it in terms of money spent, each business card costs roughly $.08 multiplied by 750 cards per month is only $60. So now you could say that each car was sold with a $6 marketing budget!
However, we know that there are a million other factors contributing to selling cars like dealership advertising, location, brands sold, etc.
So back to your initial question, “how often are business cards successful in converting sales?” I would say that business cards are as successful as you believe they are. For me, I know they land me at least 1 client per month. I give out about 30 cards per month.
When I sold cars, I would give out 500+ per month and sell 10-30 cars per month.
So, “Yes”, business cards are successful in converting to sales. How often depends on your perception!
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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!
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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!
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