What to Put on a Business Card to Stand Out: A Guide
Things to Put on a Business Card to Make it Stand Out
Are you a freelancer reaching out to potential clients? Are you launching a new business and hope to connect with clients and potential partners?
One of the best solutions to connect with people is a business card. Even in today’s digital age, the industry still sees 27 million cards printed per day.
But how do you decide what to put on a business card? Do people still put their fax number or an @gmail.com e-mail address?
Yes, you should get creative with your card design. First impressions last, after all, but at the end of the day, people will look back at your card for the information listed on it.
Here’s a look at the most crucial information you should have on your business card.
Tips on What to Put on a Business Card to Stand Out
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Clear Logo
Before figuring out what to put on a business card, get a copy of your business or personal logo.
Business cards with color stand out more than those with a plain white design.
That’s not enough, however, so make sure you place your logo in a way that they can spot it in a moment’s notice.
The logo on your card should advertise your business or service before they ever look at your contact information.
This is important because it helps people remember who you are and what product or service you offer without having to read through your card.
The logo is your brand and you want it to stand out. People might not recall your phone number but they will remember your company and this helps make your business card stand out from the rest in their possession.
Keep in mind that everything about your logo matters. People may form an early impression about a company based on the shape of the logo alone. It’s size and location on your business card matter too.
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Preferred Name and Functional Title
Not sure what to put on a business card? You can start by placing your name and title but not in the way you might think.
It may seem more professional to put your full name and current title but that goes against the purpose of a card. The card isn’t your biography – it’s a means for them to contact you. Put down the name you want people to call you.
If your name is Edward but you prefer people to call you, place Ed on your card. When they call you or contact you on social media, they’ll use the name you gave them and this creates a more personal relationship. It closes the gap between you and the client.
As for your title, make sure it has a proper, functional purpose. Don’t write “blogger” as your title because it’s too general and doesn’t tell them anything particular about your skills. Instead, go for a functional title like “SEO Content Writer” because it’s specific.
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Direct Contact Information
Don’t add an office number on your card if it makes clients speak to a series of automated voices first. Give them contact information that lets them contact you directly, whether it’s a business mobile number or a business email address.
With the advancement in technology and the fact most people are online, you can skip adding a physical address. By the time people decide to send you a physical letter or package, it’s likely they already made direct contact with you.
Keep in mind that the important tip here is to only provide direct contact information. Fax machine numbers, physical addresses, and other means that require too much effort for you and the client to communicate are unnecessary.
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URL to a Landing Page
Got a website? Almost everybody does these days. When planning what to put on a business card, adding a URL your website comes almost right after listing your name and title.
However, don’t list down the homepage.
If you lead clients to a homepage, they’ll have to take a few extra clicks to find something they need.
They might want to read your About page or get a look at your portfolio.
Skip the extra steps and include a URL that brings clients directly to an effective landing page. It could be your portfolio, a page listing your services or products, or the aforementioned About page.
If possible, keep the URL short. They have to type the URL manually, after all, and a long URL might discourage them from taking the step to visit your website.
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Relevant Social Media Profiles
Some people think adding a Facebook Page URL or Twitter handle is unprofessional but that’s not the case nowadays.
Almost every business uses social media platforms to their advantage. It helps with SEO purposes, broadens a company or person’s reach to their intended audience, and helps them market new products or services on a personal level.
That said, don’t list all your social media accounts on your business card.
What to Put on a Business Card Bonus: Clear Space
Social media handles, a landing page on your site, and a logo are all important elements for your card but you also need clean, clear space. Sometimes, figuring out what to put on a business card includes empty segments on your card.
Clean space prevents you from cluttering information on the card. A cluttered design makes it hard for people to locate the information they need. How can they spot your number or email address if it’s buried between other elements?
A clean design also makes your card look more professional and straight to the point. It lets your logo take the spotlight and helps distinguish your business card from others.
Discover More Business Tips Today
Designing a business card is only the beginning when it comes to reaching out and marketing your brand.
It helps people remember who you are and lets them contact you when they want to hire you but you still have to follow this up with a strong marketing strategy.
Not sure which strategy will build your professional profile? Looking for more business tips and tricks? We’ve got you covered!
