7 Biggest Business Card Sins – Are You Guilty?

Your business card is probably one of the cheapest forms of marketing collateral you buy. With the right design and thoughtful, creative content, your business card can be a brilliantly effective tool to generate leads, drive visits to your website or social media, and boost sales. What a wasted marketing opportunity if your card isn’t designed to be noticed, reinforce your brand and encourage more contact and buyer action!

Have a look at your current business card. Are you guilty of any of the following?

1. The details on your card are so small, they’re really difficult to read A particular no no if your target audience contains anyone who’s 40+! It’s a communication tool – so don’t put obstacles in the way of a clear message.
2. There’s no information about what you do So your business is a mystery. Why on earth wouldn’t you make it very obvious – so the card is kept and motivates more contact?
3. The back is blank You’ve wasted valuable marketing real estate. It doesn’t cost much more to print both sides – why not maximise your message?
4. The card feels flimsy Perception is a funny thing – and a business card which feels insubstantial translates to poor quality in most minds. It’s not the first impression most of us would like to make – so if you’re not selling a down market product, don’t hand out a down market business card.
5. Your card won’t fit into a standard wallet or business card holder Variety is the spice of life, and a design or style that’s out of the ordinary will get attention, which is definitely a plus. But make sure it doesn’t end up in the bin because it’s too hard to store.
6. Your card is so full of information that the recipient glazes over A cluttered card defeats the purpose of the exercise. Simple, clear design with relevant information is the way to go – and make sure the key message(s) are the ones that stand out.
7. Your business cards are still in the box in your desk drawer As the saying goes, use it or lose it. Your business cards are a really inexpensive sales tool – so give them out like confetti.