If everyone to whom you give your business card then follows up with you, engages you or refers other people to you, then then your business card works for you.
I’m no marketing expert so I will not attempt to tell you what you MUST do with your card. I will offer here mistakes to avoid:
1 – info@ admin@ mail@ enquiries@ etc.
Email addresses that do not start with a name are generally a turnoff as they lack the personal touch Why not use your name? It’s even worse on websites where there is often no reference at all to who YOU are.
2 – @btinternet.com or @yahoo.com or @gmail.com or @talktalk.co.uk etc.
Email addresses that use a generic email service look unprofessional and suggest that you are either new in business, are not serious about growing your business or are very much behind the times. None are great signals. You can get you own email address very cheaply even if you do not have or need a website.
3 – Tiny and/or pale font
If the information is too small or faint to read then it might as well not be there. Too many business cards seem to have shrunk the font size to fit in more information such as email addresses, linkedin profile links and a promo message. But if we can’t read it easily you’re wasting your time.
4 – Crossed out email address on card and new handwritten one added
Talk about unprofessional. Think of the impact this has. New contact details means new business cards.
5 – Multiple office phone numbers.
You should only need one office number unless you personally operate from multiple offices. Even then you could make it easier for callers by adding an auto-redirect (when engaged or unanswered) to your mobile number.
6 – Two email addresses on one business card
Why would anyone do that? It’s not like having separate local and city office physical addresses. Make it easy for people to contact you; don’t force them to wonder and to choose.
7 – Flimsy and cheap looking card
Your business card is a memory aid for when you’re not there. Do you want to be remembered as a cheap amateur?
8 – Mixed up personal and business contact information
It’s so much easier if the business name, address are evidently separate to your personal name, title, mobile, email address.
9 – Glossy or dark coloured card
People make notes on the back of business cards so that we can recall where and when you met and what we have promised to do; or simply something about you that will make it easier to remember you.
10 – Forgetting to include nature of business or service
Indication of the nature of the business service you offer. Even if you’re a member of an Institute and use the authorised logo, not everyone will recognise this so it’s not sufficient. Help the person who looks at your card to remember what you do.
11 – Squeezing everything onto one side of the card
All cards have two sides, why not make use of both sides. Or you might use one side to highlight specific expertise or social media accounts.
