Even in today's digital world, business cards remain as popular as ever. With nearly 10 billion printed each year, the demand hasn't slowed down despite the prevalence of touch screens and electronics.
A trade event is a perfect venue for promoting your company. Simply passing out a card is more preferable than whipping out our smartphone and making our fingers do extra work.
Yet, some businesses make the mistake of not putting enough effort into their card or forgo using anything to distribute contact information. Don't leave your business cards at home! Keep reading to learn more about designing business cards that stand out at your next trade event.
Correlation of Quality
Attracting trade event attendees to your booth is half of the battle. Once they leave though, your business card is the last chance to keep your company on prospective customers' radar.
Making your business cards requires allocating part of your marketing budget. It can be tempting to opt for inexpensive paper or dull graphics to save money, but this can be counterproductive. Thirty-nine percent of people who receive a cheaply made business card are likely not to do business with that company.
Use thicker, high quality paper and explore color design options. Many business cards lacking originality will look the same, but there are no rules. Rounded corners or pressing your logo makes for a catchy business card.
Go Beyond Contact Info
Traditionally, a business card should feature two of these three forms of contact information: Phone number, email address, or website. Logically you should highlight your best form of contact.
Business cards don't have to be boring. Think outside the box for different ways your card can provide incentives for consumers to want to hold onto it.
For example, double your business card as a coupon to encourage people to purchase your products in the future after the trade event. If you have brick and mortar locations, implement a punch card system for anyone who buys from your booth to receive a free item after a certain amount of future purchases.
You'd have an easier time asking someone to locate their stash of coupons or gift cards as opposed to their collection of business cards, wouldn't you?
Who Says It Has to Be Paper?
Sure, a business card by common definition is printed on paper. This doesn't mean though you can't apply the same concept of promoting your brand, but with other objects in lieu of a three and a half by two-inch piece of paper.
Writing utensils, stress balls, and similar household items work well for this. It's also a fun way to enhance your company's brand recognition and encourage more visitors to your booth. After all, most of us can't resist something free.
Think of ways you can incorporate your company's products or services into giveaway items. Use products applicable to your industry. For example, a bakery handing out measuring spoon sets with contact information printed on it.
Designing Business Cards That Stand Out
Ultimately, what should be on a business card depends on how your company operates beyond its booth at a trade event.
Maybe you're active on social media and should showcase your account handles. On the other hand, it could be your business is more traditional and communicates with clients solely over the phone.
While most print companies will require you to purchase a minimum quantity of cards, don't feel locked into a design if you feel you need to modify it in order to create business cards that stand out.
Are you interested in similar articles about enhancing your company's marketing tactics? Check out our marketing strategy blog to keep up with our latest trending content!
