Dos and Don’ts for Your Business Cards
As we mentioned in the first two posts, corporate branding is not just something you do online or during “normal business hours”. Remember, your branding and identity are one in the same. To be successful, corporate branding has to be a 24/7 process that exists wherever you go.
That’s why using your business cards to build a brand is so important!
Most of the time, your business cards provide a first impression. You hand them out to people you’ve just met – whether you’re at a Chamber of Commerce luncheon or at a friend’s cocktail party. When you hand over a business card, you’re hoping that the person uses it to remember you later.
But just remembering you isn’t good enough. You also want to make sure that your business cards convey the right message.
So how do you tie your business cards to your corporate branding?
- Don’t print them out at home
It may save you some money, but it will also give you business cards that look cheap. Looking like an amateur is no way to develop a successful corporate identity. - Do include your logo
Remember, logo design is very important when it comes to building a brand. You need to make sure that your logo is present on everything you have – including your business cards. - Do color-coordinate
All of that time you spent picking out colors for your website design will come in handy when it comes time to create your business cards. Make sure that both of them use the same colors; it reinforces the continuity you’re trying to create. - Don’t be afraid to use non-traditional paper
Stark white business cards all blend together. If you really want to stick out, get professional business card paper that makes a statement. For example, if you own a construction company, print your business cards on silver metallic paper. That way, people will look at the card and automatically think of shiny silver tools. - Do spend time picking out the right font
Your logo design may have its own font. You don’t necessarily have to use the same font for the contact information on your business cards, but both fonts do need to complement each other. Make sure your contact information is easy to read, so that people will not have any trouble getting in touch with you for new business deals. - Do include an email address with your dot com name
If you use a Gmail or a Yahoo address, you’re shifting the focus away from your own brand – and reminding people of other companies. Plus, having a free email address makes you look cheap.
Business cards aren’t the only pieces of paper that are vital to corporate branding. Next, we’ll talk about how to use your stationery to build a brand.
How to build a brand – Part 1
How to build a brand – Part 2
How to build a brand – Part 4