What Kind of Business Card Should I Get?

Describe the perfect business card.

Having trouble? So would we … because there’s no such thing! Everyone has different needs and there is an infinite variety of small print products, some of which aren’t traditional “cards” at all.

Paper …

Economy paper might be okay if you sell a very common, low-cost product. Premium stock is necessary if you have a longer sales pipeline and want your prospects to hold onto your card for a while. Insurance agents, for example, need some durability.

You can achieve this both through the quality of the paper and through the thickness of the card. 14-pt is considered standard; 24-pt and even 48-pt cards tend to make more of an impression. Double the thickness a few more times and you’ve also got a convenient doorstop (just kidding).

Another consideration is the feel and look of the paper. Generally this refers to glossy (smooth, reflective) vs. matte (fine cardboard feel). A slightly reflective surface might be indicative of appliances or vehicles; a matte surface might be ideal for office supplies (like paper, maybe?).

… or Plastic?

Plastic offers a whole new range of possibilities. There is one color a paper card can never be: clear. Consider the impact of your brand presented with nothing but your customer’s environment as the background.

If you sell a product associated with special events and parties, you might consider a hologram design. There may be no better way to make your brand memorable than by entering the third dimension. Of course, if you specialize in strictly white-tie affairs, a more traditional approach might be best.

By the way, what else comes to mind when you think of plastic cards? Financial institutions. Don’t underestimate the power of association. Plastic = money. Financial advisors and commercial bankers should strongly consider having at least a few of these in their sales arsenal.

“Un-cards”

Do you offer emergency services? Refrigerator magnets may be the best investment as you’re launching your business.

Do you run an e-store and do most of your business long-distance? Perhaps you need to focus your offline strategy on postcards.

Is your business a nonprofit that seeks to promote a cause? Bumper and window stickers are a great way to get the word out.

What Else?

We’ve just scratched the surface of all the options out there for your business cards, “un-cards” or whatever small print product will best drive business your way. The good news is you don’t have to know what all those options are. That’s what we’re here for.

Place your next business card order with the Farmhouse today!