Business Cards as Effective and Inexpensive Marketing Machine
By: Steve Perkins
Submitted: 2011-05-02 18:24:04 | Word Count: 608
A small business doesn't typically have a lot of employees. The owner often serves as the boss, the customer representative, and the marketing officer all in one. With all this function, it is important that he knows everything going on in a marketing sense. Next to good management and strategic planning, a good and aggressive marketing strategy is critical to his business' growth and success. Marketing will serve as the foundation where you can start taking your business to the next level.
So with the importance of marketing to a business now settled, the question now is which marketing strategy to use. You can always go for billboards and TV ads, but they are expensive. Your best option now is to start with the most affordable materials. A good example of that are the business cards. Even the most successful businessmen today with the likes of Donald Trump and Bill Gates still maintain their business cards. So who are you not to trust on the marketing power of these simple cards?
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When designed and printed effectively, your business card will say exactly what you want to tell people. It will deliver your message clearly and give people your contact details legibly. What frequently happens though is that many businesses only let their business card work in networking activities. They let their cards sit in the box the rest of the time. When you launch your own business card campaign, remember not copy this practice. Not only is it ineffective, but a waste of time and money as well.
So, how do you get your cards moving? How do you turn them into an effective and inexpensive marketing machine? Here's how:
1. Have them with you anywhere you go. Even when you are simply going for a jog or drop by the grocery store, be sure to have your business card with you. Who knows, the person you might meet next can become one of your most loyal customers. So make it a habit t keep your card in your pocket, wallet, or your favorite coat. You can also consider investing in a good business card holder to keep your card protected and pristine.
2. Leave then strategic places. This means that you leave your card in places where your target customers are. You can place them at restaurants, gasoline stations, and grocery stores. Just keep your eyes open to every opportunity that you get to present your card to your target customers.
3. Use the backside of the card. Consider printing something that can be useful to your customers at the back of your business card templates. It can be a map to your store, a discount coupon, or a calendar. This will surely increase the chance of your card to be valued and kept.
4. Include them in your letters. When sending out communication letters or invoices, don't forget to include your business card. Who knows the person who will open your letter is actually in need of your product or service.
5. Make them a part of your referral system. When carrying out a referral system, your business cards will play an important role to its success. Consider offering a prize or discount to someone who hands out your card. Just be sure to put marketing on the card to track the source.
Author Resource:-Steve J. Perkins is a specialist of printing and is also a graphic designer. He is dedicated in the printing industry and continues to support the developments in the field of marketing.
