Business cards are one of the most affordable ways to get your information into a prospects hands. The problem is that most business cards end up lost in a pile on a desk, tossed in a junk drawer or worse, thrown away. Business cards only work if your prospect keeps it so he can call you when needed. Here are some tips to making your business card a resource people hold on to.
Multipurpose it: Authors do this by giving away bookmarks with their book’s information. Turning your business card into something people can use, such as a bookmark, ticket, mileage tracker or score keeper, increases the odds they’ll hold on to it.
Make it helpful: Realtors and mortgage often include a chart on their cards that allows people to determine mortgage costs at different interest rates. Giving helpful information related to your business on your card increases the chances they’ll be filed instead of lost. For example, a cooking store can add measurement conversions or an editor can offer corrections for most common writing errors. I have a list of common work-at-home scams to avoid on one of mine. Other options include a calendar and important local numbers.
Give it value: People like a good deal. Turn your business card into a coupon or rewards card for a discount or free offer. Take it step further and give away several cards at a time letting your prospects and clients give them away for easy referrals.
Add a QR code: While there is debate about the value of a QR code, for people who live mostly in a digital world, the chances of them holding on to a business card decreases with each new technological advance. Make it easy for them to hold on to your information by allowing them access your business online with a simple scan of the card. If you don’t want a QR code, consider an SMS code, in which card holders can text the code to receive information about your business via text.
Once you have a card people will want to keep, give them away. Too many business owners are stingy with their business cards. But they are designed to be shared, so use them when you meet people for business or pleasure, as note paper when you give someone information or directions, and leave them in public places such as on bulletin boards.
