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9 Features You Need on Your Next Business Card

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Whether you’re self-employed, own your own business, or are a high-achieving professional with big dreams in your industry, you want to make a good impression on people. You want your colleagues, peers, and clients to think you’re competent, confident, and professional.

Your business card is a powerful tool with which to achieve this. After all, your business card is the first thing people will see when they meet you or hear about your company. It’s important that it looks sharp and professional, and separates you from the rest of the competition!

If you don’t have a business card yet, or it’s been a while since you last updated yours, now’s the time to start thinking about how to approach your new card design. In this guide, we’re going to share 9 features that you need on your next business card to help you stand out from the crowd and make the best first impression possible.

1. Vertical Orientation

Did you know that business cards don’t have to be horizontal? Vertical business cards are still easy-to-read and will fit into a standard business card holder or rolodex, but they look fancier and will set you apart from the crowd.

When handed a vertical business card, the reader will have to turn it on its side, automatically engaging their brain in a different way than a standard horizontal card – forcing them to pay more attention to what they’re reading. It’ll help create the impression that your business card is more important or worthy of remembering than others.

At 123Print, we stock a wide range of vertically-oriented business card templates to suit a wide range of professions and niches. For example, this bright and bold Colour Swatches design would be perfect for anyone working in the paint, textile, or fashion industry.

2. A Clear Call to Action

The whole point of a business card is to drive business to you or your company. As such, it helps if there’s a clear call to action designed into the card itself, as well as your contact details and social media handles.

A call to action is a clear request for the reader to make contact. For example:

1) Check out our new summer range today on our website!
2) Show this business card when you’re next in-store for 5% off your purchase.
3) Scan the QR code to learn more about our new product line
4) Call us today for a free quote

The goal here is to make it as appealing as possible for your business card’s recipient to contact you and do business with you – so make sure to give them an incentive to do so!

3. Magnetic Backing

A business card should be easy for its recipient to keep hold of, and refer back to when necessary. That’s where magnetic business cards really come into their own.
Any standard business card can be set out on a table at a networking event so they catch people’s attention, but the next step is to ensure that they aren’t going to get lost, or shoved in a drawer and forgotten about.

By making your business card magnetic, your client or professional contact will be able to stick it to their refrigerator or filing cabinet, for easy access in the future. It’s also just a bit of a novelty that people will find fun, and again will help you to stand out from the crowd.
A magnetic business card shows that you’ve given some thought to how you can keep your card fresh in people’s minds after they have it in their hands. It’s also great for spreading brand recognition, as your card will be right in front of them whenever they go to the fridge to grab the milk.

4. Double-Sided Printing

If you’re not going with the magnetic option, you should at least ensure that you make full use of the space by giving your business card a double-sided design.
A business card with two sides is more professional and gives you the freedom to express yourself even further. It also lets you include extra information that wouldn’t necessarily fit on the front of the card, such as your store opening times, a tempting special offer or a fun fact about your business that might leave a lasting impression on the reader.

Sure, it might cost a little more to pay for printing on both sides, but it’s definitely worth it from a business point of view. You want to be as memorable as possible so that the recipient will be more likely to do business with you in future.

5. Your Photo

A business card should reflect who you are, what you do and the kind of image you want to project to others.
This is why you should include your photo on your business card: so that the reader can put a face to the name, and identify you as an individual, rather than a faceless corporation. You could add a photo of yourself standing in front of your shop, on the manufacturing line at work, or relaxing at home – whatever it is, make sure you look sharp and confident!

Including your photo is also a great way to inject your personality into your business card. You don’t want to go too overboard – your card should be professional and business-like, after all – but a photo of yourself can certainly help you to stand out and make a good first impression.

6. Your Logo

Your logo is the ultimate branding that defines you as an individual or company. It’s important that it appears on your business card so that people know what your business is all about before they even pick up the phone or meet you in person.

If you don’t have a logo, now is the time to think about getting one! Having a logo consistently implemented across your products and mailings will go a long way to helping your business stand out and be remembered by your clients.

Your logo must be eye-catching and impactful, so spend some time creating it – use professional designers if you don’t have any design skills yourself! It should reflect your brand personality – are you fun, flamboyant and friendly, for example? Or are you serious, slick and professional?

7. A QR Code

Including a QR code on your business card is an innovative way of making sure that your business card doesn’t go to waste after it’s been handed over.

A QR code is a great way to maximise your business card’s potential, as it eliminates the need for the recipient to type your website address into their browser. Instead, they can simply whip out their phone and follow the QR code using their camera to take them straight there. This will give them the chance to do more research on you and what you have to offer, which could increase interest in you or even lead to new business opportunities.

Simply save your QR code as an image file and you’ll be able to upload it directly to a template of your choice at 123Print. All of our business card templates can be fully customised with your own images.

8. A Full-Colour Design

Your business card should be as unique and memorable as you and your brand. If you want to make a lasting impression on someone, it needs to stand out from all of the boring, black-and-white cards out there.

A full-colour design is one way in which you can make sure that your business cards jump out and catch people’s attention. The extra costs involved in going for a higher-quality, multicoloured design will almost always be recouped through higher sales and greater profits.

A full-colour business card is the perfect place to show off your creative side, too. You might want to consider including some cool infographic or photography – anything that reflects your brand personality and makes an impression. And think carefully about your colour scheme – it should tie into your business’s overall aesthetic, and stand out in a good way (not like a sore thumb).

9. Recycled Cardstock

In today’s eco-conscious world, when most consumers are looking to shop with businesses that care about the planet, it’s vitally important that you make sure your business card is eco-friendly.

Recycled paper is a perfect option for your business cards, as it makes use of post-consumer waste which would otherwise have been thrown away. It’s just another way for you to portray yourself as being sensitive towards environmental issues and reinforce your brand image.

Using recycled materials for your business cards doesn’t mean that you have to compromise on quality. The 100% recycled cardstock that we use at 123Print is 300gsm, and looks and feels just as nice as any standard business card. And as a nice bonus, it’s slightly cheaper!

Where Can I Buy Business Cards?

If you’re looking for professionally printed, high-quality business cards, look no further than 123Print. We offer a huge selection of business card templates which you can completely customise to reflect your unique brand personality, as well as a range of other printing products for your business and personal needs.

Visit our website today to choose the perfect design, and personalise it quickly and easily with our free-to-use online editor. Add your own artwork, photos and logos with our upload tool, and customise the font and colour scheme to your preferences.

Your order will be dispatched within 2 working days, so you’ll soon be holding your new, stand-out business cards in your hands. When it comes to getting business cards printed, there’s no need to go anywhere else!

Where is the Best Place to Leave Business Cards?

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You’ve just had some swanky new business cards printed, and you’re wondering how best to distribute them. Rather than scattering your business cards around just anywhere (wasting your precious time and money, and potentially littering to boot) you should approach this with a logical angle.

There are many different places you can leave business cards, and some locations work better than others for different businesses. In this article we’re going to discuss your business card distribution goals, and give you a comprehensive list of the various places you can leave them, for the biggest chance of success.

What Are Your Business Card Goals?

Good quality business cards are an expense. To get the best value from wherever you leave them, it’s good practice to do some out of the box thinking and consider who your customers are.
A popular technique with marketers is to create a ‘customer blueprint’—that means creating a profile of a fictional customer who’d want to buy your product or service. That might include who it is (person or company), where they frequent and what problem your product solves for them.

For instance, say that your business provides home plumbing services. Where would you leave a business card?
A person in the market for your services would visit plumbing supply and DIY stores. Many of these shops, DIY stores especially, provide a section where local tradespeople may leave their business cards—what better place to leave your business card than a shop where your potential customer may search for a part to fix their leaky boiler or a new sink to upgrade their bathroom.

The above suggestion applies to other businesses, such as electrical installers or decorators. Even if it doesn’t fit your specific business, try the same customer mindset technique and plenty of creative ideas will pop into your head.
One last word of advice: wherever you choose to leave or distribute your business cards, make sure that you have permission. Unwanted cards will get thrown away, and they might also invite an angry phone call or bad words on social media.

Creative Ideas for Where to Leave Your Business Card

Without further ado, let’s get into our all-inclusive guide to where you can distribute your business cards.

Business to Business

If you provide a Business to Business Service (B2B), there are plenty of opportunities for places to distribute or leave your business card.

Trade Shows:

Sometimes customers at trade shows don’t wish to talk at the booth, and they’ll just do a hit-and-run, picking up promotional material on their way through. Stapling a business card to the material is a good way to catch these potential customers.

Promotional Gift Raffle:

This isn’t so much about passing on your business card, but getting one from your potential customer. As an exhibitor, offer the chance to win a high-value gift to customers willing to leave their business card in a bowl or bucket.

Business Centres:

Most big brand hotels provide some level of business service for their guests. Ask the hotel if you could leave some business cards and promotional materials, or leave a few around if you’re staying as a guest.

Flexible Office Space Providers:

Office space in major cities is very expensive. Many start-ups and small businesses, who can’t afford the high rental, use flexible offices for hot desking. These are great places to leave business cards and promotional materials, especially if offering B2B services.

Networking Organisations:

Join business networking associations. Attend meetings and exchange business cards and materials by hand or leave them around for people to peruse.

Affiliates:

Through networking, you are likely to find other businesses offering complimentary services. Give them your business cards and offer sign-up bonuses for new customer introductions and do the same for them—quid pro quo.

Chamber of Commerce:

Most UK cities have a Chamber of Commerce dedicated to promoting business within the local community. They are a great place to leave your business cards and promotional materials.

Estate Agents:

If your business provides services to home or commercial building owners, consider giving your cards and information to an estate agent. They often keep lists of local tradespeople to give to house buyers, renters or commercial customers.
Don’t forget about using your existing Clients. Often existing clients are the best advertisement for your business. Leave a few cards with them and perhaps offer incentives for introducing new prospects.

In the Community

If you want to pick up customers out and about in your local community, here are some ideas for places you can leave your business cards for the highest chance of reeling them in.

Bulletin Boards:

Many shops and organisations have community bulletin boards aimed at the general public. They are great places to leave business cards.

educatebusiness

Church:

If your business provides a community service, a church would be a great place to promote it.

Community Centre:

As with churches, community centres provide services for the general public.

Citizens Advice:

This is an especially good place for advertising legal advice.

Sports facilities/Gyms:

These are great if your business is health-related—yoga, meditation, sports massage or some such service. Most facilities would be happy for you to leave your cards and promotional materials.

Local Libraries:

Check out their community section bulletin board. There are some clandestine tricks that you could try in libraries—leave your cards in books relevant to your business, or better still, create a bookmark shaped business card. For instance, for your business services company, leave your branded bookmarks in business books.

Tourist Information:

If your business is travel-related, there is no better place to leave your card and information. When visiting a place for the first time, most visitors seek the local tourist information centre.

Coffee Shops:

People spend a lot of time in coffee shops drinking coffee, reading and using free Wi-Fi. Take advantage of this by placing your card strategically around the shop. Again, get the shop’s permission to do this.

Shopping Mall:

Shopping malls often have their own community area with information on local services. Leave your cards and information around these areas.

Also, if you have the marketing budget, pay for someone to distribute your cards and information around your local area, perhaps attached to promotional flyers. Offering a discount service is a good way to encourage someone to take your card. Consult with your local authority first, to ensure it’s legal where you are to distribute material in this way.
Waiting Rooms, Receptions and Other Locations

Waiting rooms, reception areas and checkouts are other fruitful places for business cards. For instance, business cards for a beauty-related business might go well in a dentist’s waiting room.

Dentist Waiting Rooms:

As mentioned above, your dentist’s waiting room is a good place to distribute information. Most patients wait for at least ten minutes, browsing the magazines.

Doctors Waiting Rooms:

It may be harder to get permission for this area, but great if your business provides health or wellbeing-related services.

Hotel Receptions:

Hotels will be happy to help if your service benefits their customers (taxi service, restaurant, etc.)

Restaurants:

Ask permission to leave your cards at the checkout.

Taxis:

Ask taxi drivers to distribute your cards—provide a cardholder to put in the back of the taxi. This might not work with gig economy drivers, such as Uber, whose terms and conditions prohibit promoting other businesses to customers.

Coach and Bus Stations:

This is another area especially good for promoting travel-related business.

If you’re looking for stylish, professionally printed business cards to promote your small business or services, look no further than 123Print. We have thousands of high quality, fully customisable business cards designs, and we’ll have your order shipped out to you within 48 working hours! What are you waiting for?

face on business card

Should You Put Your Picture on Your Business Cards?

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In a business and tech-driven world where we are bombarded with advertisements, sales pitches, and often the same old boring text on someone’s business card, it is refreshing to see that some people have tried something different. In fact, if you look around, you’ll find all kinds of interesting variations on what a standard business card might look like.
As you may imagine, the creative possibilities are endless. One popular stylistic choice for modern business cards is the addition of your photograph. Yes, you read that right – many professionals are now choosing to make an impression by uploading their own picture directly onto their business card!

But is this a good idea? What are the advantages of including your photo on a business card? Let’s find out.

How Do Photo Business Cards Work?

The idea is simple. By adding your picture to a business card, you will help potential customers remember who you are and what you do.
It’s been shown that people look at other people’s faces more than any other part of the body. In fact, right from when our eyesight begins to develop, we hard-wired to notice, recognize and pay attention to human faces.
We’re also more inclined to trust someone with whom we relate. If your potential customer, client, or professional contact sees your picture on your business card, they’re more likely to pay attention, remember and trust you.

face on business card

What’s the Psychology Behind it?

We are social creatures, and we form opinions about a person based on whether we like them or not. If you’re in sales, then the odds are that you want to develop an immediate bond with your customer so they will trust you and listen to what you have to say.
Furthermore, if people are more inclined to trust you, they will be more likely to buy from you. So, when you think about it, having your picture on the business card makes perfect sense.
If you’ve got a photo on your business card, you also instantly seem more “human” to your customers and clients – you’re not a faceless corporation any more, but an actual person.

Why Should You Use Photo Business Cards?

If you’re still not sold on photo business cards, here are the top 9 reasons why you should use them.

1. Make Your Presence Known

If you’re a salesperson whose main job is to pitch products and find customers, then it’s a no-brainer that you should use a photo on your business card.
Having your picture will make it easier for you to form an instant bond with the customer, and since you’ll be trying to get them to buy something they don’t know very much about, this will help seal the deal.
A photo business card will instantly catch the viewer’s eye, and they’re less likely to toss it aside.

2. Help Your Business Cards Stand Out

Having a picture on your card will help you stand out from the card. It will make you unique, and it will help bring you attention. Not only that, but if your business card is something memorable, there is a possibility that people might keep it for future use or even refer to your picture when trying to contact you.
Also, don’t underestimate your appearance. If you’re in sales, having a friendly smile and looking well-groomed can help sell more than just the product; it can also help sell yourself. This is especially true of younger people who are trying to make their way in the world.

3. Match Your Image to the Product

There’s one thing that you want to be careful about when using your picture on your business card, and this is making sure that it matches what you’re selling. For example, if you’re trying to sell an expensive product, having a fun-looking photo might not be appropriate because it might not reflect the kind of business you are trying to run.
If you want to use your picture and make sure it’s appropriate, then a good tip is to think about the message that your card will convey and match it with a serious look on your face or even something that exudes confidence. After all, if a person trusts what you say and your picture matches, they will be more apt to do business with you.

4. Build Trust and Form Connections

Most business cards are left in wallets or desk drawers, where they aren’t looked at until they’re needed. However, having a picture on your card means that they will see your face every time they run across it.
Having a picture on your card means that they might remember you later or be able to connect you with someone else if the need arose. This is true of people who make business cards for themselves and then give them out to everyone just to leave their own personal impression.
Making use of your cards isn’t limited to just business people. These days anyone can make and use their own card, even if they aren’t working for themselves. If you want to make an impression, then putting a picture on it is one of the best things that you can do.

5. Create a Professional Image

Over the years, many business owners have realised that having their picture on their business card helps people remember the name and gives it a more professional appearance. Dress up for the shot – do your hair, don your finest suit, and it will work wonders for your professional image.
Making yourself look more professional shows others that you are here to stay and you have legitimate products that you are selling. That can help a business grow when someone is trying to evaluate the merits of doing business with you or your company.

6. Make Your Name More Memorable

I’m sure we’ve all been in situations where we couldn’t remember someone’s name, but as soon as we saw them (or a photo of them), then we remembered it. Faces are powerful!
Putting your picture on your cards lets people remember you and associate your name with your product or service. It can also help customers and clients remember your business’s name, your logo, or even your phone number!

7. Building Rapport with Others

It’s essential to build trust and rapport when you are in the business world or anywhere else, for that matter, but it can be even more difficult if you use one of those cards with no personal connection.
When you have your picture on one of your cards, others that see it will instantly see your company as more human and personable than your competitors. They’ll associate your face with the name and company so they can remember that connection easier. They then will be more likely to trust you when they are doing business with you.

8. Reinforce Your Personality

Including your photo on your business card allows other people to see more than just what you look like. It also lets them get a feel for your personality. Making people feel more comfortable with you and your brand can be critical when evaluating what to buy. Once again, putting a photo on your card will help reinforce that personality.

Not only does it make you look better in the eyes of others, but it also helps them see how customer-friendly you really are. When they are looking at other options, your picture on the card will have an emotional impact that will make people feel more comfortable doing business with you and your company.

9. Have an Easier Time at Networking Events

One of the biggest reasons people put so much time and energy into getting their pictures taken is networking events – such as a Chamber of Commerce breakfast, a conference, or even a happy hour. It can be challenging to build relationships with other people when you don’t remember what they look like, but having your picture on the card helps a lot in this situation.

Putting your picture on the card will be a plus when you are at networking events because people will remember you better. After they come home, they’ll have dozens of business cards stuffed into their pockets, and they probably won’t remember many of the people they spoke to – but they’ll remember you, because your face is right in front of them!

Where Can I Order Photo Business Cards?

When you’re having a photo business card made, it’s not an area where you want to skimp on quality. On the contrary, it’s critical to have a high-quality photo printed on high-quality cardstock. A photograph that’s grainy, lined or badly printed will instantly make you (and your company) seem less professional.

At 123 Print, we can make the perfect photo business card to project warmth, knowledgeability, and professionalism for your business or brand. Visit our site to get started today by choosing from one of our thousands of business card templates. Simply click the “upload artwork” button to inject your personality into your chosen design!

recycled business cards

How To Ask for a Business Card

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If you are networking you may be keen to get your hands on some business cards. Asking for business cards from your peers, professional connections, colleagues and even your clients will allow you to have their details on hand whenever you need them.

By asking for a business card, you are letting the other person know you’re interested in becoming part of their work circle. If you’re lucky, ask for their business card and they’ll also ask for yours – and getting as many of your own business cards ‘out there’ as possible will help to spread brand awareness and get you recognised by professionals in your industry.

There are actually many etiquette rules when it comes to asking for business cards. Because of this, it’s important to consider both how you ask for a card, and also time it right.

Although this can be daunting at first, especially if you are new to the business world, do not fear! Here are some tips you can use to help you the next time you want to ask for someone’s business card.

When Should You Ask for a Business Card?

In western society, immediately asking for a business card upon meeting someone is considered to be inappropriate. This is because you have not yet got to know the person in any capacity. You don’t have a good idea of what they do, or the services/products they offer – so why are you asking?

Asking for a business card too soon can come across as a little too eager and unprofessional. It might also be interpreted as an excuse for you to offer your own business card, which may make you seem desperate and could reduce the chances that they’ll get in touch.

If you are meeting someone for the first time it is best to engage with them first. Having a good conversation will allow the other person to see you are interested in them and what they do. This is the first step in forming beneficial relationships with others in your network.

It also means it is a good idea to ask for someone’s business card when you feel your conversation coming to a natural end. Doing this will show the other person that you are not just a card collector but are genuinely interested in them and/or their company.

How to Ask for Someone’s Business Card

When it comes time to asking for their business card, how should you phrase it? Here are some ideas for how you can word the all-important question.

“Do You Have a Business Card?”

If you are meeting someone casually or you are not sure if they will even have a business card you can phrase it in this low-pressure way.
Some people choose not to have a business card, or may not always carry theirs with them. Some may have a virtual business card they can link you to, rather than handing you a slip of card.

This would also be the perfect question to ask if you have spoken about keeping contact or wish to contact the other person. Since business cards traditionally feature contact details you could ask, “I’d love to contact you to chat about this some more – do you have a business card?”

Not only is this polite, but it also gives you the opportunity to form a relationship beyond the card. Of course, don’t use this phrasing if it’s painstakingly obvious that the person does have a business card – e.g., you can see them on their desk.

“May I Have a Business Card?”

At business or corporate events you can expect that most people will have (and bring) business cards. Business card trading is a prominent feature of events such as these which makes them a great opportunity to gain contacts.

At events such as these, you can expect conversations to be much shorter as they are normally very busy. This means it wouldn’t normally be considered rude to ask for a business card after a short chat.

If you are getting along with someone you can say “I think we would work well together, may I have your business card?”

You can also phrase this in a slightly less formal way, if you feel that it’s appropriate for the tone of your conversation. For example: “I’ve really enjoyed our chat – any chance I could grab a business card?”

“Here’s My Card”

In professional discourse, if someone gives you their business card, it is polite to give yours in return.
You can use this in your favour by initiating a trade with people you would like a card from. You can do this by handing one of your business cards to the person, and saying something along the lines of “if you’d ever like to get hold of me, here’s my card.”

Most professionals, when given someone’s business card, will automatically hand one of theirs over as well. This is a particularly useful technique if you could both benefit one another in some way – but obviously, it won’t work if you don’t have a business card.

If you don’t have a business card, we’d recommend getting one as soon as possible. They are quick and easy to create, and helpful in any professional situation. Even the fact that you have a business card in the first place will make you come across as professional.
When choosing a business card you can create your own from scratch, or customise one of the thousands of high quality templates available.

How Can I Get Someone to Ask for My Business Card?

Of course, as well as asking your professional contacts for their business cards, you’ll want to distribute as many of your own as possible. So how can you encourage whoever you’re interacting with to ask for your business card?

1) Listen! If you make someone feel validated or show you are interested in working with them, they are much more likely to ask for your card.

2) Repeat. To show someone you’re taking in what they’re telling you, an effective psychological tool is to repeat what they’ve said back to you, but in a different phrasing.

3) Relate. Don’t interrupt, but when they’re finished speaking, relate what they’ve said back to your business in some way. If they mention a problem, offer a solution.

4) Stand out. Talk about your niche and show how you are unique compared to your competitors. This show people that if they want anyone’s card, it should be yours.

5) Be a good conversationalist. If people find you easy to talk to, they are much more likely to want to talk again and will almost always ask for your business card

6) Be approachable. If you do not seem approachable people may be nervous to ask you for your card. Always be polite and open to talk.

And of course – handing out your business cards is only half of the story. The type of business card you have on offer can have a huge effect on whether or not they will actually get in touch. You’ll want to make sure your card is unique, professional, and stands out in their minds.

Where Can I Order Professional Business Cards?

There are thousands of great business card templates waiting for you at 123Print. In most business settings, sleek simple designs in colours like white, black, grey or navy blue will always be a hit.

If you are finding it hard to choose, designs like Broadwalk, Basic Grey and Blue and Grey would be fit perfectly in any professional environment.

Raised Print Business Cards

At 123Print we pride ourselves on our 100% customer satisfaction guarantee. This means if you are not 100% in love with your high-quality business cards, we’ll re-print them or give you a full refund.

We also offer 48-hour delivery, and ordering couldn’t be simpler with our huge range of pre-made templates and easy-to-use editor. If you don’t fancy customising a template, “create your own” feature allows full card customisation on a blank white background, so you can create a business card that is perfect just for you.