What to Put On Your Business Card

How do you make your business card work on your behalf versus just providing your contact information?

By choosing the right words and design that matches your message.

The front of your business card should lead with a captivating tile or headline. If your business name or tagline is compelling, then use that. If not, then be willing to make a bold claim or state a bold benefit of working with you. Then follow with your name, title and full contact information.

As for the design of the front of your card, when in doubt, opt for simplicity and a solid or patterned color that stands out from other professionals in your field. (Doing what everyone else is doing is a sure way to blend in and not get noticed.)  For example, most wellness professionals choose "natural" lightly hued business cards. When I was a nutrition counselor, my business card was a bright lime green. It immediately stuck out on bulletin boards and ultimately, on my potential clients' desk.

Alternatively, add a picture of your e-book, graphic image of your newsletter, or another type of image that represents the results or a tangible side-effect of working with you. If your business is closely tied to who you are and directly working with you, you could use a professionally taken picture of yourself that expresses some aspect of your working style. (Like what realtors do, but done much more stylistically)

Now here's where most people miss the boat. Don't forget to use the back of your business card. On the back start with another powerful benefit of working with you or simply write "YOUR BUSINESS NAME RESULTS…" Then following with three bullet points of the top results of working with you. Complete the back of the card with a "call to action" by inviting them to visit your website for a specific reason (free e-book, newsletter, tips, blog, etc…) or some other action that would begin the process of your prospective clienting getting to know, trust and like you.

Hope this helps!

Karin