Business Cards

Pocket your money. Tried this tactic on a couple of different projects and the return wasn't there.

Maybe there is a trick that we are unaware of...

Typical business cards won't cut it for traffic generation.Two factors are at play. One is where you distribute them and two, what makes the card worth noticing.

Most people design a business card with the usual blah, blah, blah and intend it for more of a contact reference than advertising. You will have to step it up a notch or two.

Can't help you with the first issue because I don't know your business, what you are marketing, or where you are marketing.

On the second issue, I can tell you there is no better place to discover business card variety and ideas than your local print professional. Not talking about Kinkos or any of the big box store sellers. All they employ are clucks, er I mean clerks or order takers.
I'm talking about visiting, no emailing, not phoning but visiting a true print professionals Any of them worth a toot will have seen all sorts of different business card media.

I've seen business cards made from wood, metal, cowhide, plastic, and rubber. So keep an open mind even though the print pro may only use paper they have sources and contacts that do special stuff.

Also, since you are marketing a video blog you might consider a fold-over four-sided card that has sufficient ad copy that will set you apart and inspire the casual observer to want to know more. Including perhaps a stylized QR code. Not the boring black square.

-Steelhead

I put a QR code on mine with a "Scan For Promo" caption above it. Got a few clicks from it. I use gotprint for all my marketing material. Make sure to get 16pt stock, it's nice and thick.

Unfortunately you really need to have a business card because it is very unprofessional to not have one when asked. That being said, most will just throw it away anyway.

a business card is useful in the sense that it's used as a point of contact....not so much as to generate traffic...

if you are more of a face to face person..and network often..I think you should use it...to plan seeds in the minds of ppl as to what you are doing and offering...sales is a process...see it as a business process then that will lead to attracting more sales to you..

just my two cents..

Very true Vibes. Agree with you. Business cards are not much costly. You can generate some traffic through business cards. Try with less no. of amount and decide after the result.

Business cards are a MUST if you are approaching a client for one on one discussion. You can't just say that you will email them details. What if the email does not get delivered or be directed to spam folders?

Get unique looking business cards which will instill interest and make the clients look at them and take good notice of them. Hand them out while leaving the premises or office of the client. I would suggest you to visit Business Cards | GraphicRiver for unique card designs.

It's a good investment.

I don't know whether someone of my niche MUST have business cards, but i understand where you're coming from. If you're offering a service or something like that then it is a good idea to have business cards.

I was planning on buying cards for my video entertainment blog. But i don't think i'll bother if it doesn't seem to drive much traffic

Thanks Trish. I'd be doing it for my video blog www[dot]vidstowatch[dot]com. Would you recommend cards or leaflets for that? Basically my blog is compiled of the best video clips i can find.

If you would recommend cards, should i hand them out in town or specific shops, leisure buildings etc

Thanks

I don't know if a lot of people think it's old fashioned, but I've seen a lot of business with handing out cards. (Attorney). It helps to have the face-to-face networking but many time I get phone calls from people who've had my cards passed along. They are a cheap and easy way to do business.

@lawyer2warrior2 Same here! I received a decent webdesign job from someone that had my card almost a year later.

Whether you're a lawyer, marketer, plumber or the flippin president you need business cards! You can get nice 16pt stock for 15 bucks. It's just one more tool that makes your company look bigger then you actually are.