Marketing on a shoestrig Budget, Part 2

The Business Card

The business card is the cornerstone of cheap marketing. If done well, your business card might be all the marketing you need.

First, lets examine a typical business card. The card will be white with black ink, generally have the name of the company, the name of the person, address, phone, fax, and email. Maybe a logo or a picture.

This is not an effective use of a business card.

When someone sees your card, we want him or her to instantly know what you do and who you are. You also want them to have a reason for keeping your card, and we want your card to stand out.

Depending on the company you work for, you might have to get permission to design your own cards. If your company prints the cards for you, they will be sure to put their name in the most memorable spot. We want people to remember you, not the company.

The elements of a great, no-way anyone will ever forget you card are:

•-          Printing on both sides

•-          Your USP as the main element on the front

•-          Two or three color inks

•-          Background that is a bright attractive color - not white

•-          Reason for people to keep your card. Example- "show this card at your listing appointment and get a free gift at closing"

•-          A picture or caricature of you

•-          Your name in large letters, it should stand out more than the company name or logo

A business associate of mine is a property investor and his card is unforgettable. The front is glossy, bright yellow. Across the top in big, bright, red letters is says "We Buy Houses". It has his name and contact info along with what types of property he buys. When you look on the back, the first thing you read is "This card is worth $1000." The $1000 is in big, bright green. Then it goes on to say that is you refer him to someone whom he buys a house from, he will pay you $1000.