Free Business Cards... But At What Cost?
by Christopher J. Brunner
Who doesn't love something free? Free business cards have been a
popular item with small business owners across the country for
several years. They are easy to spot due to an advertisement on the
backside and background images you see over and over again.
These
cards are great for collectors, but are they right for you?
Many frugal business owners order free cards with the notion that
they are cutting an expense from their budget; after all, a card is
a card... right? Not if you are serious about your marketing
efforts.
Consider these long term costs:
- Cost #1: First Impression
Free business cards have little to no competitive potential.
Which would YOU pick up first - a photo-realistic card with a
glossy finish or a card that looks like it was printed cheaply?
It's human nature to check out the better card first, it
captures your attention and curiosity first.
- Cost #2: Holder Attention
The advertisement on the back side of a free business card can
distract the holder away from your message. Your new contacts
may think about "free business cards" instead of what your
company is about. This can result in a lost lead, and ultimately
lost revenue.
- Cost #3: Valuable Real Estate
The back side of your business card is prime space to include
information that makes your card worth holding on to. Have a
good look at your audience and who you are trying to impress.
What are they looking for? Certainly not an advertisement from a
company other than your own!
- Cost #4: Brand Awareness
Brand awareness - The proportion of target customers that
recall a brand. Business cards play a major role in
developing this important marketing strategy. Free business
cards are co-branded, effectively clouding this awareness you
want your clients to develop.
- Cost #5: Professional Image
Advertisements on the back of free business cards scream
unprofessional and diminish the impression you want your client
to have of your business. Advertisement-free business cards are
cheaper than you might think, and are an easy tax write off.
Invest in custom business cards that grab attention and appear
more valuable. Your clients will love them, and you will enjoy
handing them out.
Contact LB Printery today to discuss your
full color business card printing needs. |
