Everyone wants his or her business card to be noticed, so the desire to create a truly unique business card — a card made from grass clippings, or a die-cut card, or even a business card made of wood - is hard to resist. But is there a point at which uniqueness and originality actually works against you? Here are some factors to consider.
Unique Business Cards - YES!
The great thing about unique business cards is that they bring attention to you. You get noticed. And people who notice you, who really pay attention to you and your business card, are more likely to do business with you.
Making unique business cards is also a way to differentiate yourself from your competitors.
Unique Business Cards - NO!
However, many unusual or unique business cards are expensive to design and print, especially if you're using an unusual material like metal or wood or printing your business card in an unusual shape.
Also, business cards that are non-standard in size or shape are more difficult both for you and your clients to store.
Cheaper, Easier Ways to Create Unique Business Cards
Fortunately, there are cheaper and easier ways to make unique business cards — or to make existing business cards unique.
When you're designing business cards, you can use a background or color scheme that is uncommon in your industry, or try an unusual (but legible) font. You can add a funny tagline or slogan, add useful information to the back of the card, or do something creative like design a series of cards that work together in a marketing campaign. (For example, if you create 4 sets of cards, each with a different product benefit or joke or whatever! on the back of the card, you can give a prize to someone who brings you all 4 cards.)
After the card is designed, you can also make it more unique by rounding the corners, punching a hole in it, or simply storing it in an attention-getting business card case. Some of the newer business card cases are real conversation-starters.
And if your delivery is unique, that helps too! (For example, handing your business card to someone with two hands is uncommon and makes the card seem really important.) And if you accompany the business card presentation with a sincere, well-rehearsed pitch for your product or service, you'll leave the card recipient with a flattering impression of both you and your business.
Unique Business Cards - YES!
When you're designing business cards, you can use a background or color scheme that is uncommon in your industry, or try an unusual (but legible) font. You can add a funny tagline or slogan, add useful information to the back of the card, or do something creative like design a series of cards that work together in a marketing campaign. (For example, if you create 4 sets of cards, each with a different product benefit or joke or whatever! on the back of the card, you can give a prize to someone who brings you all 4 cards.)