Unlike TV and radio ads, business cards are long-lived advertising material that continues its life with the customer. Proponents of the classic design say that the other side of the business card is for the company’s logo and slogan. It is a way to display your logo and create recognition, especially in cases where the company represents classic values.
There is another opinion that the other side of the business card should be left blank – for writing down information. For example, where and when you met this person. Yes, such a task can be for the blank side of the business card, but in reality it is done very rarely. Moreover, in some cultures it is even considered a gross breach of etiquette.
As we have already written before, the best solution is several sets of business cards for one person – one classic – suitable for a style book or creating an image, while the other allows you to get out of the usual frames, experiment and let the business card “sell”.
What to avoid
Although double-sided business cards mean a higher cost, using the second side effectively can pay for itself many times over. When planning the back part, it is important to remember that the business card is a fragment of information about you and the company – it does not have to tell the whole history, it will be enough to create interest. A common mistake when creating the first business cards is the belief: it would be better to provide information about everything we offer, so it will be easier for the client to start cooperation! The effect will be different – a cluttered business card creates a cheap and messy impression.
As we mentioned, you should definitely not put another language on the other side. The cost of business cards is usually not so high that you cannot afford a second set dedicated to a specific language.
It is also not recommended to share contact information – name, surname on one side, phone number and e-mail on the other. Why? Often, business cards are photographed, scanned, or stored in catalogs or card cases with only one side visible. From user experience – very inconvenient!
The business card that you will give to the client at the first meeting should not contain obtrusive advertisements of services or products, because at this point the business card serves as the first meeting! There is no place for a proposal on a first date. Leave your offer for next time or another set of business cards.
What to put on the other side of the business card
The back of a business card is good for sharing some valuable information or advice. A couple of examples:
“3 tricks that will increase the traffic of your website” – indicate 2 valuable tips and an additional line at the bottom: “I will tell you about the last one at our second meeting!”.
If you are in the table setting business – briefly describe how to plan the amount of food for the event.
For any specialists – what factors should be taken into account so that the client is sure of the specialist’s competence.
The main condition is that such advice should be “evergreen”, which would not lose its relevance after half a year or a year. In addition, the client will definitely not throw away a business card with valuable information!
If your company or brand is active on social networks, leave the other half for internet links or QR codes.
Indulge in historical values – for example, in the 17th century, when the first business cards appeared, craftsmen put the names of their workshops and a map of the city with a couple of recognizable objects to indicate their location, because not all streets had names. The same element can be used today to indicate the location of your store or office.
An element that is used in e-mail signatures, but not yet common in business cards – a photo of the business card owner, if you hand out business cards at large events, people will remember and remember you faster and easier. It is especially valuable if you are part of a brand.
Practical Latvians like things to have an additional function. For example, the other side can be useful for booking appointments, with doctors or beauticians.
For a younger audience of business card recipients, the other half can be dedicated to popular and popular images (Memes) on the Internet that relate to your services or some situation.
Various additional recommendations
When the content is thought out, the suggestion is to give the client two business cards with a comment – one for you, the other for your friend. At such a moment, you can offer business cards from different sets – the one the client will share next could be in a classic style, while the one given to the client would contain information about the loyalty and referral program. As we know, word of mouth is still one of the most powerful channels in marketing.
If, however, there is a lot of information to be put on the business card, it can be folded – similar to booklets. Together with a thoughtful design, the effect will be achieved – every recipient will want to unfold it and see what it is.
Summary
- Remember, a business card doesn’t have to tell the whole story of the company’s founding. An unfinished sentence will be enough to have a reason to start a conversation.
- The contact information of the business card should be on one side, it should not be shared.
- You must have advice for your clients – use the other side to share it.
- Put your photo or office location on the other side of the business card.
We believe that you will come up with different ideas on how to transform your business cards. We wish you to find inspiration and start working on your new business card now!
If it seems that the desired information is incompatible – invite designers and enivo project managers to help.