5 Ways to Make Your Photography Business Cards Stand Out

Every great photographer knows they need a great business card. Read on to learn how to make your photography business cards stand out.

What’s small, fits in a wallet, and can make a huge difference to your bottom line?

Business cards! Despite the technological age we’re living in, the old-fashioned business card is still relevant. It gives your potential clients something tactile to take away from their meeting with you, and, ideally, something they will refer to later when they are ready to hire a photographer.

Because of this, it’s important to invest in a card that will make an impact. Read on for five creative ways to ensure your photography business cards don’t get lost in the shuffle.

Get Your Business Cards Printed Professionally

If there is only one piece of advice you choose to follow, it’s this: don’t try to save a buck by printing your own business cards at home.

Your cards are, in many circumstances, one of your first chances to make a positive impression on potential clients. It’s what they will take away with them following a consultation. You want it to reflect your style and branding, and emphasize that you’re a professional.

Printing cards at home often means they will be on a lightweight cardstock. They may have edges that are not perfectly clean or straight. The ink quality may be poor.

Pay to have your cards printed by a professional printer with the right equipment to make sure you’re presenting your business in the best light possible.

Consider Photography Business Cards an Investment

We know that a photography business isn’t cheap to run. Lenses, cameras, computers, and software add up quick. You may be tempted to skimp on the cost of business cards and use those funds elsewhere.

Consider your business cards part of your overall marketing plan. You spend time and money marketing your business, whether that’s via advertisements, professional website design, or branding. Your business cards are an extension of that.

Flimsy, poorly printed cards aren’t in keeping with the name you are making for your brand. Choose a trusted printer and opt for quality, even if it costs a bit more, to ensure your cards reflect your business in a good light. Like most things in life, you get what you pay for.

After all, these are an investment in your business, and quality cards will pay for themselves by landing you more clients.

Think Outside the Paper Rectangle

Here’s a chance for you to show off your creative side and really stand out.

You might assume business cards need to be small, cardstock rectangles. Not so! There are a lot of options on the market today for business owners who want something completely different in a card.

Some cards are cut into unique shapes — this could be as simple as adding rounded corners or as fancy as having a card in the shape of a camera.

Maybe you’ll want a card that’s a different size than standard. It could be smaller or larger than standard (although, we caution you to not go too large — cards that can’t fit into a standard wallet might get tossed).

There’s also the option to emboss, stamp, or otherwise have texture added to a card.

Consider ditching paper completely and instead, go with wood, plastic, or metal. Metal cards present the perfect opportunity to create a unique card that will get your business noticed. Clients are less likely to toss a metal card, and they will hold up far better than paper when taken in and out of a pocket or wallet.

Metal cards can be stainless, gunmetal, or rose gold colored. There are options for colored enamel, die-cut cutouts, and embossed textures. There’s even a card that doubles as a bottle opener — a great way to give your card a purpose and ensure it’s looked at again and again.

Use Your Imagery on Your Cards — and Mix it Up

When designing your cards, think of it as the perfect way to advertise your photography style. Whether you design the cards yourself or commission a designer, think about using your own photography on the cards.

Don’t limit yourself to one image that you really love, either. The most effective way to use this tactic to your advantage would be to order several styles of cards with several of your photos on them.

By doing it this way, you can target specific clients with different cards. Your card with the senior photo on it can go to the family with high school-aged kids, and your card with the stunning bridal portrait can go to the newly engaged couple. The gallery owner gets the card with a breathtaking fine art landscape shot.

It may cost more upfront to order different styles, but it’s an effective way to make an impact when you hand out your cards.

Clean Designs Are Best

It may be tempting to load as much info as you can fit onto a business card. After all, you’re paying for the real estate, why not use it?

This can backfire, though. A cluttered design can be overwhelming to look at and might diminish the impact of the card. Opt to add only the most important, relevant information.

Include your company name/logo, your name, a phone number, email, and potentially your location if applicable. If you have social media accounts where you post your photos, use just the logo for the specific social media channels instead of the whole URL. That’s enough for the tech-savvy customer.

You can tackle the design yourself or hire a designer for this. A good rule of thumb for business card design is that less is more. A clean, uncluttered card is always best.

Learn More About the Importance of Quality Photography Business Cards

Don’t underestimate the importance of having unique, high-quality photography business cards. They are a simple tool to make a great impression on clients and land you more business.

Our blog has more great information about business cards, business card options, and the importance of a great design. Read more today and learn how to take your company to the next level with the right business card!

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8 Reasons Why Personal Business Cards Are Still Relevant In The Digital Age

8 Reasons Why Personal Business Cards Are Still Relevant

Do you stil carry contact cards when you attend networking functions? Do business cards factor into your promotional strategy? If not, then it’s time to go back to basics and invest in professional or personal business cards. Here’s why they are still relevant in the digital age.

Keyword(s): personal business cards

Have you just run out of business cards? Normally, you wouldn’t hesitate to order another pack. But, recently you’ve heard some people saying that business cards are going out of style.

Is it even worth it to keep yourself stocked up on business cards? With increasing technology, it’s all too easy to share LinkedIn pages and email addresses without the need for a card.

But personal business cards aren’t dead yet! They still hold a valuable place in face-to-face marketing.

Do you want to know why? Keep reading to discover 8 reasons why personal business cards are still relevant in the digital age.

1. They Help Your First Impression

It’s no secret that making a good first impression is vital when networking or talking to potential clients. There are many ways to make a good first impression and presenting yourself properly is one of them.

But this goes further than how you dress or how your hair is cut. Personal contact cards help complete someone’s first impression of you.

A clean, well-organized card will help you look professional, while a unique card may help you seem more creative. This is vital when potential clients will have several companies to choose from.

2. They Help You Connect with Different Audiences

Who is your target audience? Are they male or female? Young or old? No matter who it is, personal business cards can help you connect with them.

If your target audience is older or more traditional, know that they will still expect a business card. Showing up to a meeting without one may make you seem unprofessional in their eyes.

Even if your potential clients are younger or more technology-forward, you can create business card for them. There are tons of color, shape, and material options that can help your potential clients see how you are an out-of-the-box thinker. If you want to really wow them go for a bottle opener card or a gold metal card.

3. They Increase Brand Awareness

When you’re starting your own business, brand awareness is important to build your customer base and get more repeat customers. There are many things that go into creating strong brand awareness, personal business cards being one of them.

When designing your personal contact card, you should include your company logo and keep the colors and design elements similar to what you use on your website and advertisements. This will help you create a cohesive brand image and build your customers’ awareness.

4. They Are Convenient

Most of the time, we talk about how convenient technology is. That’s why we send emails instead of mailing letters and save electronic files instead of using bulky filing cabinets (usually). But sometimes technology doesn’t help.

Traditional business cards allow you to swap information quickly and efficiently without having to stop your conversation. If you forego business cards in favor of directly putting their email address or number into your phone, you’ll have to halt your conversation to do this.

Not only can this be awkward, but it opens you up to potential mistakes. Just getting one number or letter wrong, means you won’t be able to contact them. In reality, it’s so much easier to just hand out a business card.

5. They Are Shareable

When we talk about the importance of business cards, sometimes we forget the biggest benefit of them all – they’re shareable. You can leave them out on in public places or hand several out at once.

If you opt for unique card design, chances are people will want to show them with their coworkers. You’ll reach a larger audience than you would by relying on face-to-face meetings to share your contact info.

6. They Will Be Found Later On

“Why spend money on business cards? They’ll just get thrown in a cluttered desk drawer or lost in a wallet.” While it’s true that business cards end up all sorts of places, that’s not necessarily a bad thing.

When you give someone your email address or phone number directly, chances are it’ll just get lost in their overflowing address book never to be seen again. Even if you send the first email, it’ll be buried by hundreds of emails within a few weeks.

Opting for personal business cards leave a physical trace behind. They may come across your card while cleaning their wallet out or organizing their desk. This gives them a chance to remember your business and they may even shoot you an email!

7. They’ll Help You Seem Prepared

Imagine you’re at a networking event. Each conversation seems to end the same: “Do you have a business card?” Now imagine you’re the only person out of the dozens of people your potential client has met with that says “no.”

Chances are you won’t come off as technology-forward, but rather unprepared. “Who shows up to a business event without a card?” they think as you quickly lose a sale. Business cards are affordable and small, so it can’t hurt to carry a few with you so you seem prepared and professional wherever you go.

8. They Legitimize Your Business

The importance of business cards can’t be overlooked when you’re just starting out. They are the easiest way to create a professional image while your website and advertising efforts are still in the works.

Let’s say you show up at a business meeting with potential clients or investors. You tell them all about your startup but are empty-handed when they ask for a business card. They may begin to think that your company is fake or that you don’t know what you’re doing.

But having that tiny card to hand out helps to show that your business is real. They can now see that you have solid contact information and have started your branding attempts by creating personal contact cards.

Why Personal Business Cards Matter

You may be wondering if business cards are still important in a technology-focused world. Although technology has touched many aspects of business, it hasn’t made personal business cards obsolete. As an affordable, yet important part of your success, business cards shouldn’t be overlooked.

Are you ready to wow people with your business card? Check out our product page for unique business cards.

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What Information You Should and Shouldn’t Put On Personal Business Cards

What Info You Should and Shouldn’t Put On Personal Business Cards

Personal business cards give you a fantastic opportunity to sell yourself. But what information should you be including on your card, and what information should you leave out? Click here to find out.

Gold Metal CardBlack Metal Card

When you design a business card, you’re striking a delicate balance. You want people to have enough information to find you, but not get overwhelmed. These two by three-inch cards can only hold so much information. You need to focus on displaying the most information without losing aesthetic quality.
To help you navigate this tricky balance, we made a guide to personal business cards. In it, we’ll tell you what does and doesn’t need to be front and center. Put your best foot forward and read the tips below.

Personal Business Cards: Do’s

To give your business the best impression, you want to design the perfect card. Read the things it definitely needs below.

1. Name and Title

First thing’s first, let’s make sure people know who you are. Not only will having the name on your business card help them remember who you are it adds a personal touch to an organization.
List your name, as you usually introduce yourself, and your title. For example Sally Money, Position. Be as clear and specific as possible with your position. It’s better to put “Social Media Marketer” than “Marketing”. It helps people using your card know if you’re the best person to seek out.
It’ll also help people looking back at your card in the future. How many times have you got a business card and you can’t remember why you needed it? Don’t give people an excuse to throw yours out. Nickname wise, go by what you introduce yourself as in most situations. If your name is Samantha but you go by Sam, list yourself as Sam.
It’s a little less formal, but it’s less confusing for someone receiving the card

2. Company, Logo, and Tagline

Once you’ve established who you are, make sure they know what your company is. Don’t be vague, write the name as clearly as you would on your business website.
Whether or not you list your whole business name is up to you. For example, Barley Brother’s Bakery and Coffee Cafe could list its name as Barley Brother’s Cafe, without losing clarity. This is something to think about when you create your business name too. How much competition is there for the business name you want?
If you’re using a common set of words or descriptor that’s popular in your area, list the whole name on your card. Place your logo to the right of your company name. Since people read left to right, they’ll see (read) your logo as part of your identity. This strengthens brand identity and increases your exposure.
Under your logo and your company name, put your tagline. These are the three things you want people to associate with your business. Seeing them all at once will create a cohesive image in their head.
There’s a caveat to displaying your tagline. If it’s long, skip it. You want the tagline to fit under the name and logo, not look like a paragraph.

3. Contact Information

People often wonder how or what kind of contact information to put on a business card. There isn’t one answer.
List whichever type of communication you use most or what you want to be contacted through. For example, someone who works on the computer all day can answer emails quicker than phone calls. They’d list their email address and maybe not their phone number.
There’s nothing wrong with giving both, people do contact in different ways. If you list phone and email, the person will contact you the way they’re most comfortable.

4. Social Media

You should list your social media profiles IF you’re active on them. Don’t direct someone to your twitter if you only post a few times a month.
Only list social media profiles you feel good showing off. Two to three channels will do, any more is overkill.

What Not to List: Business Card Don’ts

Now that you have an idea of what to list, you need to know what to leave off. Avoid incorporating the things below.

1. Outdated Information

Fax machines are in many businesses, but whatever the chances a person you meet off the street will fax you? Is that your best form of contact? Probably not. These extra numbers can confuse people trying to call your main number as well.
People don’t like to be wrong, so if they call a number on your card that doesn’t go through, they’ll likely give up. You want to make it as simple as possible for them to contact you.

2. A Boring Site

Yes, listing your website on your card is a good idea, but why not make it fun? Instead of having your web address, make a fun landing page for people with your card.
www.mybusinessname.com/freebook or /handshake will pique someone’s interest. Feel free to make it more mysterious, but don’t go crazy.
Keep the URL short and easy to type.

3. Too Much Text

There should be a good amount of white space on your card. It looks better and you can use it as a space to jot down notes.
No one wants to squint at your business card to find the information they need. Keep the basics and lose the rest!

Colors and Shapes

There are websites now that have different colors and shapes of cards, with tons of options. In this aspect, you have our permission to go crazy.
Crazy within the expectations of your profession that is. Would you want to get a lawyer’s business card if it was bright pink and zebra striped? Probably not.
In more reserved professions, look for things like premium upgrades that make you stand out. Different materials always make your card stand out from the crowd. How often do you get a metal business card?
Not very often. Jump on the metal personal business cards train while it’s still new and see how easy it is to make some today.

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7 Creative and Unique Business Card Ideas For Business Owners

7 Creative and Unique Business Card Ideas For Business Owners

Having a standout business card can be the difference between landing a client or not landing one. Here are 7 creative and unique business card ideas that will put yours above all the rest.

Which business card ideas will get the follow-through you want? The key is to be unique and creative.

The best business cards need to be high-quality and serve their purpose. However, there are also plenty of ways to make your business card stand out above the rest with creative, yet simple solutions.

In this guide, we’ll give you some fascinating business card design ideas that can completely change how fast your business grows. Keep reading to learn how to get the new connections you want with your cards!

1. Include Interesting Social Handles

Many businesses include the information for the major social media outlets on their cards. But is that really the best use of the space?

A lot of people will look a business up on Facebook, even if it’s not listed on their business card. However, they’re less likely to look in a niche industry social media site. The creative, unexpected site is probably the one you should actually feature on your card.

Social media is a great way to get customers engaged and tell your brand story. However, social media sites are only effective if customers find them. Highlight your most relevant and interesting social channels on your card – not necessarily the ones people will visit first.

2. Less is More

Many businesses try to put as much information as possible onto their cards. However, this can lead to a cluttered look that won’t stand out at all. A super-simple, streamlined card is way more likely to catch people’s eyes.

Prune as much unnecessary information as you can. As mentioned above, things so popular that they’re obvious, like a Facebook page, might not be worth listing. Outdated forms of contact, like fax numbers, also aren’t necessary.

But you might be surprised at what else you can get rid of. Think about the ways your clients are most likely to contact you. Are they a crowd that’s likely to send an online message, or more likely to make a phone call? You can really pare your contact info down to just one or two methods.

Keep in mind that street addresses tend to take up the most space on a card, and they’re rarely necessary. People don’t need to know your exact location – just the city and state, and maybe the zip code.

3. Replace Your Homepage

If you’ve been linking to your site’s homepage on your business card, you could be losing the attention of your customers.

A homepage is a directory to all kinds of different information about your business. However, your business card can direct them to somewhere more specific and relevant, since they already have the basics on the card. Why not send them to an interesting blog section or a page that offers a cool free download?

4. Get Visual

The best business card ideas use the visual aspect to an advantage.

Business cards really are visual documents, yet many people settle for a plain card with plain text. Why not take advantage of the opportunity to be eye-catching instead?

Use more than just your company’s logo. Try a beautiful image or graphic design that helps potential customers feel connected to your brand.

5. Make People Curious

Your business card design should make people want to learn more. You might try a tantalizing call-to-action, such as “Contact us to find out where the best nightclubs are in your city.” It does what you want – the invitation to connect – while also giving customers a reason to reach out.

6. Connect Offline Too

In some industries, the offline world is just as important as the online. Since the business card is a physical object, it creates a great way to bridge the gap between those two worlds.

You can include a custom QR code for people to scan to get to your website or contact info, for example. This offers an experience that feels modern, even though business cards are more traditional.

7. Use Cards for Specific Purposes

You don’t need to stick to just a single, general purpose card. A creative business card for a specific event can take things to the next level.

This method is a great way to highlight exclusivity, which often gets people to take action. You might print cards for a trade show that have information about an offer only available to people at that show. At a company-sponsored party, you can print cards that feature your Instagram handle with an invitation to see the party photos there.

8. Make Them Useful

Your cards can serve more than one purpose. Consider a business card in the form of a tiny notebook, or a catalog. These cards can be beautiful to look at, and people are more likely to keep them if they have practical value.

9. Add Some Weight

Thin, flimsy paper cards are likely to get lost or ignored. You can get more attention to bumping up your card’s weight. You can try a heavier, higher-quality paper, or even a different material altogether, like metal.

10. Personalize It

Many people never follow up because they can’t remember who gave them the business card in the first place. You can change that by adding a blank space where you can write a personal note before you hand it over.

Write a note to remind the recipient who you are and where you met. A personal touch means they’re more likely to take the action you hoped for, instead of setting you card aside and forgetting about it.

11. Switch Up the Size

Who says business cards have to be the traditional card size? Large cards, square cards, and mini-cards will definitely stand out among all the standard-size cards being handed out.

Which Business Card Ideas Will You Try?

These creative business card ideas can make your brand grow faster by getting you the attention you deserve. Try one of these business card design ideas, or mix and match a few that resonate with you and see what happens.

Want to try trendy metal business cards? Get a quote from us here.

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