Business cards are an important promotional tool for any businessperson.  They provide your contact information in a way that is portable and convenient and can be easily distributed.  But if you take the time to get creative with your business cards, they can be even more effective.

Attractive design makes your cards nice to look at.  Using a font that is easy to read is important.  And providing a variety of ways for people to contact you is essential.  But the copy on your business cards is the one thing that can really jump out and make them more effective.

Business card copy is often underused and sometimes it is even completely overlooked.  Of course you want your business name, your name and title, address, phone number and email address on there so that clients and potential clients can reach you easily.  But there is more that you can add to give people an incentive to contact you.

Companies often utilize slogans in their television commercials and other advertising to make them stick in people’s minds.  You can do the same by adding a catchy and creative tagline to your business cards.  A business card does not provide a large amount of space, so the tagline will need to be somewhat short.  Using rhymes or plays on words can make your tagline memorable.  Using action words and highlighting the benefits of your services or products can make it effective.

Most people put their website’s address on their business cards.  Doing so gives clients a way to learn more about the business.  If you have certain features on your website that are especially useful, you could take the opportunity to point them out.  For example, “Try our mortgage calculator at http://www.whatever.com”.  This will provide an added incentive to visit your website and learn more.

Business cards are a great way to advertise ongoing promotions.  If you offer a new customer discount or have a referral program, you could mention that at the bottom of your card.  If you run an online store, you could include a coupon code that customers can use for a discount.  Then you can give extra cards to your clients to pass on, generating more business for you.

The backs of most business cards are blank but they don’t have to be.  This part of the card can be used for any number of things.  Printing a coupon on the back is an excellent incentive for people to try your products or services.  A quote pertaining to your line of work or some customer testimonials can boost your image.  A schedule or checklist gives the card added value and makes it less likely to be thrown away.  As long as it fits in the space provided and adds something worthwhile, there is no limit to the things you could put on the back of your business cards.

Good business card copy might be the difference between a card that is shared with others and one that ends up in the trash.  When your card has a little something extra people will be more likely to keep it and use it.  So, make the most of the space provided and give clients a reason to contact you.