Successful marketing requires presenting the right image. A business card not only provides contact information, it introduces you, your book, product or services. It reflects who you are.At a minimum, a business card should have name, address, phone number, e-mail address and website URL. If your business has a logo, include that, too. Some writers have their book’s cover art on their cards; other writers have several writing interests and want to present a wider image.
You needn’t be flamboyant, but like all marketing tools, you want to make an impression to help the contact remember you. Look at other business cards and define your likes and dislikes. Your business card defines you–make sure yours is the quality you want to impart.
When you design your business card, make sure the printing is large enough to comfortably read. If you design and print your own business card, use an appropriate card stock weight. Business cards printed on skimpy stock give the wrong image.
Two-sided business cards allow space to show your wares–perhaps a book cover with ISBN, etc. Of course, the more extras you have adds to the cost.
Brian Jud, marketing specialist, emphases the importance of business cards. "Your business card can be a portable, affordable and versatile marketing tool." Jud, author of "How to Make Real Money Selling Books" offers these tips on the use of business cards.
1) Never leave home without them–keep extras in your car, purse, and briefcase. Store them in a card case to prevent damage.
2) Insert a business card with all correspondence.
3) Use proper business card etiquette. Take a moment to study a card when it’s handed to you.
4) Be generous–hand them out at trade shows, personal presentations and networking meetings.
5) Have a professional card with complete, updated contact information in a readable type size.
6) Consider a magnetized card to place on a refrigerator, a daily reminder of your book.
7) Give one to receptionists after your media events to reference when listeners call later to ask about you.
8) Make notes on others’ cards to remember what you discussed and when/how to follow-up.
9) Give people a reason to hold on to your card–write a personal note on the back or a code to receive a discount when ordering.
10) Place them on bulletin boards at local restaurants, supermarkets, libraries, your gym and other public places.
For more marketing ideas, visit Brian Jud’s website: www.bookmarketingworks.com
5 comments:
I always have my cover on one side of my card and my website, email and how to order the book on the other. I use them in some of the ways you suggested, but I'm going to try a few of the new ones you've given.
As a reader I think business cards are handy to slip in your purse and while shopping you have a name and a book to check when you get to the book section.I carry bookmarks in my purse because once you see all the books it is easy to forget what ones your really came to get. susan L.
Mary, thanks for the good post.
What's your opinion about having more than one business card? These days, so many people are afraid of giving too much information (like home address or phone numbers) to strangers.
One card for business contacts with full information and another with website, email, books, more for readers?
Amber
Amber, having more than one card is a good idea, but I think I'd rather make bookmarks for my books. What I like to do is place a bookmark from one of my other books when I sell a book. That way, it's an advertisement for another of my works.
Good post, Mary, and good suggestions from all. I put my book cover & mini blurb on the back of my card too.
Heidi
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