CPA Info #177 December 2010
Developing Effective Marketing Materials:
Business Card Design Considerations
Amy D. Ladd
Center for Profitable Agriculture
Introduction
A business card is the most basic marketing tool every business must have. It provides a convenient,
relatively inexpensive method to promote your business to everyone you meet everywhere you go.
However, too often the business card is under-appreciated and little thought or time is devoted to
designing this essential communication tool.
Business cards should be treated no different than any other piece of marketing material. It should
function as the work-horse of your marketing arsenal, consistently driving customers to your door. Think
of the business card as a mini-advertisement instead of a basic white card with your contact information
on the front of it.
If your business card is being distributed only to be safely tucked away in someone’s wallet never to see
daylight again, then your business card was not designed effectively and should be re-examined for ways
to improve its functionality.
Components of a Business Card
When designing your business card, start by evaluating what basic information you want to include such
as:
• Logo
• Tagline
• Business Name
• Individual Name(s)
• Job Title(s)
•
Address
• Telephone Number(s)
• E-mail Address
• Website Address
While it seems like common sense to include such fundamental information as your name, address,
telephone number and e-mail, many times cards are thrown together too quickly and some important
detail is overlooked or forgotten. Let’s examine a few of these a little closer.
Business Logo
A logo serves as a visual element used by a business on all of its marketing materials that people can look
at and instantly recognize. It is even more effective if the logo somehow reflects what you do or
symbolizes something unique about your company. A simple symbol or graphic image using your
business name is nice because it does not clutter up space with a direct message and it is highly adaptable
to many different uses. Too often people use intricate illustrations for their logos. While this looks
appealing on the computer and maybe even paper, how will it look when you want to embroider a t-shirt
or shrink it to fit on a business card? Another way to look at this is if you cannot draw the image with a
broad-tip marker then it is not a good logo.
Taglines
Ideally your business name or logo should indicate what you do. If it doesn’t then you should consider a
tagline. A tagline is a descriptor of your business, usually in seven words or less. It is one of those things
that looks simple to develop but often isn’t. It needs to be unique, relevant, memorable, and elicit an
emotional response, which is why writing a great tagline is so difficult. When developing a tagline think
in terms of what makes your company different and valuable and list those words that best convey such
concepts.
Business Name
What’s in a name? A lot, when it comes to small business. New enterprises should put as much effort
into naming your business as you did into coming up with your idea or writing your business plan.
Ideally, your name should convey the value and uniqueness of the product or service you’ve developed.
In agriculture, it is common practice to name your business after your farm or family. The question to ask
is, “does my business name effectively depict a clear picture of what I do to a potential consumer.” For
example if you are considering naming your business Brown’s Farm, would potential customers know
that you were a Christmas tree grower by looking at your business name alone? If you are an existing
business with a name that does not convey what you do, then you will want to clarify this by using an
effective logo or tagline.
Address
Always include an address on your business card, even if working from home. It adds credibility and
makes your business appear established. When placing an address on a business card, first consider the
cards’ general function to support your business and who will be the primary target audience. This is
especially important if you have different addresses for your physical business location and receiving
mail. If your operation takes place at several locations such as multiple farmers markets, and you
generally do not sell on the farm then you might want to use your mailing address since the card will
likely be used primarily for communication purposes. However, if you have an on-farm market or
agritourism venue, then the physical address is preferred so that customers can find your operation. It is
also perfectly acceptable to use both addresses, however, be careful not to clutter the card with too much
information.
Telephone Number(s)
Today it is not uncommon for a business to utilize a variety of telephone numbers with the addition of toll
free numbers, fax machines, cellular phones, and Internet services such as Skype and Vonage. It is
essential you include at least one telephone number on your business card. Should you decide to include
multiple numbers on the card then they should be listed in order of establishment such as main land line
first, fax machine second and cellular third. It is also noteworthy to mention the importance of including
area codes and extensions when applicable. Keep in mind your customer might be new to the area or live
in a location which utilizes multiple area codes. Failure to include the full ten digit number could result in
a loss of sale if your customer is unable to reach you.
E-mail Address
E-mail addresses are often overlooked as an opportunity to brand your business. Instead of using a
generic e-mail address such as “[email protected]” or “yourfarm@comcast.net,” invest in an e-mail
address that complements the domain name of your website. For example, if your website address is
www.berryfarm.com, then a good e-mail address might be “[email protected].” Today’s
technology makes e-mail personalization inexpensive and easy to set up, enabling you to further business
credibility and professionalism. If you are unable to personalize your e-mail at this time, make sure the e-
mail address you are using on your card represents your business in its best light. Simply put, avoid using
cute and kitschy addresses such as “proudmom24@free-email.com” or “crazy[email protected],”
which may seem harmless and are fine for your personal life but come across very unprofessional.
Website Address
A website is a must in today’s business world, even if it’s a simple, one-page site that provides only basic
contact information, it should be thought of as your on-line business card. A website provides potential
and existing customers easy 24-hour access to learn more about your business, the products you sell and
the services you offer. You website address should be included on every marketing material you develop,
and your business card is no exception.
Layout and Design Considerations
While contact information is essential it does not need to be the only information you include on the card.
Remember, your business card should really be thought of as a mini advertisement. When designing an
ad for the newspaper, what additional information might you consider including that you would not
generally think of adding to a business card? The use of color, photos, graphics or a unique layout will
help your business card stand out. Including a bulleted list of your products or services is also useful.
Remember space is limited so maximize the cards impact by using both sides.
Lastly, consider how to make the card will work for you beyond its traditional purpose. Give your
customers a reason to hold on to your card and not file it away never to be seen again. Include a discount
offer such as a coupon on the back, which can be redeemed at their next purchase. Implement a rewards
program. Mark the card each time a purchase is made and after your customer makes a certain number of
purchases then reward them with a discount or free gift. Remember to replace the card with a new one
each time the customer redeems their old one.
Below is an example of a business card that is working as a multifunctional marketing tool:
Sample Business Card Front
Sample Business Card Back
Summary
Business cards are undoubtedly one of the best ways to promote your company’s products or services.
The most effective business cards serve as a multi-functional marketing tool. It will incorporate not only
basic contact information but also use strategies to make the business card work as a mini-advertisement
or promotion.
References:
Barrett, Eric. Guidelines for Designing Effective Marketing Materials. Ohio State University Extension.
Bruch, Megan. Advertising 101. CPA #111. The University of Tennessee. Center for Profitable
Agriculture. February 2005.
Programs in agriculture and natural resources, 4-H youth development, family and consumer sciences, and resource development.
University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture, U.S. Department of Agriculture and county governments cooperating. UT Extension
provides equal opportunities in programs and employment.
