House of Cards
We know that clients can find you on Yelp and that everyone has a list of contacts on their smartphones these days, but don’t dismiss old-school business cards out of hand. Ivan Zoot, director of education and training for Andis Company, makes it a point to hand out 500 business cards every month. “Every hour that you spend this month on non-technical marketing activities will fill your chair eight hours next month,” he says. “Spending the time and making the investment in something that is free will have a staggering effect on growing your business.” Zoot recommends putting
18 cards in your pocket every morning and handing them out to people you meet that day. In fact, he won’t go to bed until he’s completed that task.
Vistaprint, an international printing service that offers a range of durable stocks and specialty finishes, suggests that you choose a design that appropriately reflects your company’s image since your business card is an extension of your brand.
Here, some suggestions to get you started:
>> A cheap, flimsy card sends out the wrong message. But one printed on 100 lb. cardstock says that you take your business seriously.
>> The finish you choose is up to you, but if you’re edgy and modern, try matte.
>> If you’re an eco-conscious salon, think about printing your cards on recycled paper.
>> Include all relevant contact information on your business cards, including your name, job title, company address, phone number, website, email
address and social media pages.
>> Ideally, you want to select a design that represents your brand in apositive way that will encourage new people to check out your business.
—Kamala Kirk, West Coast Editor
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MOO’s Double-sided square business cards designed to show customers you’re creative and connected are printed in full-color on heavy paper with a silky finish chosen for its luxurious, thick feel. Use their designs or create your own. Choose from three options: Original Business Cards on premium paper stock in a smooth matte or shiny gloss finish; Luxe Business Cards on triple-thick Mohawk Superfine Paper, and Green Business Cards printed on chemical-free, 100 percent recycled (and recyclable) paper with a subtle matte finish. moo.com
JukeBox Print is an indie printing company that pays serious attention to detail. Choose from a wide range of card stock types, including textured pulp, beautiful recycled options and even cards made of wood. For those worried about sustainability, bamboo stock is available with specialty additions like embossing, letterpress and die-cut shapes. jukeboxprint.com
GotPrint offers high-quality, full-color offset printing with multiple premium paper options and three ways to order: upload print-ready digital files, use pre-designed templates or let their talented graphic designers handle layout and typesetting. You can supply one to two high-quality images of your own or let them choose images from their archives. If you want something a little more upscale, they do offer a variety of cuts, shapes and colors at competitive prices. gotprint.net
Zazzle’s vast selection of custom business cards are sure to be a conversation starter. Select from business (3.5” x2”), chubby (3.5” x 2.5”) or skinny (3.5” x 1”) sizes in 11 different card stocks, including ultra-thick premium paper. Get two-sided business cards using templates for hairdressers, makeup artists and nail techs at relatively inexpensive prices. zazzle.com