3 tips for customizing Vistaprint business cards

You've launched your small business, but now you are looking for ways to promote your enterprise. You've invested in online ads, you've told friends and family about your endeavor but you're still having trouble getting clients through the door. You decide to attend a few trade shows and networking events in hopes that you will meet some reputable vendors or buyers. After a lengthy and productive discussion with one of the region's top suppliers, you're feeling excited, as you think you've just forged a new partnership. The vendor asks to exchange cards but all you have in your pockets is a handful of change and some lint from the dryer. He leaves empty handed, only to strike up a conversation with one of your established competitors who pulls out his card and gives it the big-time supplier. Guess which business he's more likely to remember? Not yours. This scenario is one that is all too common in the corporate world. At networking events and trade shows, all small business owners have their hearts set on striking up a conversation with some leading professionals in their field. These established business leaders will likely talk to dozens if not hundreds of startup owners who have rehearsed their speeches and left a solid impression on the potential partner. However, without something as simple as a business card, reputable entrepreneurs will live short in the memory of industry giants. Even small business owners that have standard, cookie-cutter cards will probably be looked over. When that potential investor or vendor goes home after the event, he or she will likely glance through the dozens of collected cards, so it's important that those tiny pieces of paper make a big impact. With ABN's Vistaprint discount, small business owners can create dynamic, customized business cards that will leave a positive impression on people at networking events. Here are a few small business tips that can help you create a truly memorable custom business card:

Include a call-to-action campaign

Offering a discount or free service for first-time visitors is a great way to ensure people keep your card around, according to design outlet SpeckyBoy. The source suggested that such offers should detail the value of the discount as well as the steps necessary to take advantage of the cost-savings. Another quality way to engage consumers and vendors is to include a QR code or similar call-to-action initiative on the card that links to corporate website or social media page. If a business card is engaging in some way, it's more likely to leave a positive impression on fellow professionals.

Prominent name

At social events, an individual is more likely to remember your name rather than your business's label. For this reason, the source suggested that it's always a good idea to make your name more prominent than your brand. When potential clients and partners look at a card, they are looking for your name, not your company, so make it easy for them to find the information they want.

Quality paper

Thin, coarse business cards simply do not leave a good impression on clients. They come off as unprofessional and will usually do more harm than good for your brand. Always use quality ink and professional paper stock to create business cards. Although these cards may be slightly more expensive, the cost will hardly break the bank and they will go a long way in drumming up additional business. With these three tips, mundane business cards can be transformed into dynamic promotional tools. Some business leaders may feel that these paper products are outdated but that's hardly the case. The Houston Chronicle reported that professionals have been using business cards since the 17th century to promote their companies. If they were ineffective mediums, chances are they would have already been phased out.