4 creative, alternative business card uses
A business card’s primary purpose is to create connections. But there are so many more ways this trusty little piece of card can benefit your business.
They can be designed and printed in nearly any font, color and design you can think of, so when it comes to what’s put on each side, the sky’s the limit.
From loyalty cards to swing tags, here are 5 slightly different business card uses that can help you build business connections…
1. Loyalty cards
We all get excited as the stamps build up towards our well-earned free coffee, right? Loyalty cards are a great way to encourage commitment and reward repeat customers. Brand it well with a clear logo or image on one side, and space for the stamps on the other. Ten or six works well for most companies, and fits neatly on a business card too.
Who should use them?
Any business where regular customer visits are the norm, like bars, restaurants, lunch spots and coffee shops. Spas, salons and even services like window cleaning or garden maintenance could benefit from it, too. Customer loyalty cards can help link up different branches across a franchise, since customers can use them in different locations.
What’s the business benefit?
The loyalty stamp card adds a little bit of gamification to the bricks-and-mortar shopping and leisure experience, and it’s fun for the customer to see their stamps add up.
It can make the difference between someone choosing your business over a competitor’s, especially if the result has good value.
Loyalty card design tips
- Planning to use ink stamps? Make sure the card is light in color so the stamp will show up. Use a card with a matte finish or absorbent surface so the ink won’t smudge off.
- Do something different. Go for an unusual shape (like a square card) to help your customer loyalty card stand from the others.
- Add a line of copy to remind customers what their reward will be.
- Make sure the branding on the card is consistent with your store or venue so customers remember at a glance that the card is from you – there may be several in their wallet, after all.
2. Appointment cards
Remind customers of an appointment with your company using a nicely-branded card. Leave a space for your staff to write down the time and date of the appointment, as well as notes like who the appointment is with or what service has been booked.
Who should use them?
Appointment reminder cards are handy for any kind of business where services are arranged in advance. That includes real estate agents – as a save-the-date for an open house – doctors, dentists, hairdressers, salons, mechanics, therapists and personal trainers.
What’s the business benefit?
Not only is it a handy reminder for the customer, it’s also an extra reminder of your business, especially if it’s left on the fridge or stuck on a pin board after the date has passed. Two birds, one stone…
Appointment card design tips
- Display contact details for your branch or store, including the address and phone number. This will come in handy if the customer is running late or needs to change their appointment.
Consider adding a message like “if you need to cancel, please let us know as soon as possible” on your appointment business cards to minimize the chance of no-shows.
3. Referral cards
Like loyalty cards, referral cards are handed out to existing customers to spread the word to friends, family and colleagues. If that person follows the recommendation and visits your business, both customers can receive a discount or a freebie.
Who should use them?
Leisure and retail companies, legal services, accountancy and tax preparation businesses could all be candidates for this kind of promotion.
What’s the business benefit?
Offering a peer-to-peer referral promotion like this should quickly increase your business’ visibility in a community and boost brand awareness.
Referral card design tips
- Include spaces for the names of both ‘referred to’ and ‘referred by’ customers so you can make sure they both get their benefit.
- Use the referral business card like a micro-flyer for your business, as part of its job is to get the new customer to visit you or your website. Remember they may never have heard of you before, so add images that show what you have to offer, and consider adding a bullet-list of services.
- Add a line of copy that explains what will happen when their friend redeems the card. For example “Give this card to a friend and they’ll get €10 off. We’ll also add €10 credit to your account ready for your next visit.”
4. Swing tags
Using your trusty hole-puncher, you can turn business cards into swing tags for clothing and textiles. Your company logo on one side, price and product details on the other.
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