You’ve got your new cards. What now?

Many people order business cards without a clear strategy of how they’ll be used. Have you a drawer full of business cards you’ve forgotten about? Do you carry a few just in case you bump into a potential customer or only give them out at meetings? If that’s the case you’re really missing out on some great promotional opportunities.

There are a number of ways to use business cards to promote your business. Of course, a face-to-face meeting or conversation is always effective and a perfect base for follow up calls. But there are plenty of other ways you can use your business cards to increase leads and sales.

Send business cards with every piece of correspondence
If you’re sending a product, receipt, order, payment, compliment slip, thank you card or letter always include at least one business card. It gets your brand noticed and sends a message that you’re ready to talk business. Even if the recipient doesn’t need your service right away, they’re likely to keep it for another time or pass it on to someone else.

Leave a business card when paying a bill
If you’re paying a bill in a restaurant, hotel or any similar establishment, leave your card with the payment – especially if you’re leaving a tip. You can even print cards specifically for these occasions. It might seem cheeky but no one will mind and it’s a great way to introduce your business to new potential customers.

Don’t limit your business cards to one per person
We all know people who provide more than their fair share of referrals, so make sure they have a few of your cards to give out to associates. A personal referral is extremely effective and accompanied by a business card it is even more likely to lead to new sales opportunities.

Venues for networking events and conferences
Of course you bring business cards to networking events, trade shows and conferences. Go to as many as possible until you can filter out the less useful events and concentrate on those with the best new business opportunities. The foyers, receptions and tables in venues that host these gatherings are great places to leave cards – but make sure you ask first.

Suppliers and non-competing businesses
You’ll have relationships with a number of other business that aren’t in competition with yours. They’ll be happy to take your cards and refer your business in return for you doing the same for them. You’ll both grow your client pool so everyone wins!

Catch PR can design and print your own branded, unique business cards to help support your business with these great promotional ideas. Call us now for a quotation on 01255 860 976.