Business Cards

[ann_keen]

<p>Hello! I am a fairly new business owner and recently had to move so I am starting from scratch again. I am in the process of getting my branding together, and I am designing my new business cards. My question for you is should I include a facebook logo on my card? Also, my cell has the area code from where we used to live, should I include on the card "servicing Southern California?" Or should I leave it as is?</p>

<p>Here is the front:<br>

<img src="http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e21/daisyamk28/AKPLogo_Front.jpg" alt="" width="439" height="263" /></p>

<p>Here is the back:<br>

<img src="http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e21/daisyamk28/AKPLogo_Backcopy.jpg" alt="" width="442" height="265" /></p>

<p>Or this is the alternate back:<br>

<img src="http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e21/daisyamk28/AKPLogo_Back2.jpg" alt="" width="443" height="265" /></p>

[ted_suss]

<p>Hi Ann,<br>

Here are a few suggestions:<br>

I personally prefer the first card with 4 images. On my screen, these cards are probably twice their actual size. If you're concerned about the area code (I don't think you should be), you could always leave off the phone number. This will force everyone to go to your website and they'll see larger images and get more information that way.<br>

Also, in the last card, you misspelled Southern. Let's see another version after you get more comments....-TED :-)</p>

[funcrunch]

<p>Agreed that you should go with fewer images as they will be small on a standard-sized business card.</p>

<p>I wouldn't bother with the Facebook logo; having your own web URL is more useful and you can link to your Facebook page from there.</p>

<p>I would definitely include the phone number; if it is far from your current service area then including your current location is not a bad idea. I should consider this when I resign my own business card, as my business number is slightly outside of my service area.</p>

[ann_keen]

<p>Thanks for the responses. Ted, I noticed the misspelling right after I posted it. :) The one with the smaller images is the back of the card, it really is meant as a teaser. I think I will print it up actual size and see. <br>

I was on the fence about the whole facebook part. I think I will leave it off.<br>

Thank you again!</p>

[peter_cohen]

<p>While I like what you've done, I respectfully suggest that the front of the card be as you show it here, but with only the dragonfly on the black background with the four images. The white oval of your logo is the first thing my eye goes to, and I should be looking at your images. Then on the back, I would not have any images, but would have all the contact info there.</p>

<p>As for the SoCal location thing, I'd leave it off. My guess is that most people to whom you give a card are going to be local anyway, and they will already know that you're in the area. Maybe a descriptor of your studio would be a better use of that territory on your card, something like, "Photographing children of all ages on location."</p>

<p>Finally, I believe that social networking icons should be links, not static images, so I'd leave them off. As Julie wrote, have your site and blog tie into Facebook.</p>

<p>Good luck.</p>

[gulfbeach47]

<p>I add my area code since many of my customers are on vacation from other states and I do business with an adjoining state. I also include my email address. I get a lot of emails and calls from customers that I hand my card to or they pick up my cards at a couple of locations. I shot about a dozen bands at a 4 day festival in the neighboring state 2 weeks ago and handed my card to someone in all the bands. Got an email from the violin player of the John Rich Band (formally Big and Rich) two days ago. She forgot to include a message but I will reply back soon:) http://www.johnhillphotography.com/39th-Annual-National-Shrimp/Bands-and-Aundience/14155331_LW3ED/1/1041854858_ZyTad/Medium</p>

[steve_taylor8]

<p>I agree about the larger images. You might consider using white text on that black bg. I do art shows and hand out alot of cards. Sooner or later you or someone else is going to want to write something on your card. You might want to redesign the back with some white space.</p>

[gulfbeach47]

<p>Steve glad you mentioned that. I have thought about going with more pix on the back side of my card but you reminded me of the times that info was written on the white/blank back side of my card. <br />Gives me an excuse to keep going with cheaper single sided cards:)<br>

By the way, what printing companies do you folks use for business cards? I have had good luck with Overnight Prints. http://www.overnightprints.com/ They use nice thick paper. One time I had a thousand cards made up and the color was a tad off. I contacted them and they told me to keep the thousand and sent me an additional thousand at no extra charge. I want to order rack cards from them next. That has been on my to-do list for awhile.</p>

[funcrunch]

<p>Having white space on the back for writing is a good idea. On my business cards, the photos I'm showcasing are on the front and the back has my contact info with only a small photo of myself (holding a camera, naturally).</p>

<p>I like <a href="http://moo.com">moo.com</a> for business cards. You can upload your own full designs for both the front and back, and you can have a different design on every card which is great for showcasing different kinds of work. I recommend the full-sized cards for professionals rather than the popular mini-cards, though I've ordered both. They have a template you can download to show the safe areas for bleed etc.</p>

[kevin_delson]

<p>On a different note;</p>

<p>Don't forget to give your business cards away like water.<br>

Some feel their business card is a work of art and only hand them out to "serious" prospects.<br>

This is an error in thought. Give 'em away like water.</p>

<p>I passed out approx 2,000 cards last year to "maybe" clients. (23) jobs were produced from the "maybe's". :)</p>

<p>Cards are the cheapest form of advertising.</p>

[steve_taylor8]

<p>I have used overnightprints for about 5 years. I just checked moo.com and can't see how anyone could make those numbers work. Also at overnightprints you can have gloss on the front and none on the back. Makes it easier to write.<br>

<br />Kevin has a good point about giving away cards. If you are doing portrait work anyone you come into contact with could be a client and should be given a card. It is not only the cheapest form of advertising but can also be the most effective.</p>

[albert_richardson1]

<p>Area code in So Cal is no big deal. There are so many of them I bet no one knows what they all are anyway. In fact, you need to include it so your calls get through to you properly.</p>

<p>"Serving Southern California" is a big deal. So Cal is such a large place you really have to decide if this works for you. If you live in Santa Ana, for example, do you really want to take a job in Calabasas, Valencia or Riverside? Travel can be a significant expense you must calculate into your pricing. There is no point in pouring your profits in the gas tank! </p>

[ann_keen]

 

<p>Thank you for all the responses I think I am going to stick with it the way it is, although I am playing around with the back side background color a little and toying with the idea @Peter had about only having the dragonfly and images on the front. <br>

@Albert, good point about the "serving So Cal" thing. I am willing to travel, I have a prius :), but I do pick and choose. </p>

 

<p>Thank you again everyone. It was very helpful.</p>

[jennifer_r2]

<p>If you are worried about the area code, you could always get a google voice number for your new area code and just have it ring to your cell.</p>

[J.W. Wall]

<p>If you keep the SoCal phrase, I suggest saying "serving" not "servicing."</p>

[William Michael]

<p>Or simply -</p>

<p><strong><em>"Location Photography - Southern California"</em></strong></p>

<p>would be better, IMO.</p>

<p>WW</p>

 

[William Michael]

<blockquote>

<p>"Having white space on the back for writing is a good idea."</p>

</blockquote>

<p>IMO - imperative.<br>

But one must use the technique otherwise it is a waste</p>

<p>WW</p>

<p> </p>