Do fashion bloggers just starting out really need business cards? ( Plus a guide to get you started)
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According to Wikipedia and Business Dictionary, a business card is a card bearing business information about a company or individual that typically include a person's name, e-mail address, phone number, website, and company name. Your blog may/may not be a business but it's what you do- you're fashion blogger.
While most of our networking is done online, we also need non-digital means. Most people feel only big time bloggers need business cards which brings me to the question of the day...
Do fashion bloggers just starting out really need business cards?
I conducted a mini-survey and two out of four fashion bloggers think we need business cards. One thinks only big-time fashion bloggers should have business cards and the other says definitely not.
In my personal opinion, every one needs a business card as long as you're into something lucrative.
Reasons one should have a business card
#1: A strong positive impression
A business card shows preparation. It shows that you take your brand seriously and quite frankly, these days, not a lot of people do. It also means that when someone asks you what you do or for your blog URL, especially at an event, you won't start scrambling for a pen and piece of paper (this has happened to me a lot). A business card shows professionalism.
#2: Direct-Marketing Tool
Business cards are more personal and help to create a connection that digital means, in my opinion, can't. It also enables you network effectively as all the information that prospects need is already on there. You hand them over to interested parties and boom! Networked!
#3: Branding
Business cards help to form a brand.
"Many people overlook the value of having a professional business card that accurately reflects your brand image, yet this small piece of paper can be an important part of your collateral package." says John Williams of Entrepreneur and I definitely agree with him.
"Many people overlook the value of having a professional business card that accurately reflects your brand image, yet this small piece of paper can be an important part of your collateral package." says John Williams of Entrepreneur and I definitely agree with him.
In conclusion, owning a business card isn't about how big one's brand is. It's about where and how big you want your brand to be.
Decided on getting a business card yet? here are the vital things you need to know to get started.
What is the standard size of a business card?
According to Printing For less, an authority on the subject, the standard dimensions for a printed business card are 3.5 x 2 inches.
That's the finished card size. Many printed designs include bleed. The
"bleed area" is an extra 1/8 inch of space for design elements or
backgrounds that extend beyond the finished size of your piece.
For more info on this, visit Printing for less
What Information Should go on a Fashion Bloggers Business card?
The contact information on a business card varies according to the line of business. For Fashion bloggers, I think the following should be present.
- Blog Logo: This part is obvious. It helps in branding
- Blog name and URL: These are perhaps the most important details on the card.
- A photo: Not necessary, but will make the cards more personal and will be less likely to get tossed.
- Your name: People want to know the person behind the brand. It s your business card after all.
- Email address: Contact info is vital.
- Phone number: This is optional, only put your number if you really don't mnd. But this means is a more direct way of contact and people would prefer it.
- Social media handles: So that people can connect with you (and also check you out and your following if they want to work with you).
- Tagline: A brief insightful description of your brand.
- Keep it simple and standard.
- Make sure you have all the vital information on your card- your info should be based on what you think prospects should/would like to know.
- Good quality always stands out. Remember, it's your first impression- you don't want shabby work.
- No clutter. Your business card should be a no-clutter zone. Keep it as clean as possible.
- Legibility: Readable print is definitely a must.
- Most importantly, it should be a reflection of your brand.
Online Tools to consider using
While you could go to people to help you do one, lots of people recommended two services saying they're very efficient and creative. I think they're worth checking out. Going to a professional is definitely better in my opinion but if you prefer DIY's, this is the way to go.
Honestly, as I write this down, I don't have a business card. Yet. Inspiration struck as I was planning and doing research since I want to get one. It's easier to tell people about your blog when you have a business card. I plan to apply all this to mine, Do you?
9 comments
A very insightful post indeed, I think everyone should have one -especially if you want your blog to be a brand. I think you should get one. Greetings!
ReplyDeleteASAP! Greetings and thanks for the input.
DeleteI agree, i have been looking into business cards and designs and stuff. But it definitely helps when marketing, especially since the way i spell my "uneeke" is different from the normal unique, a lot of people would definitely forget that.
ReplyDeleteSimply Uneeke
They might forget the spelling but I don't think they'll be in a hurry to forget the name- it's quite unique. I think you should get a business card as I have already stated above. Thanks for the input Chidinma.
DeleteYou killed this post Ijenna, I think everyone who has a brand should have a business card regardless of whatever your brand is.
ReplyDeleteEven as NOT being a blogger....maybe one day...you guys are a special breed for sure.Articulation as always been a STOP sign for me...But this article read clean and FULL of ideas examples and links at that. STRONG , i feel less fearful of the decision on whether to go the extra mile....just a side story. I stop in quite regularly to this one stop shop and save store ( awesome finds) NO marketing. The old folks say to me "But really the bulk of our traffic come frim word of moutj" While iust agree. In this small town. I ramed on as if i was a salewomen about facebook, and the need for social media....and i look down and see this pitiful business card. If they wont take my media outlook just maybe i will print this for them to read. Lol
ReplyDeleteYou asked me this when conducting your survey and I said. Yes, depending on how big the blog is. But after reading this, I believe it depends on how big you want the blog to be. So yes Evey blogger needs a business card. Was working on mine with some of the helpful links. Thanks for sharing. Very insightful.
ReplyDeleteadenowoseyi.blogspot.com
Exactly my point! You got the message. You're welcome :D
DeleteThank you so much for the info. got my cards delivered today and am already excited.
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