Successful Art Business, Planning and Marketing Tools and Techniques You Can Use

A business card saves you time to do other things like selling!

You need a good business card and I put emphasis on “Good”!  I have met many artisans in casual situations and even at art fairs who don’t have a business card.  Not only do they miss out on future sales they are not giving their brand a professional image that says, “I mean business!”.  Here are some ideas and tips on putting your business card to work for you.

Think of your business card as a “mini” advertisement which can have a lasting effect.

• Put your creative talents to work to create a business card design that is unique and showcases your brand.
• Include your email and if you participate in social media, mention that you can be followed on Facebook, Twitter etc..  And don’t forget your phone number unless you don’t want any calls about your work or referrals.
• It is in vogue now to have odd sized cards.  There is nothing wrong with this but consider that although a tiny card might be cool it may get lost in a pile of other cards.
• If your card can show an example of your work – do it!
• If you must use a “free” printing service for your business cards, at least pay them the few bucks so they don’t include their advertising on the back of your card.
• Put a short description or tagline about what you do on your cards.  Make it descriptive and highlight what makes you and your work unique.
• It’s easy to make your own business cards with an inkjet printer and some included free software.  Business card blanks ready for printing are available at any office supply store in a variety of papers and finishes.
• There are many uses for your business card besides handing it to someone you meet.  Think advertisement – place them on bulletin boards, in coffee shops and stores, other public places and use them to affix to your art – use your imagination.

I use a 4"x6" photo print as a business card

When I first started out with my photography business I designed a business card with the above tips in mind.  When I handed them out to prospects I would usually get asked what kind of photography if I did, weddings or fine art?  My answer would be no, I specialize in people photography to create great business and personal brand images.  After having this conversation too many times I decided to create a unique business card that showed what kind of work I do.  Being a photographer I made sense to me to give them an example of my work – in this case a photograph.  I created my card in Photoshop to fit a standard 4″x6″ print and get them printed at the local photo lab.  They are more expensive that regular business cards (about $.25 each) but I feel that they leave a good impression and I am not asked if I photograph weddings.

To date I have handed out over 1,500 of these cards and they have lead to many clients.  When I hand them out to people I often get asked if they can keep them – sure I say!