If looks alone could kill, you'd be in business. Has that sentence caught your attention? If so, we've just proven the power of words; a power, which a lot of businesses overlook. Plastic printers intends to break that cycle with this installment of the template of the week.

Banking on more than Looks

Why are words so often overlooked on business cards? They are often treated as an afterthought or an implication. Neither treatment will get the attention of an audience or bring in the revenue you deserve.

The exchange of cards is about more than a conversation starter or an action that implies a reaction. Your calling card is your invitation to a customer or client. You need to approach its design as if the recipient is reading about your business, services, and products for the first time.

You may think that their willingness to take a business card requires a response from them, but in reality, it doesn't.

If you want that response, you have to tell them that you want it. You also have to tell them why your business is better or more unique than your competitors. When designing the text for business cards, focus on three things:

One: The header or slogan

Two: What you're offering

Three: A call-to-action

Use your words well and the difference they make will be reflected in your bottom line.

Take a Good Look

Thus far, you've made all the right moves. You came to Plastic Printers for a sleek business card design, it's printed on plastic, and it looks incredible. Now, ask yourself, what's missing?

It's true that marketing has gone through a digital revolution, but it's also true that people still use and file business cards. Our sleek business card design template allows you to have the best of both worlds. The dark and neon color scheme give it a digitally-inspired appearance. The intriguing design usage also creates a sense of mystery, that's where the power of words works in your favor.

It is possible to have a card that looks the part, but says nothing. Despite the initial interest the card’s appearance might spark, without the text to follow it up, the interest will soon fizzle.

1. Give them one good reason:

You're in the trenches every day next to a competitor. This is your chance to show your customers, clients and vendors why your business is the best one in the field. Your slogan or header should highlight your businesses expertise. Brunner recommends using words like:

• The____ that works as hard as you do
• ____ doesn't have to be expensive
• Not just another ____
• The ____ advantage
• The best-kept secret in ____
• Don't get stuck with...
• How our ____ stacks up
• Can you afford not to...?
• An investment in your future

This will get them headed in your direction. Now, you have to get them in the door. That's where step two comes in.

2. Make them an irresistible offer.

According to Brunner, this is where you create brand recognition and customer loyalty. It helps recipients of your business card associate your product or service with positive incentives that are in their best interest.

Try phrases like:

• Save up to ____ %
• Huge discounts
• Receive a ____% discount when you present this card
• Visit our website for special rebates and coupons
• Don't pay more for ____
• Present this card at our showroom and receive a free...
• Call us for a special offer for first time customers

People are more likely to recall and respond to a promotion if you give them reason to.

3. Close it out with the call-to-action.

This step may seem redundant, but if it does, you're forgetting something. Brunner likes to remind business owners that their cards aren't meant to elicit an immediate response.

Most often, the cards are filed away or tacked on a board for future reference. Text helps the recipient remember why they took your card in the first place. The right text keeps your call-to-action active over the long-term.

Here are a few suggestions from the experts:

• Why settle for ____ when you can have ____
• A rewarding ____ awaits you
• You owe it to yourself to ____
• Seeing is believing
• You'll be glad you did
• ... and that's a promise!
• Put our ideas to work for you
• We'd like to hear from you
• Call us today to schedule an appointment
• Looking forward to hearing from you

Never leave a conversation hanging. Always give your recipient a motivation to respond.

The sleek business card design template isn't the only one available on our website. Visit www.plasticprinters.com to preview a variety of options. While there; feel free to mix and match these phrases with the different design choices. Choose something that fits your products and services.

If you need help with the design process, contact us. Our staff creates plastic business cards that stand out from the crowd. It's our belief that a picture may be worth a thousand words, but a few well-chosen words are priceless.