Free Business Cards... But At What Cost?
by Christopher J. Brunner

Who doesn't love something free? Free business cards have been a popular item with small business owners across the country for several years. They are easy to spot due to an advertisement on the backside and backgrounds you see over and over again.

These cards are great for collectors, but are they right for you?

Many unsuspecting business owners order free cards with the notion that they are cutting an expense from their budget; after all, a card is a card... right? Not if you are serious about your marketing efforts.

Free business cards may save a bit of cash in the short term, but consider these long term costs:

Cost #1: First impression
Free business cards have little to no competitive potential. Which would YOU pick up first - a photo-realistic card with a glossy finish or a card that looks like it was printed cheaply? It's natural instinct to check out the better card first, because it captures your attention and curiosity first.

Cost #2: Holder attention
The advertisement on the back side of a free business card can distract the holder away from your message. Your new contacts may think about "free business cards" instead of what your company is about. This can result in a lost lead, and ultimately lost revenue.

Cost #3: Valuable real estate on the back side of your cards
The back side of your business card is prime space to include information that makes your card worth holding on to. Have a good look at your audience and who you are trying to impress. what are they looking for? Certainly not an advertisement from a company other than your own!

Cost #4: Brand awareness
Brand awareness happens when a person pairs an image or phrase with your brand or company. It's important that your cards contain only things that you want associated with your brand. The co-branding that takes place on free business cards clouds the brand awareness you want your contacts to make. Your company looses and the free business card company wins.

Cost #5: Image
Advertisements on the back of free business cards scream "cheap", "amateur" and diminish the professional image you want your client to see.

Invest in custom business cards that grab attention and appear more valuable. Your clients will love them, and you will enjoy handing them out.

There is no better way to brand yourself than with a

Show Off Business Card from ShowOffCards.com

Go ahead. Be Unforgettable!