Business Cards – A Vital Tool for Authors
In the digital age, where online presence and virtual profiles are often the go-to for marketing and networking, one might wonder if traditional methods like business cards still hold any value.
For authors, the answer is a resounding yes. Business cards offer a tangible piece of your author brand that can make a lasting impression.
Why Business Cards Matter for Authors
1. Professionalism: A well-designed business card can convey a sense of professionalism and seriousness about your writing career. It’s a physical representation of your commitment to your craft and your brand.
2. Memorability: In a world where digital information can be easily forgotten, a business card is a physical reminder of your encounter with someone. It can serve as a visual cue that brings you and your work to mind.
3. Networking: Authors often attend conferences, workshops, and book fairs where they meet potential readers, publishers, and fellow writers. A business card is a quick and efficient way to exchange contact information.
4. Marketing: Your business card can be a mini advertisement for your work. Including your book titles, website, and social media handles can direct potential readers to discover more about your books.
5. Accessibility: Not everyone is comfortable with digital technology. Some prefer having a physical item they can refer to without the need to search through their electronic devices.
Designing Your Author Business Card
When designing your business card, consider the following:
– Name and Title: Whether you use your real name or a pen name, ensure it’s clearly displayed. If you use both, find a creative way to include them without cluttering the card.
– Contact Information: Provide a professional email address and, if available, a phone number. Avoid personal information that could lead to privacy issues.
– Visual Elements: Use colours, fonts, and images that reflect your genre and writing style. A mystery author might opt for darker, more enigmatic designs, while a romance writer might choose warmer, more inviting colors.
– Book Titles or Logos: If you have a book series or a personal logo, consider including it on your card for brand recognition.
– Tagline or Description: A short, catchy tagline can intrigue potential contacts and encourage them to learn more about your work.
My Business Card – An Example
This is my business card. At this time, I decided to go with a very simple but striking custom design. You can get template business cards produced online but I suggest you avoid anything too generic which people might have seen hundreds of times before – your card is an expression of yourself, it’s unique..
My card features a clear, two-colour, blood splatter design so the information is easy to read and people should be able to tell right away that I’m probably not an author of romantic novels or children’s books.
As I use my website as a central focus I use the card solely to push the site rather than anything else. All the contact info I wish to share, social media links etc., can easily be found on my site so I use the card to direct everyone there. Hey! They might even stick around and read some of the articles.
The card design features;
- my branding
- my tagline
- my name
- my occupation
- my website URL
Plus, to make it simple for those who don’t feel inclined to manually type the URL (typing can actually put some people off acting), I have a QR code for people to scan with their mobile device that takes them instantly to my site. The QR code has a call to action by using the words ‘SCAN ME’ below it on the card. I don’t openly state where the QR leads, even it it may be obvious to most, because these codes can be intriguing for people to scan if they aren’t 100% sure where it’s going to take them, it’s more enticing and makes it more likely people will act and use the code.
My card is a standard business card size and shape (85mm x 55mm) so it will fit in people’s wallets easily, making it more likely they will retain it. Importantly, it has no kind of glossy coating on the the card with a plain white back, allowing other information to be written on it with a ballpoint pen if required. Fancy double sided cards with glossy coatings are nice but I like the ability to write something on the back of the card if required. For instance, I don’t want everyone to have my personal mobile number or home address but I can write these details on the back of the card if I wish to share that information with a particular person, this happens sometimes at networking events or during unexpected interactions.
The Bottom Line
Business cards are a cost-effective tool in an author’s marketing arsenal. They can leave a lasting impression and provide a personal touch in an increasingly impersonal digital landscape. Whether you’re a seasoned author or new to the scene, don’t underestimate the power of a well-crafted business card.
You should be proud to hand out your business card and remember, it’s more than just a piece of paper— it’s an important key to new connections and opportunities in your writing journey.
© Colin Lawson Books