Print 4A Purpose

Business Cards – What’s in Your Wallet?

Business cards can be one of our most important pieces in the marketing toolbox. They are handed out, mailed out, left out, worn out and just plain lost. You may be the type that uses 100's or 1000's each year.

Business cards are economical. The more you print, the cheaper they get per piece. Your business card says a lot about you, your organization and your products or services. Your business card can influence customers to pick up the phone - or toss it in the trash.

Business cards come in all shapes, sizes and colors and are printed on just about anything you can imagine. Changing any one of these variables can help you create a very memorable card. Think about the times you have been handed a card and just the feel of the card in your hands made an impression. Our goal is to make that a GOOD impression. Giving or receiving flimsy little business cards can make a BAD impression very quickly.

Focus on the paper stocks

With most everyone agreeing to the value and importance of a good business card, it still amazes me that so many businesses want to print their business cards on cheap, thin paper stocks.

Pick up your own card right now. With your eyes closed, imagine how your current card feels in prospects' hands. Is it light and flimsy, telling them that your company is on shaky ground? Or is it thick and solid, telling them your are well grounded and prepared to handle their business needs?

Business card printing is cheaper than you think

Business card printing is the most economical, "biggest bang for your buck" printing that you will ever do. But still, you have many small businesses that will print business cards on desktop printers using specially perforated business card paper. They think they are saving money but the desktop business cards have three disadvantages:

1. Your inks look bad and can smear for a sloppy image.
2. The perforations and thin paper required to make it around the desktop printer cylinder make for a flimsy, cheap-looking card.
3. It's actually more expensive than professional printing.

Skip the home printing

Printing business cards on desktop printers not only looks bad, it costs more money than having your business cards printed by a pro. Do the math yourself: to print 1,000 business cards, you would need five packs of business card desktop printer paper at a cost of $80 (200 per pack at $16 each). And while printing at home seems "free," it's when you go to replace those ink cartridges that you realize just how much it really costs. It could cost an estimated $.20 / sheet to print for a total of $20. So now there's about $100 in "cheap" business cards.

You compare that to 1000 cards printed in full-color on 14pt gloss with UV coating. It a "no contest."

There's no downside to having your business cards professionally printed on sturdy, professional paper stocks. You look good, the cards feel good, and you can actually save money.

David A Moore is a cross-media marketing junkie fueled by Mountain Dew. His habit is supported as managing partner of Advantage Printing, a commercial print and marketing service provider serving churches, nonprofits and small businesses.

Follow me on Twitter: www.twitter.com/davidamoore

www.facebook.com/davidmoore.me

 

 

What is a Mommy Card

For Mother's Day this year a great little "mommy gift" would be "business cards for kids". Better known as "mommy cards," these child safety cards are becoming increasingly popular with concerned parents. Many online print companies (see Google search for "Mommy Cards" ) are marketing this idea by providing "kid themed" designs for customers to add their child's information to.

Basically, "mommy cards" are business cards that display the child's name, photograph, family contact details, medical info (i.e. blood type), and other emergency information. Slipped into a child's backpack before they go to school, they could be a real "life saver" if (God forbid) a child were to get into an accident or got lost somewhere!

You may be a bit late, if you are thinking of making them for Mothers Day this year. However, they are a very practical gift at any time of the year for mom's and kids. This about having them made in time for the start of the next school year. There's nothing that a mommy appreciates more than to give them the gift of a little more "peace-of-mind" when it comes to their child's safety, and I bet young kids love to feel important by flashing around their very "grown-up" business cards to their peers.

 

*For the record, I promoted my online competitors here. And while I may or may not be able to compete with the big boys and their online pricing, I can custom design "mommy cards" for moms, grandparents, and kids.-David

David A Moore is a cross-media marketing junkie fueled by Mountain Dew. His habit is supported at Advantage Printing, a commercial print and marketing service provider serving churches, nonprofits and small businesses.

Follow me on Twitter: www.twitter.com/davidamoore

www.facebook.com/davidmoore.me

 

How Social Media Has Changed the Business Card

Social media tools are changing the way businesses and individuals are marketing themselves. That's no secret. But have you considered how social media has changed the business card?

Think back just a few years ago and, in some cases, a few months ago. You have pretty much always had the standard information:

• Company Name
• Your name
• Title
• Physical address and/or P.O. Box
• Office number / Fax number

Then we evolved into the internet age, we added:

• Website URL
• Email address
• Cell phone

And now new media has changed the face of the business card. Those proficient in social media want the world how to contact them via:

• Twitter
• Facebook
• LinkedIn
• Blog
• Skype

The standard business card has not gotten any bigger, just more crowded. Where do you stand in this progression? Have you begun to add social media information to your business card? Is it more prevalent in one industry over another? It is looked upon as being more professional or less?

Would love to hear your thoughts on this.

(Thanks to @MariSmith for allowing me to use her business card as an example. By the way, this "Relationship Marketing Specialist" has over 65,000 Twitter followers and responded to my request in less than one hour. Pretty impressive.)

Advantage Printing is a commercial print and marketing service provider serving churches, nonprofits and small businesses.

Follow me on Twitter: www.twitter.com/davidamoore

www.facebook.com/davidmoore.me

Unique & Creative Business Card Designs of the Week

CONTRACTOR'S SPECIAL

Steven Whitley is an upstart builder in Philadelphia, PA who wanted to compete with the "big guys". To do that, he needed a business card that would be unique, memorable, and also indicative of the creativity and attention to detail he provides on a daily basis.

The business card needed to be simple, rugged, and useful so we simply illustrated the dimensions of the business card itself at 100% scale. Then we added the email address "measure thrice" one more than the old construction adage of "measure twice, cut once." We also had the cards letter-pressed onto the card stock to further reflect Steven's obsession with quality.

Designed by: Erich Hartmann

Source: www.CARDONIZER.com

 

NEW LIFE FOR FILE FOLDERS

I found the mini folder shape hole punch years before I used it for this and it sat in my tool box… I was busy playing with my new gocco printer and eureka! It occurred to me that I could print on the manila folders I had just weeded out of our old filing cabinet (they were in the recycling bin ready to go out to the curb when inspiration struck!) and make little folder business cards. I left the inside blank so I could write a quick thank you note to my customer before enclosing it with an order, or I could add a coupon/discount code, or even send two and leave one blank- that way the customer can write helpful notes inside….
It is a little smaller than a regular business card, when folded, but still fits in traditionally sized business card receptacles….

Designed by: clevergirl.etsy.com

 

20 OUTSTANDING LETTERPRESS CARDS

The letterpress business cards featured in this post are a great example of how effective letterpress business cards can reflect you or your company. The stylish and elegant look of letterpress printing combined with the luxurious quality of the paper used will surely make your business card and yourself stand out from the rest. Letterpress is traditionally used for printing old-school stationery and wedding invitations. However, it is lately finding its way into other personal printed assets such as business cards, often combining traditional and modern graphic elements.

Source: Best Design Options

If you need any help with finding a designer or need a source to print the unusual, give me a call and I'm the guy to make it happen. -David

 

Advantage Printing is a commercial print and marketing service provider serving small to mid-sized businesses, nonprofits and churches.

Follow me on Twitter: www.twitter.com/davidamoore or www.twitter.com/churchprinter

David A. Moore

 

 

 

 

 

Die Cut Business Cards

Business cards are the ultimate marketing tool. Or at least they can be if it stands out. Think about it, 9 out of 10 business cards are the traditional shape and size. What makes yours different? I am personally considering a complete redesign of my business card. One of the ways to be different is with something called a die cut.

Die cut business cards provide the opportunity to be creative and leave a lasting impression on your customers and prospects. Here are a few ways to use die cut cards:

Choose the best shape

Business card designs can range from the simple to complex and be created to match any type of business. For example, if you want to promote your window business, you can create a card with the windows cut out of it. Or a bakery may be shaped like a cake with a bite or slice out of it.

Maximize your real estate

Remember to use both sides of the card. On the back, put special offers, your mission statement, or upcoming events. It will cost just a little bit more, but you maximize your investment in this tool.

Select quality paper

If your card is too thin, it's flimsy (although some specialty papers will have a unique impact as well). If the card is too thick, it won't fit into wallets. A glossy finish will accent images, while a matte finish will add richness and depth to colors.

Proof it

Always, always, always proof. Its well worth the wait and extra time and trouble to proof your card.

Order volume

After the design and setup, business cards are cheap. After 1000, you're printing for pennies.

Die cut cards can help you develop your brand and strengthen your image. Your customers and prospects will not only hold on to your card, but they'll likely show it off to colleagues or friends. This can exponentially increase the marketing effectiveness.

If you're looking for other unique ways that you can grab attention, give us a call or visit our Idea Page. Our team of creative experts can help you develop marketing materials that stands apart from the crowd.

Advantage Printing is a commercial print and marketing service provider serving small to mid-sized businesses, nonprofits and churches.

Follow me on Twitter: www.twitter.com/davidamoore

 

110 Logo Designs

There are a bazillion "lists" and posts of logo designs. Here's one I came recently came across and a few hints from a printer's perspective.

Logo Hints

1. Keep it simple
2. Limit 2 colors
3. Be memorable
4. Readable

110 Fresh Logo Designs for Design Inspiration

Creative, Low-Budget Design Tips

The low-budget project can be the bane of a designer's existence, or it can be an exciting challenge. With a low-budget project, the client usually has everything to lose. This letterhead project is probably all he or she can afford, perhaps for months or even years. He has to do the job right, or there may never be a second chance.

You will find that it is possible to do a lot with a little. Pick one item and do it well instead of trying to incorporate multiple design concepts. For example:

• Spend the bulk of a client's budget on one expensive but attention-getting element: a heavy paper, a die cut, engraving, or embossing.
• Rely on a strong design in one or two colors, with ordinary offset printing on common paper stocks.

Producing nice layouts and stunning graphics is only half the battle. Solving your client's design problems is the other half. As a designer, you must try to create practical and aesthetic designs targeted to your client (and your client's clients). Here are a few tips for achieving those goals:

Printing

Most letterhead is printed offset, which offers more options than most people use. Die cuts, foil-stamping (a specialty printing service), varnishes, and a variety of other printing tricks can help make a piece stand out.

Logos

Most established companies have corporate logos that must be included in their printed products. While corporate identity design goes far beyond the scope of this post, even an outdated or downright ugly logo can, if used creatively, be part of a fresh, new design.

Artwork

Artwork gives a piece personality. It communicates without words and targets the emotions. Using scanners and laser printers, even clients with small budgets can reproduce personal photos and copyright-free images for their printed pieces.

Use these tips, and represent your client, not as you think they ought to be, but as they are. Your work is sure to do its job. Then you will, indeed, be a great designer.

As always, if we can help CALL, EMAIL, or visit our WEBSITE @ www.AdvantagePrint24.com .

Twitter for Churches

Twitter is one of those things I find very hard to explain. Either you "get it" or you don't. And when I hear the ones who don't "get it", try to explain what Twitter is, I am so afraid that those listening will never investigate further and give Twitter a chance. Twitter benefits some far more than others, but I think it offers something for everyone.

That brings me to churches. I deal a lot with churches on the business side with print and marketing projects, but also on the ministry side with men's events, speaking and a community men's group study. As my pastor said recently, lots of churches are just getting around to putting sermons on a cassette tape when they should be using mp3 and podcasts. The point is, many churches are slow to adopt new technologies. Reasons may be financial or just fear of an imagined technology hurdle.

But I received a RT (retweet from one of my twitter friends @jleray) about a church taking the steps to get involved. Are they doing it perfectly? Probably not and they probably didn't expect to. But they are taking great strides to "get it" right and learn as they go. Look at their Staff on Twitter. I counted 18!

Check out the Mt. Bethel UMC website also. Looks like a lot exciting things happening at church in Marietta, GA. Mickey Mellon (@mickmel) is on staff at the church and wrote this great post:

Twitter for Churches and Non-Profit Organizations

Follow me! @davidamoore

Advantage Printing specializes in serving the print and marketing needs of churches, nonprofits and small businesses. Check for details on FREE Business Cards for LIFE for churches and nonprofits.

FREE Business Cards for LIFE!

As the saying goes, "Nothing in life is free." And you may agree here as well. But here's the deal:

FREE Business Cards for LIFE program

• You must purchase the first 500 cards
• They may be full-color or one-color
• No bleeds and front-side only
• We don't put our logo/email/name on the back of your card
• Reprints with information changes are charged $5.00 / change and then printing is free
  • For example: You change your email and cell # = $10.00
• Must have valid email and opt-in to our email marketing list

I can't disclose all the details to my competition, but shoot me an email: david@advantageprint24.com and we can discuss your situation.

Advantage Printing - The Church Printing HQ

OBX Advantage - 1:1 Marketing Conversations

FREE Business Cards

I copy and pasted the blog post below just so it didn't look like I'm whining about someone trying to save money by doing some of their own printing at home. In this day and time, we all have to do some things to cut corners every now and then. But the writer, Gino of UPrinting, has some valid points.

So read his comments and you can then make a more informed decision. The more information you have, the better decisions you can make for your business. As always, if you would like more printing advice, contact David at Advantage Printing. And for personalized 1:1 cross-media marketing solutions, OBX Advantage.

*And be sure to check out our Business Cards FREE FOR LIFE promotion. Email david@advantageprint24.com for details.

Business Card Printing Software Pitfalls

Overpriced

Walk into your local Office Depot or Staples and you'll find a number of home business card printing kits and software. They usually cost about $20.00 for 100 cards. That's $0.20 a card and significantly more than what you'd pay with a professional, 4-color, online printing company like UPrinting.

For example, we charge $25.51 for 500 business cards. That's just $0.05 a card and you're getting a high-quality, professional print job.

Low Print Quality

Unless you have a four-color press in your back room or a knack for letter pressing, cards printed at home with business card printing software are never going to be able to compete with professionally printed ones. The quality just isn't there.

With home versions, whether you're using laser or inkjet, the colors will either blur or fade and the tones won't be as vibrant.

Limited Options

Along with limited color ranges, you're also faced with limited options. You're stuck with the templates available on the card printing software, you can't get creative with size or layout and you can't opt for added features.

Low Paper Stock Quality

The paper stock quality is also significantly lower than what you could expect from a professional business card printing company. For example, UPrinting offers three types of stocks for its Business Cards – 14pt. Cover Gloss (uses an environmentally friendly, water-based coating), 14pt. Cover Matte, and 13pt. Cover Uncoated (30% recycled stock).

Have you ever noticed the difference between an expensive greeting card and a dollar-store greeting card? One's printed on cheap, flimsy stock while the other is printed on high-end, thick, quality stock. That's the difference people will notice when they pick up your business card.

No Support

Business card printing software packages offer little to no support other than a small help section on the software. Meanwhile, if you choose to do your Business Card Printing with UPrinting, you can give us a call at 1-888-888-4211 or chat with us live for help any time.

(Gino Orlandi)