Realtor Business Cards: 3 Things You Must Know If You Want to Take an Objective Approach to Your Designs

Normal questions you might ask yourself:

· What are your business cards telling your customers and prospects about you?

· Do they convey the image you want?

· Are they accurate and up-to-date?

BUT, as a marketing tool you should ask:

· Do you treat your cards as little advertisements?

· Do they help increase sales?

· Do they set you apart from your competition?

· Do people perceive your professionalism, expertise and trustworthiness?

· Do they make people want to do business with you?

If not, can you AFFORD to keep using them? Think about what your current card is costing you, not in pennies but in terms of lost sales and missed opportunities. Are you being out-classed by your competition? If so, take action immediately!

If you haven’t updated your cards in the last year, if you’re using generic “printer’s special” cards, or, heaven forbid, if you’re using pre-perforated cards, it’s time to take a fresh look at your most powerful marketing tool. And YES, your business card is a marketing tool, and like all your other advertising, it needs a makeover from time to time.

First things first. Look at the OBVIOUS information on your card.

ACCURACY: Is the information on your card up-to-date? If you’ve added a website, changed locations, changed phone numbers, or earned new designations, redo your cards to reflect the changes. Passing out cards with crossed-out phone numbers is a sure way to lose credibility with prospects. Also, using a poor quality or outdated photograph is not good if your client doesn’t recognize you. Keep it current.

CONTENT: Describe what you do and what makes you unique. Give people a reason to do business with you. Are you exceptionally skilled (awards, designations, experience)? Easy to locate? Do you offer a guarantee or exceptional service? (Design hint: Don’t drop the font size and cram all that information on the front. Use the BACK of your card to double your advertising space.)

Now take a step back and look at the SUBTLE messages your card is sending. Remember you only have one chance to make a first impression. Make sure it’s a good one.

USEFULNESS: It’s a statistical fact that more people will keep your cards if they contain useful information. Is your business card useful? Almost ANY business can add something relevant to their business or industry which prospective customers will find useful. You might add a mortgage calculator, or most used numbers when moving into a new home such as electric, garbage and phone companies. Also, never underestimate the power of a thank you. Have you ever thought to write a personal note and have it printed on the back of your cards? have it printed on the back of your cards?