Let’s say that you are a fairly successful freelancer. You have a good customer base and some word of mouth advertising. So, is it necessary for you to have business cards? After all, it is an expense and it takes time away from your work. Most experts say that it is extremely necessary; here’s why.
Cheap and Easy
If you haven’t checked into the process of business card design and printing, I think you are in for a pleasant surprise. There are many very helpful business card tutorials and some easy to use templates. In addition to being simple to design, business cards can be very inexpensive to print, especially when you order online. When you get your cards printed from an online business card printing company like Printplace.com, the process of ordering is painless and the cost for 500 double-sided business cards is only $23. Plus, you can have your printed cards in your hands in as little as one day.
Avoids Embarrassment
If you talk to anyone at all about your work, then you are bound to come across someone who will ask for your business card. If you don’t have one to give, you will appear very unprofessional. True, you could jot down your info on a scrap of paper, but your prospect will probably throw that scrap away either on purpose (because you seem unprofessional) or on accident. When you have a business card ready to give away, you look like a serious professional whom anyone would want to work with.
Legitimizes Your Work
Most people are skeptical about random strangers who say they can freelance for them. No matter what your profession, you have to give strangers a reason to trust your ability. Referrals are one way, but they can be random at best. If you have a business card to accompany a personal introduction, your audience is more likely to think of you as a real professional rather than some scam artist out to take their money.
Makes Work Easier
One of the greatest advantages of a business card is the consistent transfer of information. Your website address or phone number may not always be legible in your handwriting. However, your business card will contain all of those bits of information on it in a legible and concise manner. You can also use your business card to share your Facebook, Twitter, and other social networking sites. The more your potential customer can learn about you, the better the chance they will investigate and eventually choose you for the job.
As a freelancer, your desire should be to gain good customers and create a strong personal brand. One of the best ways to help you accomplish both of these goals is to hand out a business card. Business cards let others know that you are a serious professional that they can trust.
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