1) You never get a second chance to make a first impression. Have you bought a book because you liked a way the cover looked? How often do we make perceived judgements on people we meet based on how they dress? This is exactly the same for photographers and your business cards. Your business card is the first impression people have of you as a photographer. A well-designed card makes people think you are professional, increases your perceived value, and make them think that you are a darn good photographer.
2) Include necessary contact information such as name, email address, website and a phone number. I have seen so many cards that did not have either email or phone number. I asked several photographers what their reasoning behind this was and their reply was: “they can come to my website to get the other information.” This is true but why add another step/obstacle from them contacting you? On the same token, do not oversaturate your card with information.
3) Being a specialist does not mean you are good at portraits, weddings, commercial & sports. Stick to one thing and mention that on your card if you wish to. You cannot be a specialist in everything. Just because you can do it does not mean you have to mention it. If possible, have separate cards for different things you specialize in.
4) Avoid “do-it-yourself home-printed business cards”. Again invest some money and get some quality cards. Your perceived value will depend on how nice your cards are. Why ruin it by trying to save money by either doing it yourself and/or use those inexpensive services that out in the market? People may not tell you this in person, but when they get a poorly designed or inexpensive cards, they already have a preconceived value about your photography and your business.
5) Make them unique. You are, after all, one of a kind. Rather than using a predesigned template cards, have one professionally designed that represents your photography. There are many ways to make them unique (die cut, sewn, letterpress, foil stamping, etc.) Work with a professional designer to get this done.
6) Never apologize for the card that you have. Your cards represent who you are and you should be proud of it. I have received numerous cards and as people are handing them to me, they are automatically apologizing to me because of the quality, not up-to-date information, etc. Be confident and proud of your cards when you hand them out.
7) As important as it is to exchange cards, more importantly, it is essential to follow up with the people you exchanged cards with. Rather than letting it go to waste, enter their contact information in an address book. Then shortly after, send them an email thanking them for the opportunity to meet together. It will go long ways.
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