As a blogger, you spend your work life predominantly online. Whether it's uploading your most recent story, submitting a new piece of work or answering emails, you don't spend much time face-to-face with editors or content managers. When you do, it's best to be prepared and make a splash. A uniquely designed business card can help you do just that.
You may think business cards are the purview of corporate managers and other workers, not bloggers. However, as networking events for online communities continue to increase in number and frequency, being able to leave potential clients and contacts with a physical reminder of your talent could be key to the next step in your career.
Here are six tips to help you design the perfect blogging business card:
1. Get the basics on the card
You will need your name, email, position and company name on your card – just like any business. You'll want to make sure the URL of your blog is prominent as well as any relative social media accounts, including your Facebook username and Twitter handle. If you're a food blogger, you should definitely add your Instagram account name – pictures of mouthwatering food will win anyone over.
2. Think twice about including your phone number
While phone numbers are a prerequisite for any corporate or standard employee's business cards, the numbers included are usually not for a personal phone. This is not always the case for a blogger, but there are alternatives. Blogclarity, for example, suggested bloggers set up a Google Voice account if they are worried about privacy.
3. Keep design consistent
Bloggers can have a bit more fun with their business cards than the standard employee. However, you should keep the design of your card consistent with that of your blog. Does your blog use a specific color scheme? Is there a logo? Or do you employ a certain font? Using these details can help create a lasting impression on others and make your work easily recognizable.
4. Embrace white space
On any design, white space is a good thing. It helps the content on the page stand out and doesn't leave the eyes feeling tired. White space can do double duty, though. Bloggers should consider leaving enough white space on their cards that recipients can jot down a few notes if needed, BlogHer explained. For example, if you are attending a blogging conference, these scribbles could serve as a reminder for recipients of a project they would like to do with you or of someone with whom they recommend you get in touch.
5. Consider a tagline
A tagline is like a short statement of purpose. It tells readers who you are, what your blog does and what you're trying to create. It's shorter than an elevator pitch and doesn't even have to be a full sentence. A tagline can help set you apart from other bloggers in your field.
6. Include a QR code
While QR codes may not have worked as well as hoped for advertising companies and their clients, this piece of technology can give bloggers and their business cards a leg up on the competition. By including a QR code on your business card, recipients can quickly and easily scan it to visit your blog, thereby making it less likely for individuals to procrastinate and ultimately forget about reading your blog.