Sunday, April 19, 2020

May the 'Printing is Going to die' Rest in Peace debate

Several times a week I get emails with the topic "Print not dead" or the opposite of "Print dead". The last message in your inbox is "Is direct mail dead?" Sometimes good and wise articles. Although it often makes headlines from big stale jammers, the only thing that matters is clicks.


May the 'Printing is Going to die' Rest in Peace debate


Calm down, print? If the search results refer to anything, it seems that the "not dead" camp wins. There are 429,000 Google search results for "print not dead" compared to 129,000 search results for "print dead".

I say the argument doesn't matter. What matters is what happens in our backyard and the end result. A successful small business does not depend on experts, society or society. In general, fortune tellers and preachers often mistake the future, so why don't they take up space in our brains?

The dead or not dead debate reminds me of the crowd "by making money in internet marketing." The problem is that "Internet Marketing" is not a business. This is only one of the many media outlets available for mass communication.

Difference is important. First, there must be a business that offers something that promises. Only then can you use online marketing to market your product to the public. Suppose online marketing is the only tool you use to sell your product (it shouldn't be), it's not your business. If they want to be less deceptive and less accurate, they must provide tips on how to use internet marketing to make money in your business.

Print is also one of the many media outlets available for mass communication. Yes, I understand that many die printed articles discuss the general state of the print industry. For our purposes, let's focus on the idea of ​​printing as one of many media. Discuss and focus on our personal actions.

Ink on paper is used creatively in many ways to communicate with clients and potential customers. As long as people can find ways to use print media to attract clients to their business, get directions, close sales, and present new ideas, no one can say he is dead.

The only thing that dies because of printing is the number of failures in printing usage. Newspapers are a good example. Many jobs come out because they no longer offer anything that customers appreciate.

But there are still many profitable newspapers that will be able to get a price for enough money to stay in business and make a profit. Example: Warren Buffett recently bought 63 newspapers serving the local community. He claimed to be profitable or profitable.

However, recently a few years ago, he boasted that he would never invest in newspapers at any cost. Ignoring his appreciation, he considers it valid in problematic newspapers that promise strong returns on investment if managed and sold properly. Buffett is never far from a significant investment that has the potential to get a good return.

We must do the same. Ignore public comments. Look for a good value and return on investment. Two important questions that must be answered are:

1) How can I use printing to increase sales and profitability in my business? (Where are the prices and what are you returning?)

2) How can I teach my clients to do the same thing? (This question applies to those who work in printing.)

To answer the first question, there are dozens of ways to use printing to fit any small business marketing strategy. Direct mail, directories, print advertisements, leaflets, newsletters, sales letters, magicians, and unique packaging can be used creatively to produce leaders, sell campaigns, educate customers, and maintain and support.

However, it is important first to check on a small scale to see what results are needed. If something works well if it doesn't work, move on to the next project. In this era of digital printing, it is easy and inexpensive to print and send letters to a small group of potential customers. The prize for printers is that your printing costs are far lower than what others pay on the retail side. Printer, make no mistake not to use this maximum value to your advantage!


For printers among viewers, the best way to educate your customers is to give an example. In other words, will you go to a fat personal trainer? Probably not. Expect an example. As a printer, you can take advantage of printing your value for money. Value and potential returns are above average. So, printing becomes a big part of your marketing strategy.

Show the potential of the company that attracts your ideal clients. (This is an article related to the ideal customer). Send monthly bulletins via email. Please provide examples of how your customers are accustomed to printing successfully. Send a printed guide that explains everything you do and highlight each service with comments. Send a birthday or holiday gift in a unique print package. I got an idea.

So remember that there are still values ​​in print. Like Warren Buffett, we must find our own value. Then we take the calculated game and look forward to a reasonable return on investment. It is always like that. The only failure is to trust the defendants who want you to move from death, or trust those who believe that the printed train will come.

Of course, there are many other media outlets that also need to be verified and assessed. Almost everything that has been said above must be done in different media. But this is another day. Printing is still a growing and effective media of information. Ignoring them means not paying attention to the great value in your business, and that can mean the difference between success and failure.

Please share your impressions and stories below. And if you like the article, be sure to share it with your friends and colleagues, and social networks.

What to Do After You Receive a Business Card

Business cards are about starting a new business relationship. By getting a card, you can also make other people's cards suitable for you.


What to Do After You Receive a Business Card


If the card is completely unrelated to your current or future relationship, place it in your contact management system. But don't stop there

Chat with people on all of their social media accounts. If you wait for a contact at a later time, they might not remember you and might ignore the connection request.

At the beginning of a relationship, you might not know the best way to communicate. When you get to know them better, you will get all the information you need to reconnect as you want and you are already connected.

You can also use their social media accounts for more information. If they are potential customers or suppliers, this helps you pre-qualify.

What Makes a Good Business Card?

If you still can't find it, I love anything that's still working in the old school, especially easy ones like a business card. Despite the obvious simplicity, there are several ways to improve the efficiency of your card.

What Makes a Good Business Card?


Here are some ways to make your business card more efficient.



1 - A good business card includes all your basic contact information.

Include your full name, postal address and / or physical address (which is more important), logo, phone, mobile phone and email.

Include relevant websites and social media accounts of interest to your ideal customer.

2: Print on a good cardboard professionally.

A simple, well-equipped and printed business card is also better than a complex business card printed on a desktop printer.

3 - Be creative as long as it relates to your brand.

Don't like yourself. Talk to a designer or printer about this. They may have suggestions you might not otherwise find.

4 - Make your business card fit for you.

Whatever you do in marketing, potential customers need to take it a step further. Business cards are no exception.

Invite them to work, a compelling proposition to attract them. If this is what helps them solve the problem, it is likely to work. It's as easy as downloading a report or downloading other valuable content, watching a video, or visiting a free consultation.

Test it out. At this point, your potential client needs to trust her and trust her. Certificates build trust and credibility.


Add talk of faith, related credits or trade union membership. You may be able to do this with a simple logo that your customers will recognize. For example, if you are certified by the Better Business Bureau, you can include this tag on your site.

Post your photo. Make sure it is of professional quality. Do not use red eye images of group photos taken at a party.

Use either side of the Bullet-Green 15 card. There is almost nothing for printing on the other side.

Use the QR code (not yet dead) to digitally connect your card to the landing page. During the sales process choose a landing page that will move you.

Run your business cards and incorporate them into the flow of new and old customer products.

Include printed cards in all your advertising and print campaigns.

4 Reasons Why You Should Still Use Business Cards


4 Reasons Why You Should Still Use Business Cards


Faster Than Digital


If either party is in a hurry, you can share business cards in a second. You can’t do that with your phone or any device.


Versatile Usability


Despite reports to the contrary, smartphones are not used by the entire world. And sometimes, if they do, they just don't like using them.


I have met more than a few successful and influential entrepreneurs who do not own or enjoy using smartphones. They handed it to their assistants. Business cards are the best way to contact him.

Everyone in your personal world can actually own a smartphone. But do all potential customers live in the same world? This is what you have to ask yourself.


Some societies need business cards as the simple etiquette

Special procedures are also available for the exchanging of cards unique to various cultures. If you have no wallet, then you have no chance.


You never know when a prospective client could come upon you.


It may be at a barbecue, when driving, or at any variety of social events where you might not be able to get your cell. If you've got a business card ready you'll never miss a chance.


4 Reasons Why You Should Still Use Business Cards

Are Business Cards Dead or Relevant?

You must like statistics. I recently read two articles about the importance of printed business cards. One person said that the business card was dead, and another indicated that there was a lot of life left on the printed paper card. The funny thing is that each article uses the same set of statistics to prove its completely contradictory views.

Are Business Cards Dead or Relevant?


Statistics and data always need context to help in your marketing decisions. These articles made me think about how old school marketing tools, such as business cards, conflict with digital marketing.

So let's cut the statistical stance from the discussion on "Print the dead" and get a real perspective on the use and purpose of business cards in the world today.

Statistics about the importance of business cards and the likelihood of death
Here are three statistics that prove you need to get rid of your business card. But don't aim at anything until you wear your own marketing glasses.

1 - Increase sales by 2.5% per 2000 failed cards


This is not a significant increase for business card holders. Not worth the effort or cost.

I think they have never heard the concept of "small hinges swinging big doors." In other words, many additional small changes can cause important results.

Alright, let's do simple math for a very small business, making $ 100,000 every year. 2.5% for 100,000 - $ 2,500. You will spend less than $ 100 on a card. You don't need to be good at math to see that it's a good return on investment! A business that receives $ 1 million in revenue is $ 25,000 in additional sales.

Of course, you have to turn in cards, but maybe you will. If you manage your business card distribution strategically (more on this below), you will easily get the distribution you need.

The result is that distribution of business cards will likely increase your income at least a little, without extra effort or expense.

By the way, I can't find statistics that say business card distribution is causing a decrease in income.

2- 88% of cards are distributed in less than a week.


Nicers exclaimed, "What good is it if I drop my card in about 9 out of 10 people?"

Old school students say, "This is 12% who hold them back. And 12% can be valuable clients or relationships."
Statistics also show that 9% of cards have been added to the recipient's digital telephone list, contact management, or both. The card itself may be lost, but it lives digitally.

Now let's compare this "problem" with a business card with a landing page conversion rate typical for a website.

The landing page is the digital equivalent of whoever receives and stores your business card, in fact it says "Yes, I want your information."

According to Wordstream, the average website conversion rate is around 2.35%. Conversion rate = Total traffic - A new contact gives you your information versus your information. If we like it, then we can say, "Almost 98% of website visitors don't save our information - what's the point of having a website?"

In other words, a business card that has a conversion rate of 12% (someone who takes your information) has more than 5 times the conversion rate for your website on average of 2.35%.

If you see this marketing perspective, why should you release your business card?


3- 39% of people will not deal with you if your card looks cheap.


I think Nizya should not be prevented from investing in professional cards. Seriously, why not try giving out cheap cards? This reflects the lack of professionalism, not logic.

Old school marketers simply refused to print cheap business cards.

Older adults remember this related statistic - 72% rank your business on your card. Your card is one element of your opportunity to make a great first impression. However, you will never get a second chance to make a first impression, especially in a sales call. Clichy, yes, but it's still relevant.

As such, even a pretty good card, usually handled, is likely to increase your sales as shown in our first statistic above.

Free Business Cards

When you or your employees choose clients or leave the field, it is important that you have a professional business card designed to represent who you are and to show your brand identity. More than just contact information, your front-line business card is your official introduction to the other world. Local Minuteman Press brings you expertise in graphic design and printing technology to make your business card great, because we offer the kind of personalized customer service and attention to detail that you deserve when printing your business card. Needs

Business Cards



With high-quality full-color printing technology, we can give you business cards that all your employees are proud of. We offer a variety of designs, colors, paper supplies, and final results to suit your needs.

Business Cards


Use your local Minuteman press service for free advice on how to meet your business card design and printing needs. You will not only be welcomed and consulted by experts, but you will also benefit greatly from face-to-face meetings with us. For example, when you tell us about your business, we will be happy to share with you our unique information and ensure that you have a perfect representation of your business on your business card. We will ensure that you have the best business card for your brand, and the end result is a professional print business card that will give you additional confidence wherever you are.

Types Of Business Card And What Are They?

The rapid development of technology and social media has changed the way we communicate. The internet has become more popular among all business sectors with different business metrics. However, face-to-face meetings and networking events remain disconnected to manage many business relationships. In this context, business cards are an important subject of marketing collateral. There are many types of business cards so it is difficult to determine which card is chosen for your business. So in this article we will introduce you to the most widely used types of business cards and their features. Let's start!


Types Of Business Card And What Are They?

1. Standard business card


Business cards must represent your trademark and provide contact information. Regardless of whether you are a beginner or a company that has many subsidiaries on various continents, your business needs a standard business card. Identify your business on a small piece of paper and is the first thing you need to submit or attach to potential customers.

As a standard card, all details are standardized:

Size: Although business card sizes may vary slightly depending on the region, 3.5 x 2 inches is widely accepted in various countries.
Shape: rectangles are the best and most widely used. Other forms, such as the shape of a box, round, or stamped, are not traditional because they find it difficult to sit and carry a card holder.
Color: white or beige on one side, and the company's main color on the other
Printing / Finishing / Paper: Without Coating, Embossed
With a standard type of card it is likely not to be wrong, because it is very effective for all types of business meetings. So, if you don't have time to work with business card makers or play with different complicated designs, start with standard designs. This is a safe option for almost everyone.

2. Premium business cards


As the name implies, this type of business card can show potential business customers a different look. Depending on your budget, the premium level can be adjusted according to various designs, materials and more. Here are the main factors for premium business cards:

Size: 3.5 x 2 inches doesn't have to be the only way. Snip will cut you from the crowd and impress the recipient.
Shape: The size and shape go hand in hand. If you have a funky size, this also means that the shape of your card may be out of the box. Square, round or even unique shapes that reflect the nature of your business can be a good choice
Color: Business cards represent your brand. Therefore, Premium Cards cannot be white or beige. It can be designed to match the color of your brand.
Print / Emboss / Paper: Matte or high-gloss.
If you want a premium business card, paper quality is the first thing you look for. High quality paper will make your card look clean and modern. The different color palette becomes bright and fresh when printed on smooth paper.

3. Matte business cards


This is the right choice for business owners who don't need innovative designs, but who insist on looking for their cards professionally. Details depend on the requirements of various companies, but below:

Size: 3.5 x 2 inches is preferred because this card stands out with its paper material, a funky size doesn't really matter.
Shape: the same size, shape is not a determining factor in professional matte cards. Whatever form you choose, it must fit your brand.
Paper / printed material: feel satin or silk, your card speaks for itself. This is intended for those who want the best, and because it clearly shows the quality of your business and service.

4. Shiny business card


This is a perfect choice for those who like fashion, design, beauty, hospitality, cosmetics or those who want to use images on their cards. However, this does not mean that this type of card is not suitable for other businesses. As long as you want to stand out from your competition, consider a shiny business card.

This gives your brand a beautiful, bright and beautiful look. This is possible because it actually makes your photos or other data on your card appear. This enhances the design colors for your business card, thus exposing the most important elements of your card.

Another advantage of a glossy business card is its durability. So, if you want to keep your card longer with the card holder for your customers, choose this type of card. However, reading text can be a weakness, because a good business card is very good. However, when designing, it is very important to choose the right font and ensure that it can be read even in small sizes.

5. Embossed business card

This type of card provides high level of professionalism and excellence. Not only does your card embossing provide an interesting effect, it also creates a cool look. This adds value and weight to your card. This allows you to highlight your most important design elements.

Choosing and engraving business cards is a wise choice to stand out from the crowd because it looks very different from other cards. In this digital age, where almost anything can be done digitally, the experience of paper touch arises can be a unique point of your card. This gives the recipient an unforgettable physical experience, and therefore your business can be called easily when they need your goods and services.

With this complex type of card, you must be well-designed to get the right artwork to print. Business card templates can be a good way to get started before moving on to other stages of the design process.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Business Credit Cards

To get a commercial credit card, the borrower must complete the application. In general, implementing a business credit card might be easier than getting a business loan that isn't spinning, because the process is usually automated with an immediate credit decision. It also comes with many additional benefits. As a result, commercial credit cards generally have a slightly higher interest rate than conventional loans. Credit card debt is usually unsecured, which increases the cost of financing because of the increased risk of lenders.



Business owners can ask an employer identification number if they have a number or they can use their personal social security number. The IPO analysis lender will be based on all information included in the new credit application. The company has a credit report and makes credit records in the same way as people do, so any activity that uses an employer's identification number will be reflected in the company's credit report.

Personal guarantee
Companies often do not have minimum requirements for credit rating, income, and income analysis, so they must rely on personal security support. Personal security is one of the provisions of a business card that holds individuals who apply for a card responsible for paying fees and charges.

Many business credit cards will include a personal guarantee clause in the requirements of their business credit card, regardless of qualification steps, so it is important for borrowers to read all the requirements outlined in the credit card agreement and understand it fully. Commercial credit. In the event that personal guarantees are repaid, delays in business credit cards can be reported on individual credit reports.


Key note


  1. Businesses use business credit cards for professional expenses, unlike personal credit cards that individuals use.
  2. Business credit cards can help small businesses build credit so they have better debt conditions in the future.
  3. It is often easier to apply for a card than a non-revolving business loan, comes with many benefits, and has a higher interest rate than conventional loans.
  4. Cards are very useful for small businesses, for accounting, and for keeping personal expenses separate from professionals.
  5. Special Considerations


Business credit cards can be a good way to manage and break down costs. In addition to offering facilities that are usually associated with credit cards, business credit cards also help small businesses, in particular, to separate business expenses from personal expenses. This chapter may be useful for accounting and tax purposes. It also provides an easy way for employees to shop and for companies to monitor employee business purchases.

Business credit cards generally have unique benefits that are designed to attract business customers. These benefits may differ from the benefits offered to individual customers. For example, some business credit cards offer cash returns on purchases in stores where businesses are more likely to be repeated, such as office supply stores. Commercial credit cards also tend to offer higher subscription prizes than individual credit cards in anticipation of higher commercial spending. Many will also offer 0% interest as an introductory rate for a short period of time.

The benefits of travel are another common benefit because many companies have significant travel costs. Commercial credit cards can authorize holders to use airline VIP lounges at the airport or get discounts for hotel stays during business trips. Business credit cards sometimes also offer more flexible payment terms that are specifically designed to attract companies whose cash flows are uncertain.

Best Online Business Card Printing Services

Options and Pricing


There are several factors that affect the price of your business card order. Of course, the number you order plays an important role, but the most important is your choice of paper or card. For this, you can get a wired card with simple printing on low and thin cardboard. Although these cards can be scrolled in a number of circumstances, if your photo is important, you might want to pay more to get better paper.

Best Online Business Card Printing Services


As you progress using cardboard, expect to pay more. Two measurements determine the thickness and thickness of the paper. You can see the indicator in lb or pt units. The first of course represents the pound, but the method of calculation is rather difficult. This number varies in what is called the text and what is called the cover. The latter is what matters to us about business cards, and that is the size of a pound that weighs 500 pounds, 20 inches x 26 inches. Dots or dots are easier, only 0.001 inches thick.

However, the quality of the card is more than just the weight and thickness. You also pay the body. Linen, luster, glossy and soft touches are common choices. Some services also offer recycled natural paper, which has a special character.

Another option is duplex color printing. Of course, you will pay more if you add it. MOO provides attractive options for card printing. The company can switch between five different designs or drawings behind for one order. MOO is also more expensive than other services.

We test every service with entry level requests and premium cards. In general, the old man sees that you get what you pay for right. All our trial orders are very good, although there are certainly differences between services in terms of paper, printing, color display, etc.

All services listed here provide design templates for various types of cards and their use. If you have a garage, you might want a different card style from the restorer or lawyer. The best service is arranged here according to industry and style. The latter option often includes options such as classic, modern and bold.

Best Online Business Card Printing Services


Usually, you start to design your card with a template and adjust what it contains based on the information you need to transfer. You might not need to show an address, or you might need to enter a social account. Most services allow you to add or delete desired text boxes. I really appreciate it when the web interface includes instructions to help align text or image boxes, as did the EliteFlyers designer.

All designers allow you to upload your own images for printing, and some designers allow you to upload the full card design as an image file, usually as a PDF file. Many companies will need a logo on their cards, and the service can allow you to design one or choose one of the technical drawings available or provide a professional designer for this. As we found when testing photo printing services, color rendering varies among service providers, but Vistaprint and MOO are very good at this. We love it when the service offers creating QR codes to bring your contacts directly to your email or website. MOO offers expensive NFC options that basically do the same thing.

In the internet age, you can make online business contacts via LinkedIn or Twitter, or just old emails, which is great. But when you meet a prospect, customer, or colleague in person, you want to be able to give them a business card. This card will be your concrete and lasting representation after the meeting, so you should think carefully about the look and feel. You can make your own attractive business cards, thanks to an online business card printer that helps you design your card and choose a quality card.

Best Online Business Card Printing Services


All the services we tested provide acceptable print quality. If you only need something to convey your contact information, permission for most of these services will do the trick. The exception is the low-priced GotPrint card, which looks thin with print quality that is not high enough. But even GotPrint offers higher priced options that look good. Turning to high-quality paper, double-sided printing, shapes and special shapes can really make you (and your cards) stand out.

All services in this summary can get at least a decent card, if you are willing to pay more, everyone can offer something impressive. However, everyone has their strengths and weaknesses, so be sure to click on full reviews for details so you can get a business card that fits your image and budget.

Also note that there are many online business card printing services, and we will add information as time goes on. Feel free to comment in the comments section below to promote your favorite business card website or detail the bad experiences you have encountered with the company.

Best Online Business Card Printing Services