Writers - What Should Your Business Card Say?

Business Cards are Perfect Marketing Tools for Writers

You do have a business card, right? One that states you are a writer? If you don't, you should. Business cards are one of the finest ways to promote yourself there is, and the cheapest too.

Why Writers Need Business Cards

• They are so very easy to hand out - almost everywhere
• Properly done, they quickly state not only who you are but what you do
• They provide an opportunity for additional communication
• Cards let people find you again
• A business card says you are a professional

Your cards should have, at a minimum:

• Your name
• Your job title
• Your phone number
• Your email address

By job title I mean a word or phrase that states you are a writer. If you have a specialty, that should be listed as well. For example, my card says:

Anne Wayman
Writer/Writing Coach/Ghostwriter/Speaker

Those are my four specialties. If you don't have a specialty, simply add Writer or Freelance Writer.

Make Contact Easy

Adding your phone and email address makes it super easy for a prospective client to contact you. Add your website and you've given a way for anyone to check your professional credits.

By the way, I no longer include my physical address on my business card. First of all, it takes up too much space; second, people can get it from my website.

Design for Clarity

It can be a challenge to get all the information on the card in a way that looks good and is readable. But it's worth fiddling until you get it right.

Pay particular attention to the typestyle, size and color. A serif style is easiest to read, and make it large enough so even aging eyes can see it clearly. Watch the color... I had a set of gorgeous cards but the white I'd chosen as the type color didn't stand out enough against the background.

For a little extra money you can use the back - you can even put a mini-resume there.

Another option is to put a mini-resume on the back of the card.

Speaking of Money

You don't have to spend a fortune. You can get 250 premium quality, color business cards almost FREE
from VistaPrint.

Of course, if you know a good designer, don't hesitate to use them; you'll pay more, but it can be worth it.

Spread 'em Around

Once you have your cards, don't leave them in the box! Keep some with you at all times.

Hand them out at every opportunity. Even if the person you're talking with has no need of writing, their needs may change or they may know someone who needs a writer. In fact, I often hand people two business cards and saying something like, "one for you and one to pass on." The more cards you pass out, the better your chances of getting work as a result.

Leave a card or two with your tip at restaurants. Enclose them when you pay your bills or send other correspondence. Post them on bulletin boards at your church or school or even the Laundromat.

Two things happen when you spread your card around. The first is obvious—you simply never know who needs some writing or knows someone who needs some writing. The second is subtle, and has to do with reinforcing your own confidence in yourself - always worth doing.

Write well and often!