My new business cards

[krrue]

Hey folks,

So I felt the need to get new business cards immediately for the Best of the Bay party, and so I knocked these out... feedback? What do you love, what do you hate, what would you change, keep the same? Why or why not?

 

[Due March 23 2010]

Love your new business card. But since you've asked for feedback, as an online friend and colleague, I'll mention two things that came to mind.

I really like the reverse side of your card. I love the text. Personally, I'm just not crazy about all bold text. It kinda reminds me of when someone sends an email in all caps. It feels like you're yelling at me or something like that.

Also, adding your phone # might be good. While you have your web address on your card, unless everyone you hand your card to has a web-enabled device with them, they have to go home/office in order to reach you. Having the phone # on the card enables prospective clients to instantly contact you. (Just a thought.) As the card stands, I would probably opt to include the # on the reverse side at the end of your text. Just keep the same friendly tone.

 

[Nas J]

W O W!

i love the front of the card!

the back is good too but i kind of got lost in the text. i'm not sure if it was b/c of all of the bold, or b/c it wasn't centered, or b/c there are so many words. maybe a combination of the three. when people look at cards, i think they are glancing. is it possible to use fewer words to give the same message?

i agree with the phone #, but assumed you didn't put it on b/c you have it posted in a public forum. either way, i'd definitely add it.

you card looks amazing!

 

[BleacHie]

Yep, front of the card is awesome! Very cool.

It looks to me like the reason you bolded the back was so the text would be more readable over the image. I'm fine with that. I do think it could be more readable if you made a list, or bullets, or somehow not a huge block of text, even though what you're saying is great.

 

[barbara mori]

Love the front but agree there should be a phone number. I love the message on the back though I find it a bit difficult to read. The green doesn't stand out a whole lot on the salmon/pinkish background for me. This might change if the font itself offered a bit more excitement for the eyes when reading the text.

Congrats on winning "Best of"!!!

 

[Hatikvah JPA]

Are you sure you want to put your photo on a business card?? I prefer not to lead with my face.

 

[GOiPHONE]

My new business cards

feedback? What do you love,
The overall design and that picture of you ~ much more mature look than your avatar!

what do you hate,
That chunk of text on the back. This is a business card, not a pamplet. A small quote, appt info and your phone number would be better, imo.

what would you change,
maybe the front background image - I would make it the bay to give a visual of the Best of The Bay.

keep the same? lol, everything else - definitely keep your picture!

 

[shimeringstars01]

Thanks for posting this! It was great to see a sample and get feedback. My business card has a picture but it isn't me! *laughing*

I LOVE your picture on there - it made me smile.

ITA about the text on the back. More white space is needed - could be a need to tighten somewhat or just reformat.

Angela

 

[sixxy]

Nice card Josh!
I think the pic of you on the front is great!
I love the first line on the back too, and think that's really all you need!
You could then share your phone # and even leave a little space to write in their appointment time, your cancellation policy or your location and hours of practice.
Either way, I love the fact you're advertising your "best of the bay" status!
Way to go! I hope you are able to parlay your "best of the bay" endorsement into other public relations/promotional ideas.
Hm, maybe it's time to come up with some great promotional gift ideas? LOL

 

[Platobeenz]

I like the front layout, including the photo, though I might reduce the size of font for "Voted Best of the Bay 2008". On the back you speak of Bodywork but on the front you mention massage and energy work. We may know they are the same, but this may be confusing for some. Keep consistent. On the back, instead of "it can" twice, how about being more confident, saying "It relieves stress....". Think about a less informal way of saying "letting go of the old stuff". There may be a better word than stuff. The back is rather full, but I assume states your beliefs. (I like to use the back to write appointment time...not too much room for this on your card). The underlying photo is rather hard to see. You may wish to eliminate it to provide a clearer view of your message. Nice work.

 

[LMF_Eddie]

I LOVE IT!! I too would keep the picture,gave me a sense of peace when i looked at it,of course that smile is amazing!
i agree there should be a phone number but other than that i like it!!

 

[lois b]

You know, I think it depends who your audience is. This is a newer-style card, and the younger and arty-er (?) crowds, who are used to getting some info but not all of it on a bus. card, are going to recognize this style and respond very well to it. An older crowd (yes I am showing my age!) may find the full-bleed, no-phone-# style a little less familiar. But it is clear from the card that you want people to go to the website before calling, so your message is clear and consistent. Maybe just small up the text on the back a little.

Mentioning Best of the Bay is fabulous -- instant credibility that a layperson recognizes. Speaks volumes that credential letters cannot.

I like the visual impact, and I love that the card photo matches your website -- great brand consistency. Plus I just adore that photo anyway -- it makes it look like you own the Bay area.

 

[Daniel]

possibly something else...

I just noticed one more thing, although it my not apply in California.

Here in North Carolina we are required to have our license number on any form of advertising, including business cards. This is part of the reason that I put it in my sig, juuust incase.

 

[asiank]

Thank you folks. That is some great feedback so far.

I don't list my phone number or email address on my website either... while current clients can schedule by phone, email, and text message, so far I've preferred to funnel all potential clients through that contact form.

Has this probably caused some potential clients not to inquire? No doubt. Has it stopped anyone who seriously wanted to try my services? I am not sure. Has it helped me keep my practice more organized and provide better service to those who do inquire? Absolutely! Thoughts?

peacenut, yes I absolutely want my photo on the card I think when it comes to services, especially one such as massage where someone new will be actually touching them, people want as good an idea as possible about who would be providing the service. Also, see this thread: http://massageplanet.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=9506

NC_kneader, there are no requirements that I'm aware of for license # on collateral... it may not be a bad idea though, as another way to create distinction. On the other hand technically our numbers in SF are permit #s, not license #s... although most people mistakenly/confusingly refer to them as licenses.

 

[CNICOLE]

Really nice card Joshua. I think it speaks volumes about you and what your practice is about. Clearly you know what you want and this card along with your web site keeps potential clients on track. Meaning only people who are sincerely interested in your services will follow through. I think it creates a bit of intrigue as well!! I understand what it's like to field phone calls from people with 20 questions, you answer them all and they still aren't sure if they want to book. All this while you are turning over your room for the next client!!

 

[Temmah B]

Are you sure you want to put your photo on a business card?? I prefer not to lead with my face.

Josh, I think your picture is great. When I checked out your website, your pic was something that really stood out to me.
You have a nice & very friendly look about you, that actually makes me want to meet you.

I like your info on the back, but i don't like how it ended with a question. Just a peeve of mine, but why give someone an opportunity to answer your question with a "No"? I don't have a specific suggestion for you to change it, I just don't like questions posed to the consumer in marketing materials.

 

[Wallachian]

Hey there Josh!! Great card, great photo on the front. While I like having my conatact phone # on the front of my card I understand why you have opted not to show it. For what it is worth I would take the time to look up your web site.
I agree with the others, smaller amount of text on the back would be nice. Have you ever thought about making up some brochures?
That would be a nice way to have what is on the back of your card included plus maybe some other interesting bodywork information.

 

[AnnaBanana[=]

Joshua,
My first thought was you forgot your phone number, but as I read on, I now understand your reasoning behind not including it.

I LOVE the picture and the layout on the front. If it were my card, I would shorten the text on the back to just the first sentence, and the last 2 sentences [read it like that, and see how nicely it flows!].