Blogger Business Cards- What you Need to Know and What to Put On Yours
I recently published an article titled, “5 Reasons Bloggers Should Carry Business Cards,” this sparked some interesting comments and questions for me on social media. and I felt like I should follow-up and go into details about what you should have on them and why, now that you know why you should have them.
What to know:
Be sure you put your blog name and URL!
This may sound silly but I have seen cards that only have the blog logo, unless you’re the Artist Formerly known as Prince you probably can’t gain new readers or clients if all you give them to find you online is a logo.
Don’t over share.
A business card isn’t a resume, it’s a preview. Cover the basics but as far as the extra stuff goes, less is more. You don’t want a cluttered card.
Mine has:
- Blog name
- My name
- My email
- Title: Blogger/ Marketing & Event Coordinator
- My business number
- Twitter handle
- URL
AND on the back
- My QR code
Don’t feel obligated to put a number
You don’t have to put a number on your blog business card if you don’t want to. I didn’t want to put my personal number on my business cards because you never know if someone will just leave it somewhere. While you want to be available to your audience that may be TOO available.
When I purchased my cards I was attending a blogger conference with other bloggers and different brands. I wanted to give brands and potential sponsors every possible way to contact me. I’m a huge Google user so I decided to get a Google Voice number for my blog. You can use your Google Account to set up a number and even connect it to your cell phone. You can do this whatever way you prefer. I don’t get my Google Voice messages on my phone unless I’m actively working on something. I spend most of my days with my computer open so in the event I do get a call I’m not likely to miss it.
I understand that the reason you are getting a separate number for the blog is so you won’t be bothered during certain times, so I would recommend if you don’t have notifications set up you pick 2 times a day to check your voice account for messages. I suggest during your lunch break (if you work a day job) and then an hour after you get off of work.
Put your photo or a logo
Only put a photo if it is the one you are sticking with for a while. Make sure it looks clear and professional… i.e. not a selfie.
Photos have this funny way of reminding people who you are (who knew?!?)
Your tagline
While you are doing great with your blog name and URL give them a little more. At the time my tagline was simple “Millennial Woman’s Lifestyle Blog,” now it’s something more specific (Which I suggest you strongly consider before you give it some major thought so it stands out).
My new tagline: Promoting balance for the millennial woman and dreamers everywhere.
Your QR code
Getting people to your site isn’t easy (no matter how awesome it is, and I’m sure it is). Make it easier by providing them with a QR code to scan that takes them right where you want them, your blog!
What’s a QR codes?
Have you seen these little black and white square images on marketing materials? That’s a QR code. These codes hold your URLs so people can scan them with the camera their smartphone and be connected to your website. (Oh sweet technology.)
Social Media Handles
One of the best growth tools for my blog has been social media. Give them another way to connect, follow and see what you are all about. You don’t need to put every single social media account on there… I doubt you will see massive traffic from Myspace, pick one or two of your favorite social media platforms. Pick one you check often and have good engagement on.
You don’t have to spend a fortune!
I don’t know about you but when I started my blog I was spending more than I was making from it (you have to invest in your dreams).
There are so many sources for business cards online. I used Vistaprint for mine. Moo also makes beautiful cards. If you have an access to good printer you can even print your own when first starting out.
Well, that’s it! The low down on blogger business cards! Now tell me:
Do you have business cards? Why haven’t you gotten them yet? Did you make or buy your own? Where did you get them if you have them?
Side note: I’m not currently affiliated with Vistaprint or Moo, I just think they both make great business cards 🙂
Angela Tolsma
Oh QR codes are super interesting. I haven’t seen many of them before, but it would be totally awesome to to utilize them.
Cori
I need to invest in some of these. I put it off because I knew I was going to rebrand. Now that that’s done, I can do this.
Kristen from The Road to Domestication
Oh yes, I have blogger business cards! I did make them myself and printed them via VistaPrint – they turned out beautifully (I LOVE VistaPrint!) I’m with you – I didn’t put my phone number on mine, either.
Hil
I don’t have a logo yes but really need to get moving on it (or rather my hubby does as he is supposed to be designing it!)
I would love it if you came to link up at our party:
http://www.raisingfairiesandknights.com/category/bloggers-spotlight/
It’s a link party and pin-up party, two parties in one! All posts will get pinned to our group pinterest board.
Becki S
Hmm good tips. I hadn’t thought about a QR code, thanks for the tips!
Dia
If I’m remembering correctly it didn’t even cost extra on the design I picked on vistaprint
Dia
Haha masterpieces take time. I sure you will have an aweome logo.
Dia
So glad to hear that! I just didn’t wanna risk it. I haven’t gotten any crazy calls yet but better safe than sorry.
Dia
Awesome! And super smart to wait till you refocused your brand.
Dia
They are super convenient and easy.
Victoria
Great ideas! I loved designing my cards 🙂
Dia
So glad you have them already! Such a great resource.
Amanda Butler
I’ve never considered making business cards for my blog before.. Thank you for sharing your tips!
Dia
I think its so important if you are considering making it a business or going to conferences. If you aren’t sure start with a small order or make them at home.
Sarah
Was just thinking about getting myself some business cards made! Thanks for the tips. 🙂
Angie Scheie
I put a QR on the back of mine too, and it’s so fun! I think I used Vista Print too, although it’s been about a year and I’m already wanting to change them!
Joy
I’ve been thinking about doing this and never thought about in detail what to put on it. Great post! Hadn’t thought of this at ALL!
Dia
I hope it helped! They are such a great resource.
Dia
Haha yes I want to update mine but I want to use more of them up. I’m in the process of rebranding and probably will once I finish since I’ll be offering new services.
Dia
You totally should Sarah! Start small and get 100 or so. Remember to carry them with you everywhere. I had one reader tell me she even keeps hers on her when she goes running (fitness blogger 🙂 )
Lee Anne
Such a good idea to get these! I’ve been meaning to make some for my blog and keep forgetting!
-Lee Anne
http://lifeinatx.com/
Daria
Yes, I do have business cards that I created through VistaPrint. I never knew about the QR code, that’s something to look into. Thanks for sharing!
Paola
That’s exactly what I would recommend doing on business cards. I have done mine just like that.
GiGi Eats
My sister is a graphic designer so she made my business cards! For free 😉 Oh the benefits of having a designing sister!
Secret Style File
I was just thinking about this today! Need to get some blogger business cards done, thanks for the useful tips x
Marlynn @ UrbanBlissLife
I’m a graphic designer as well so I have always designed my own cards 🙂 I’ve always had a separate business card for my blogs and I think every blogger needs them. I’m always bummed when I meet another blogger but they don’t have a card to give me, and then I can’t find them online later :(. These are great tips! I never do a QR code because I prefer to have a large photo on the back that represents my blog & shows brands my skills & style (it’s just more in line with my brand; everyone is different!) and I agree: MOO is fantastic for printed cards! Thanks for sharing your blogger business card tips!
Dia
Thanks for the thoughtful comment! I agree… it’s the best way to make sure you don’t copy it down wrong and you get to the right place.
It’s kind of like…well I hope they find me lol
Dia
I hope they helped. It’s super affordable!
Dia
Nice! Lol I am just hoping my sister wins the lottery tomorrow night haha
Dia
Awesome! Glad to know other bloggers are on the same page and taking advantage of one of the oldest business tools…business cards
Dia
It’s totally up to you on the QR code. I didn’t have a lot of graphics and it seemed like a nice touch
Dia
I hope you make them soon and you find these tips helpful
Frugal Mom of 8
Thank you for this! I’m just in the process of ordering cards now so this is perfect timing!
Vet Leow
I did mine at Vistaprint too! The QR code is something new to me!
Dia
So glad you are ordering them! I hope this helps.
Dia
It’s not necessary just something cool special to add. Go Vistaprint
KatyRose
I went back and forth about putting a QR code on mine. In the end I didn’t because I found that most people didn’t know how to use them really well. But I think for blogger-to-blogger interactions the QR codes are golden. – Katy
Tara
Perfect timing. I’m designing my business cards this week. Still trying to decide if I want a picture or a logo…
Shamira Anastasia West
I have always wanted to do a business card for my blog, but I still don’t know what my overall brand is yet! The QR codes are interesting.
Kate
Great tips! I have been thinking about getting these, thanks for sharing!
Carmen Gomez (Lilly)
I have been thinking about getting some business cards but I keep putting it off, one of the reasons being I don’t know what to put on it so I’m glad I came across this post. I will be looking into getting this done soon! Thanks for sharing!
Dia
Yeah it’s definitely not a necessity but it’s a cool tool to add if you have the space.
Dia
I would use your logo if you plan on keep it for a while or if you have a profession photo on your site use that. Do whatever you feel more comfortable with.
Dia
Then I would either suggest waiting or just do a small order. Nothings more frustrating then having paid for an outdated card.
Dia
I really hope you do. Such a great thing to raise awareness about your blog.
Dia
That’s so great to hear. I’m glad it helped!
Summer @ Coffee With Summer
I really need to design mine! I’ve been putting it off for months now. Putting it on my list for this week!
Kat
These are great tips for my business card! Thanks! 🙂
Amanda
I’ve never heard of Google Voice. That’s a great idea!
Dia
Hey Summer! Love your website btw. I downloaded my How to build a killer sponsorship program today (check it out guys!)
I’m sure your cards will be great.
Dia
So glad you enjoyed them 🙂
Dia
I think it’s a safer and free alternative.
Danielle
Great tips!! Thanks so much for sharing. I will have to make business cards soon!
Xoxo
Danielle
Sparklingsoutherner.com
Dia
I hope you do. There are so many awesome choices on both the site I mentioned.
Lana @ The Joy Blog
This was super helpful. Thanks for posting this. I always forget that I can have business cards for the things I do. I blog but rarely share it with other people. I need to get a business card and put myself out there!
Dia
Yes! Lana omg yes! Please put yourself out there and show the world what the Joy Blog is all about. You never know when you’re meeting a sponosor, future business partner or future best blogger friends 🙂
Bianca
How awesome to have a blogger business card! I actually think this is such a brilliant idea! Thanks for sharing this, going to definitely pin!
Dia
I hope this helped!
Jenn M
Great tips, I’ve always been curious about the QR codes!
Laura
The codes is a great idea!
Dia
If you have the space I recommend it.
Dia
I just feel like there are so many blogs out there you have to make it as easy as possible for people to find you.
Alicia
Thanks for the great tips! I would never even think to put a QR code on my blog business card but it makes SO much sense!!
Dia
Thanks for stopping by Alicia
Tamara
Gah, I am so nervous to do up blog business cards. Needed this!
Dia
I hope it helped. Don’t be nervous just go for it. If you want start with a small order and see how they go then make changes accordingly.
Emma Cox
Thank you so much for sharing this one really well defined all peaceful info,I Really like it,Love it.
Richard Ackey
Great advice on the business cards. I think it’s really important today to include your Social Media Handles. As technology continues to grow – it offers another avenue for someone to find you or your business. Often times, i think people would rather communicate through social media than email because they know they will get a quick response.
Dia
Thank you for commenting Richard. I removed the 2nd part of your comment as it was promotional.
Richard Ackey
Sorry about that. Yeah, you had some great points. I’ve bookmarked the page and your blog. Oh, by the way, the Google Voice. That is new to me….will look into that for sure.
Jenn
I’m a huge believer of needing a business card. When I first started blogging, I really didn’t see the importance of it until I was talking to someone about my blog and they asked if I had a card. After that, I went home and made them and carry them with me always. I love your tip about adding a QR code, mind blown! Of course, it makes perfect sense!!! Thanks so much for sharing this I will be updating my next batch with those on them.
Dia
It makes it so much easier for people to remember you and your blog name. Thanks for commenting Jenn!
Print Cloud
Wonderful blog Dia! Thanks for sharing valuable information. I am running a printing company named Print Cloud that provides wide range of printing services which includes business card printing service also. Your blog has given me idea to include QR code in business card. I just love this idea. I will surely implement this idea in my business. Thanks a lot!