Business cards for truckers
Business cards are a very inexpensive, yet very practical way to keep the name of your transport company in the mind of your customer. While they aren’t as high-tech as some marketing software, they are ideal for a customer to have while providing their contact information in a small, easy-to-carry format.
However, not all business cards are created equal, and you need to give more than a cursory consideration to how you want your cards to look. Getting the right combination of information and design on the card to be attractive and readable while leaving a definitive impression of your business is truly a science.
First, before you even start thinking about what you want on the card, take some time and explore business cards. Find ideas for card designs you like and plan to incorporate them into your card. You may also find some problems that you want to avoid, which is just as important. Your business card sends a message, and you should take the time to make sure it’s the right one.
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One of the biggest mistakes many people make on a business card is using a font or type that is difficult to read. This includes fonts that look like cursive script or those that are ornate or unusual in the formation of letters and numbers. While these fonts are definitely eye-catching and different, they can cause problems for customers and decrease the likelihood that the customer will swipe their card or put it in their wallet. Also, avoid using several different fonts on the same card, as this can create a cluttered look on the card.
The color of the font also makes a difference. Black, blue, and dark colors are naturally easier to see on most backgrounds. If you are using a white or light color for the card, you can use lighter colors, just make sure it is easy to read. In general, avoid using “soft” colors or washed-out font colors, as these are harder to see against a light or very dark background. You want your contact information, company name, and company tagline to really stand out, not blend in with the overall design.
Graphics and Images
Most small trucking companies do not have a company logo or image, but you can always create a unique design to use on your card. This could be a graphic that includes your trucking company name, your initials, or a company logo. There are free programs or clip art packages that allow you to do a basic design and create a very professional looking graphic, even if you are new to computers.
Another option is to use a photograph as part of the business card design. A large image of your deck is great for advertising, but you need to decide where to place it on the card. You may also find that the small size of the card makes a full photo of the truck and trailer too small to see, actually detracting from the overall look.
You can use the back of the card as the photo of the truck and put all your contact information on the front. This is a great option, and with the online business card programs available to do it yourself, it’s a simple process. These companies may offer reduced platform images that are part of the photos, graphics and images that are available through their design options.
Make sure any graphics or images you use are not protected by copyright or license. In general, if you’re using images, graphics, or illustrations from the Internet, you’re protected unless noted as “free use.”
Information about your company
It’s easy to put too much information on a business card that makes it look cluttered and unprofessional. Instead, go for just the basics and essentials. The card must show:
Your name
Your phone number, email or preferred contact information
The company name and website address.
Business Address – If you have an established business location
Company slogan or a few words about your business.
Company slogans or brief company information can help customers and colleagues remember what you specialize in transportation or what services you offer. Good examples of company slogans or trade descriptions are:
Freight transportation in the US
Specialized in oilfield transportation services
Refrigerated and refrigerated transport
We transport anything anywhere
In the trucking business for 25 years.
Just keep the message short, to the point, and specific about what makes your trucking business better or different than the competition.
Costs and Options
As mentioned above, DIY websites allow you to design your own business cards, including uploading your own images or logos. This is a low cost option and if you use a reputable company you will find the quality of the cards to be excellent. Usually, you will need to purchase a minimum number of cards for a fixed price. Pricing will vary depending on the colors, design elements, and actual card stock and options you select.
The alternative option is to have the cards designed for you. Most printing companies, including some national and international office supply stores, provide this service. Surprisingly, it’s not that expensive, and it gets you help from someone who has years of business card design experience. You will have the option to approve the final design and you will not pay anything until you get what you want. Some printers or companies may charge a flat fee for the actual design, which can be requested in advance. If you choose not to go with their company, you won’t get a refund, but they can usually design a card that meets your requirements.
Keep your business cards with you at all times. Give a pair to each customer and client and ask them to use them if they are providing a referral to someone else. You may be surprised at how effective this option is as a low-cost, low-tech way to get your trucking company name out there.