For the longest time I was on the fence about whether I should have business cards made for Pastels & Pastries. While out at an event a few weeks ago I was asked for my card and I completely froze; I felt so unversed and basically just un-prepared. After that night, and with the Spark Sessions conference on the way, I decided I needed them.
It's a little intimidating to think that your blog needs business cards, but in all honestly they are such an invaluable tool to enhance connections and really get yourself noticed.
So why do we need business cards, my fellow blogger babes?? Well I'll tell ya. And If you're thinking that I am totally late on this train, you are probably right.
Get yourself noticed. During large-scale events, potential contacts and brands may just not remember you after all the faces they meet. It's great to give them something to take away that includes your information since they are most likely to resort sorting through the physical cards then trying to rack their brain finding you online.
Networking. Exchange them with other bloggers. Sometimes you just can't remember all the Instagrammers you come across in one night. It's great to have something to fall back on.
Empower yourself. Is it just me, or do you feel fancier with business cards? No really, I love how they have elevated my self-worth and made me feel more professional. Business cards mean business and they certainly give off a sense of seriousness, maturity and all around commitment.
So now that you have agreed you need business cards, where do you start?
On my commute to work on day, I heard a promo code on a commercial for Vistaprint and and literally dove into the design process right away. It was ridiculously simple and in no time at all my cards were designed. I did check out a few other sites but really wanted to maintain the minimalistic aesthetic of P&P, and not use someone else's template. And no-- not a sponsored post, I just had a great experience with the whole process!
I chose to include my name, blog site (don't include http://www.; it's a waste of space and is obvious), email address, and Twitter/Instagram handle, and most importantly my blog logo. Consistency and flow of style is key so I kept within the same style guide and colour scheme as on my page. Sure you could include your phone number, address and photo, but for my first indulgence in the card world I kept it simple.
Verdict? I love my cards. They make me feel as though my game has been elevated ten fold. And for around $30.00 I designed my cards, had them printed and delivered in three days. I think working with a designer is something to definitely consider next time around to enhance certain elements of the card, but for now you'll find me happily handing out these cards.
Please tell me I'm not the only one who was intimidated by business cards? Do you have them? Do you love them?!
