By now you all know the power of business cards as a marketing tool. But you will be surprised to find out that not many people get to utilize all the real estate a business card has to offer and maximize its potential.

Although the primary role of a business card is to provide contact information, it can become a promotional vehicle if the second side of it gets utilized. The second side remains usually blank; instead, it should be used to announce discounts, promotions, and a list of the company's products or services.



Most of the time a company name or logo does not say much about the product or the service. At the same time the business card will be the only piece a lot of your prospects will file in their rolodex, and you will have to make sure your message is as descriptive as possible so that your prospects associate your card with you and your service in the future.

Do not distract them from your personal information by overloading one of the card sides. Instead, use side one to include the contact information as well as one line text outlining who you are and what you do. You might also consider prompting the card holder to turn it over by including a small command such as: Please turn Over, See Over for Special Offers, Turn Over For Important Information , etc.

The more informative the card and the more valuable the information is to your prospects, the higher the chances are they will keep it. Try to be concise, straight to the point and use graphics and illustrations that can summarize your points. Above all, have the target audience in mind when deciding on the content of the second side of your card, and consider the information you are providing them.

Here are some ideas of content for the second side of your card:

Promotions : Announce upcoming sales or specials. Drop them around town, staple them on receipts and include them inside shopping bags. Be generous. Your customers will share them with friends and will spread the word of mouth for you.

Pocket size billboards : Your message can be easily passed to by passers or visitors in a trade show. The more creative and informative, the more the chances it will end up in your prospects pocket for reference instead of be thrown away.

Referral cards : Create special referral cards and leave space so that your customers could write their information before passing the cards on. It is ideal if you are running a multilevel marketing team, an affiliate program, or have an incentive rewards program for referrals.

Appointment cards: Doctors, hair salons, mechanics, all use appointment cards to assure that their clients will be back. Find innovative ways to hand everyone an appointment card if your company service/product permits.

Coupons: Issue your own coupons and see sales skyrocket. It is a great way of tracking response of your promotional efforts if customers return a coupon in return for a discount. Create unique coupons for each campaign and do not forget to include �coupon code� if your company has the ability to sell online or over the phone.