Last time, I spoke glowingly of my doctor’s inspired use of wall mount business card holders to promote good patient relations. His impressive mosaic of business cards may have increased his business profile, but more basic and utilitarian usage is just as effective. In fact, by using wall mount business card holders with the proper placement, orientation, and location, professionals looking to promote themselves can maximize their cards’ effectiveness.

The basic business card is, for our intents and purposes, a two-dimensional object. Without support, it lies flat. The business card holder not only supports the business card, it also improves its appearance. Instead of shrinking away, a business card in a holder presents itself to the eye in an attractive package: a protective, glossy sheen that streamlines the card’s appearance and draws the eye more than does a dull, matte finish. People, after all, love shiny things, and they’ll be more likely to pick up and keep a business card that they notice. At the heart of everything, we’re still animals with subconscious instincts. A nice-looking business card holder simply taps into those instincts.

Location and placement are absolutely key elements to a successful business card holder implementation. If your business cards are displayed in the wrong venue, no amount of artful placement will get you any significant levels of callback. Likewise, if you fumble business card holder placement in the perfect venue, you’ll have squandered your chances at a ton of business. Say you’re an immigration lawyer looking to get the word out, and you’re trying to decide where to display your business cards. Displaying your cards at an immigration office will likely yield optimum results, but you also have to consider market saturation. There were likely dozens of immigration lawyers with the same idea, so you could be competing against them all for ad space. You could try displaying the cards where your target demographic is likely to frequent: among manual laborers, for example.

You must also be mindful of business card holder placement. The basic business card holder rests on a table, desk, or other flat surface. These tabletop holders mostly count on people looking down. And I suppose that’s a pretty fair assumption; most people are accustomed to finding business cards on tables, so it’s not out of the realm of possibility. But if you also use wall mount business card holders, you effectively cover all angles. The customer looks down, sees a card. If he glances up, the wall mount holder greets him. Cards everywhere. He’s almost compelled to take one.

It’s worth a shot, at least.

As common and numerous as business cards are, it is amazing how many of them are not as effective as they could be. Most people only put their name and basic contact information on them, but there is so much more you can do. By using a sign display with a business card holder, you can advertise your business, and offer business cards for potential clients and customers to take away. Let me point out a few more things that you can do to make your promotional materials stand out above the rest.

1. Maximize your space

You do not completely ignore half of your place of business do you? You use every inch of space available. Why not do the same on your business cards? The back of your business card is like a prime piece of real estate, waiting to be used. You can use the back of your card to include extra contact information or a fun tag line.

Once you’ve maximized the real estate on your business card, you can place your business cards in a card holder attached to a sign holder and give your business even more exposure. Use the sign space to give more info about your business or services. Maybe there is a special offer or discount you’d like to promote, a special event or anniversary you’d like to advertise. Perhaps you have a compelling story about one of your staff that can help brand your company in the minds of consumers. Use the space however you like to entice your customers to learn more about your company, and get in touch.

2. Don’t forget your info

It is amazing how many people neglect to put basic information on their business cards and signs. Don’t make this common mistake when you get yours printed. You want to give your customers as many ways to get in touch with you as possible.

Obviously you are going to include your name and phone number. You also want to include your business name, if you have one. If you have a fax number, put that on there. Include your mailing address, too, because some people still use snail mail, and if you have an email address and a website address, include those, too. Often times, the first thing people do when they get a business card is go online to learn more about your business. This is why having a website is so important. If you have more than one website related to your business, you can include all of them on your sign, but it’s a good idea to list only your main website on your business card or else you might overwhelm your customers.

3. Use your cards and sign to brand your company

No matter how much you spend on advertising, sometimes your business card is the only way that some people will remember you. Capitalize on your opportunity to shine. Put your logo on your cards to brand your company image in the minds of your consumers, and, whatever your tag line is, include it. When someone finds your card a month down the road, you want to remind them who you are and why they should do business with you, not just how to get in contact with you. When it comes to your sign, you should also make use of your logo and tag line(s). Use all the resources at your disposal to brand your company. Make customers remember you.

4. Get your cards out

So many people print out thousands of business cards, use a hundred or so and box the rest up, never to been seen again. Don’t be one of those people who let your cards go to waste. Hand them out to everyone you meet. When you can’t hand them out in person, using a sign display with a business card holder to deliver your cards in a clever, unexpected way. Your sign will attract attention, and the attached card holder will help put your cards in the hands of potential clients and customers, even if you are not there to meet and greet them.

When you stop thinking of business cards as small pieces of cardstock, and start thinking of them as miniature, portable advertisements, you may see a difference in your bottom line. Use a sign holder with attached business card holder and that difference may be even greater.

Desktop or counter top business card holders are ideal for office or retail environments. They allow you to display business cards for customers or clients to take freely. Similarly, they contribute to the appearance of your place of business by organizing work surfaces and clearing up desktops. Overall, personal business card holders serve as an important business tool, giving your clients access to a tidy stash of business cards while you are away from the office.

Your business card sends a message to prospective customers and clients – but the first impression is made long before your business card reaches their hands, as soon as they see how the cases or holders you use to hold your cards. A classy way to store and deliver your business cards helps the client form a positive impression. How you carry your cards, the quality of your cards, and the way you present them should be as important to you as your initial introduction to anyone you meet.

Carry your cards in an organized, attractive way

If you work in sales, you probably hand out your card right after your first handshake with a prospective customer. When you have a stylish and professional-looking business card case with you, you’ll have easy access to your card in reach while keeping it protected from scuffs, wrinkles, or tears. Likewise, be sure to keep your cardholder stocked and clean. You don’t want to pull out your card carrier only to realize you just gave your last card away. Always double-check your stock before leaving for a meeting or business trip.

High quality cards

A high quality, interesting business card will leave a good impression. Subtle texture, captivating graphics, and enticing design all enhance the effectiveness of your card. Be sure the card design is tasteful yet memorable, and brand your card with the company logo and color scheme. Still, don’t get too fancy – intricate fonts and glaring colors can take away from your message, or worse, render your card illegible. Be sure your card is easy-to-read, easy on the eyes, and most of all, that your name and contact information are prominently featured.

Desktop business card holders

If making a good impression outside the office is important, why stop there? Display your business cards prominently in your office using desktop or countertop business card holders so visiting clients can take them. You can also use countertop business card holders at trade shows and conventions. Holders that display multiple business cards are also available to suit your needs, but the goal is always the same: contact information that is easily accessible to clients, customers, and colleagues.