Business Card Design Thoughts?

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Austin Willoughby
Business Card.jpg flow_5a7fbb91d36917_38530777.jpg So this is the current business card I've been using for the past 3 years and just wanted to see yalls input on it. What ya like what ya don't like what you would change or update? Fully designed by me. Thanks!
 
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I would delete the service locations and upsize the phone number. Normally, people can tell what locations you service when the see the area code
I'll have to do that. I'll just put Robeson and surrounding counties think that would be better? Do you like the design or is it to much?
 

Andy

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Do you have a logo? What does the side of your van look like? Make your card a miniturized version of your van. That way if they see one it will trigure a memory of the other.
 
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Do you have a logo? What does the side of your van look like? Make your card a miniturized version of your van. That way if they see one it will trigure a memory of the other.
No and no I'm working on those things now. I haven't logoed my business yet and realize I need to. I see a lot of companies without logos however how big of a difference does a logo make? Is it something that would be ok to develop as business starts to pick up or should it be done first? I'm working on a trailer wrap now based off my card designs
 

BIG WOOD

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It's a business card. You have very little space to fill in, so keep it as simple as you can. I think it's a good time to find a good logo also.
 
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BIG WOOD

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To answer your Logo question. I feel that a logo helps separate you from your competition in the customer's eyes. Some of the business guru's that give us allot of education call this "branding". I feel it's a major part of building your business.
 

Andy

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Point to remember is keep it consistant. When you read a two column page how do you read it? Now look at your card how do you read it? What is a customer going to see first, second and third? What do you want your customer read first, second and third? Look at your card through the eyes of your customer. All parents think their kid is the cutest in the world until someone else sees them. Go to vista print they are connected with a company that has graphic designers that will compete for your business and design a logo for you. But you need to have an idea what you want so you can give them some direction to go.
 
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Point to remember is keep it consistant. When you read a two column page how do you read it? Now look at your card how do you read it? What is a customer going to see first, second and third? What do you want your customer read first, second and third? Look at your card through the eyes of your customer. All parents think their kid is the cutest in the world until someone else sees them. Go to vista print they are connected with a company that has graphic designers that will compete for your business and design a logo for you. But you need to have an idea what you want so you can give them some direction to go.
Thanks I sure will
 

PrimaDonna

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Consistent branding and logo is very important. I’d work with someone that can help you achieve that across all forums of communications (van wrap included).

Highly recommend @ryankettering for this. He’s got a great eye and knows this industry very well. His designs really pop and he’s a great value for what he produces.
 

PrimaDonna

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A few things that stand out... I call it like I see it And you asked for feedback. Male cleaners are the wrong people to ask for design feedback!!! Surprised no one told you to put a pic of your truck mount in there!

“Ask about our other services”. Don’t make people ask, they likely won’t. That’s what your card is for to let them know

I would change “stains” to spots for the pet stuff. A “stain” typically doesn’t come out and has stained something a new color.. Spots do... or “per contaminant removal”. You can remove the contamination,...but that’s not priming to remove the stain. And most people want the contamination gone.


Why should I “steam it”? And not just clean it? What is the benefit of this? Your don’t answer this for the consumer...and frankly you don’t need to. It’s sort of a pointless statement. I bet you can some up with something that “sticks” better, or nothing at all.

I find I’m not sure where to look or how to read this ad since it is more of columns than across. And the “vacuum” is a bit dated looking. The hose Along the side is a bit distracting. If you want to show the visual difference, then just use the vac/wand part.

Who is your demographic? What would appeal to them or create a more of an emotional response? If you primarily deal with female homeowners this card is not appealing to that demographic.

Hope that helps. I remember the days of designing our stuff. But I’ve found certain things are berrrr left to the experts and should be outsourced for the best outcome. It’s worth the investment.
 

ruff

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Please take this as an opinion not criticism or put down. Just another opinion to consider:
  • Too cluttered. Get a professional to do it, if you want to look professional.
  • Why Carpet Technician? Are you a technician or an owner? If you were a client who would you rather did the work, the owner or a tech?
  • "Don't just clean it. Steam it" is cute but meaningless. Put your unique selling proposition.
  • Phone. Web address. Email.
  • Is the name final?
 
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A few things that stand out... I call it like I see it And you asked for feedback. Male cleaners are the wrong people to ask for design feedback!!! Surprised no one told you to put a pic of your truck mount in there!

“Ask about our other services”. Don’t make people ask, they likely won’t. That’s what your card is for to let them know

I would change “stains” to spots for the pet stuff. A “stain” typically doesn’t come out and has stained something a new color.. Spots do... or “per contaminant removal”. You can remove the contamination,...but that’s not priming to remove the stain. And most people want the contamination gone.


Why should I “steam it”? And not just clean it? What is the benefit of this? Your don’t answer this for the consumer...and frankly you don’t need to. It’s sort of a pointless statement. I bet you can some up with something that “sticks” better, or nothing at all.

I find I’m not sure where to look or how to read this ad since it is more of columns than across. And the “vacuum” is a bit dated looking. The hose Along the side is a bit distracting. If you want to show the visual difference, then just use the vac/wand part.

Who is your demographic? What would appeal to them or create a more of an emotional response? If you primarily deal with female homeowners this card is not appealing to that demographic.

Hope that helps. I remember the days of designing our stuff. But I’ve found certain things are berrrr left to the experts and should be outsourced for the best outcome. It’s worth the investment.
Thanks for all the input I'll be sure to get it done professionally. Luckily my brother and his wife are great with these kind of things considering they are professional photographers and videographers so I've asked them to help me. The picture was actually a template from the company I used to make print my cards and Ik it looked weird but thought it was better than nothing haha.
 
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Please take this as an opinion not criticism or put down. Just another opinion to consider:
  • Too cluttered. Get a professional to do it, if you want to look professional.
  • Why Carpet Technician? Are you a technician or an owner? If you were a client who would you rather did the work, the owner or a tech?
  • "Don't just clean it. Steam it" is cute but meaningless. Put your unique selling proposition.
  • Phone. Web address. Email.
  • Is the name final?
Yea I see that now.
I thought technician sounded more professional than carpet cleaner. What do you guys use?
Yea I kinda thought the slogan was cheesy but have learned cheesy stuff sticks and plays in peoples minds I'll probably come up with something better soon. It's more of a catch phrase
I have my phone web address and email on there?
No I've been considering something less wordy?

Thanks man I don't take anything as an insult I'm asking for constructive criticism here lol
 

ruff

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Yea I see that now. Pay somebody that is a good graphic designer. It is not that expensive and your logo etc, will be used on all your material. It'd better make you proud and look professional. Worth every penny. And don't get hooked on an elaborate logo. Your company's name should be most of it.

I thought technician sounded more professional than carpet cleaner. What do you guys use?- Austin Willoughby, Owner

Yea I kinda thought the slogan was cheesy but have learned cheesy stuff sticks and plays in peoples minds I'll probably come up with
something better soon. It's more of a catch phrase. Catch phrases are nice. Make it also describe what's special about your company or what you do.

I have my phone web address and email on there? You have your facebook page. Which may be what you want. No website address. Also your email should, if possible, have your company name. Austin@WeBePerfect.com

No I've been considering something less wordy?- Good. Enjoy the process. Just keep playing with names and words, run them by people who's opinion you respect for feedback. It's hard yet fun. A good name that sticks is an asset.

Thanks man I don't take anything as an insult I'm asking for constructive criticism here lol.
 

Hack Attack

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Im no marketing guru but in another corporate life I spent time with some. They would put a new brand to market and it would live or die in 3 weeks tops the quality of product was irrelevant. Thats not an option most here have.
So get some pro advice on a logo but have a clear brief of what you want and dont want, but also be prepared to drop some of your wants if they can give CLEAR reasons why. Pick 2 or 3 colours max, it doesnt have to be clever or cutting edge it needs to be bold, punchy and recognisable at 100 km/hr on the open road so your customers recognise you when they're not even looking. I chose my colours by walking into the cleaning aisle at the supermarket, predominant colours are blue, green,orange those companys spent mega $$$$ to find that formula. Not my favs but I'm not arguing. Drop the silhouettes of the pets, at 1st glance if that was sitting on my table I'd think a kennel or cattery.
That said if you have an idea which doesnt fit the mold that doesnt mean it cant work. I'm not american but the stanley steemer logo to me looks like a country and western bar and the colour looks like a school bus, but even when visiting the states I recognise them so it works.
Just some random thoughts have fun :biggrin:
 

hydracat

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I would show a steam cleaning wand and not a vacuum cleaner. I've used brown in the past but i think i see more blue and white in our industry.
 

Rug_Girl

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Like most have said already, get a logo. Logo's help the customer identify your brand.

Keep your business card simple. I would avoid pictures of any kind. Stick with maybe two or three colors. Color is actually important too. Each color triggers an emotional response in a person. (I went to art school for a bit and studied this)

A business card is for contact info. If you want to put more of what you do and services provide, invest in a brochure or post card.

I didn't see a website on there. Do you have one? That helps people go and see what services you provide. Not everyone has Facebook.

Just some thoughts. :)
 
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Connor

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Make your phone number large, easy to find and read. Old eyes and people who need glasses will appreciate that.
 
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Old Coastie

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Don’t feel bad, Austin. I spent what felt like years designing a charming logo, but only drew a warm torrent of hilarious abuse...

I hope they crapped themselves.
Not bitter or anything, but “crapped themselves” sounds like fair play.
 
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Cleanworks

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Don’t feel bad, Austin. I spent what felt like years designing a charming logo, but only drew a warm torrent of hilarious abuse...

I hope they crapped themselves.
Not bitter or anything, but “crapped themselves” sounds like fair play.
Small town Saskatchewan, there is a company called Crap Shooters. No, they're not gamblers, they come and clean the horse manure from your corrals and stables. Could use them on MB sometimes but then again, we've got Fred.
 
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