Are you struggling to distribute your business cards effectively? It’s really frustrating not knowing the best places to leave your business cards or where to hand them out for the greatest impact. Without a clear plan, they might end up in the wrong hands or simply be unused on your desk.
Fortunately, there are numerous creative and strategic approaches to ensure your business cards land in the right hands, sparking new connections and opportunities.
In this article, we’ll explore new strategies to help you make the most of it by finding the best places to leave visiting cards.
15 Creative place where you can hand out your business cards
While coffee shops are commonly chosen spots, there are numerous other locations to explore.
If your cards are gathering dust instead of attracting attention, it’s time for a change. Let’s explore some of the best places to distribute your visiting cards.
Past clients
Happy customers are your best advertisers! Reach out to past and current clients and ask if they would be willing to take a few business cards to share with friends, family, and colleagues who might be interested in your services.
Satisfied customers are often eager to help spread the word about a business they like. To encourage them, consider offering referral incentives to clients who consistently refer new customers to you.
Libraries and bookstores
You can reach potential customers who are interested in topics related to your business by targeting bookstores and libraries. These places often let you leave business cards on-site or near sections with relevant publications.
For example, If you provide tutoring services, leave cards in the education section or near homework help resources.
Banks and ATM’s
Banks have high traffic and waiting areas. Ask a manager if you can place a small stack of cards on lobby tables and check desks. People often stand at check desks to fill out forms, providing a great opportunity for them to notice your business. You can also leave a few cards by the ATM, where they remain visible even after hours.
Bulletin boards
Increasing your brand presence in high-traffic areas is essential. Public bulletin boards are excellent for making your business card more visible. These boards are often found in places like community centers, churches, gyms, coffee shops, grocery stores, and post offices.
When looking for spots to leave your business cards, place a few on every bulletin board that permits it. Always keep cards with you so you can place one whenever you find a new board.
Affiliates businesses
If you’re not already teaming up with other businesses, why wait? Fellow small business owners have similar goals and are invested in your success.
Find non-competing partners who serve your shared customer base, and exchange cards to give each other referrals
Gyms and yoga studios
Gyms, personal training centers, and yoga studios can be great places to spread the word about your business, find job opportunities, or connect with potential employees.
Since many people frequent these places before and after their workouts, they offer excellent visibility for your cards. Just remember to check with the manager or owner before leaving your cards behind.
Hotels and restaurants
Hotels are usually supportive of local businesses. Even if there’s a chance your cards might be thrown away, it’s worth the risk. During major conferences or events, consider leaving some cards near the bar or entrance.
Some hotels also display activity brochures, making it a prime spot for your business cards—just make sure to place them respectfully.
Networking events
Networking events are ideal for direct card distribution. At networking or promotional events like book launches, academic symposiums, or trade shows, opportunities to exchange business cards are common.
If you’re not handing out your cards and receiving others’ in return at these gatherings, it might be time to enhance your networking efforts.
Distribute your cards to individuals who might require your services, those who inquire about your business, or attendees who could connect you with potential clients.
Schools and colleges
Education facilities offer various opportunities to promote your business, depending on your target audience. If educators are your focus, utilize faculty rooms, offices, and notice boards to share your message.
For reaching the general public, explore options like food courts, lounges, libraries, dorm lobbies, vending areas, and study rooms on college campuses. These locations are bustling with activity and potential customers.
To access restricted areas, consider enlisting the help of someone with campus access, such as a friend or relative, to give out your visiting cards effectively.
Waiting rooms
Waiting rooms are dull places, but they’re great for catching people’s attention. So why not leave your visiting cards in spots like:
- Doctors’ and vets’ offices
- Hospitals
- Bookstore lounges
- Salons
- Retirement homes
- Auto repair shops
- Employment agencies
- Local government buildings
- Grocery stores
- Laundromats
Apartment offices
Apartment complexes have offices and common areas where residents go. Leave your cards near the leasing office, in mailrooms, or in community lounges.
Business centers
Business centers and shared office spaces are great for reaching professionals. Leave your cards in lobbies, reception areas, or shared kitchens. If you provide IT support, leave cards in common areas where professionals gather.
Other businesses
Consider leaving your business cards in related businesses rather than direct competitors. For instance, a home improvement contractor could leave cards in a real estate office. This expands your card’s reach and opens doors for partnerships.
Tourism community
Drop your business cards at community and tourism welcome centers to reach a wide audience. Include a QR code for discounts or more info to encourage visitors to check out your offerings while they’re in town.
Places that are specific to your industry
Different businesses require different approaches to marketing. Consider who your customers are and where you can find them.
For example, if you’re in the furniture or home improvement industry, real estate offices are a good bet for reaching potential clients. If your target audience includes families and children, places like daycares and entertainment venues might be more effective.
Understanding your customers helps you anticipate where to find more leads. Initially, view business card marketing as a numbers game, but as you gain new business, focus on the channels that yield the best results.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for striking new business cards or impressive printed promotional materials to distribute, we’ve got you covered! Print To Brand can assist you in creating beautifully designed printed marketing materials that can effectively engage your offline audience.
