Using Your Business Book as a Business Card

Business cards have evolved to become so much more than a rectangular piece of cardstock with your contact information and company logo. The term now encompasses a wider range of media that help people remember who you are and what you offer. For business authors, some of the most effective “cards” are, in fact, their business books—and the most effective book marketing strategies make the authors’ books memorable and easy to find. 

A business card is basically a way for you to invite someone to get in touch with you, and when used effectively, your business book can exponentially increase your professional contacts.   

How your book acts as an effective business card

Think about what makes a great business card. It’s memorable and well-designed with an eye-catching logo, it provides information like a phone number and an email, and it clearly communicates the products or services that a business professional offers. 

Now, think of what makes a great business book: 

• An attention-grabbing book cover design that sticks in the audience’s memory 
• Helpful and informative content that provides value to the reader
• Clear communication and explanation of ideas that convey the author’s thought leadership 

In addition to these similarities, business cards and business books share one more common thread: they teach the recipient about you. As long as you use it correctly, your business book can act as a great business card that helps your audience learn about your services, reinforces your thought leadership, and elevates your personal brand. 

Tips for using your book as a business card

The best business books are representations of their authors’ expertise—and they’re instantly impactful. Think of the reaction a potential client will have when they hand you a business card and you hand them a hard copy of your book or a QR code to download a free chapter. They’ll certainly remember you, and giving them a freebie with a glimpse into your expertise automatically builds trust and credibility. 

Here are a few more ways you can use your book as a business card: 

• Create free resources associated with your book. Checklists, guides, and workbooks that align with your publication’s message are a great way to entice your contacts to not only get in touch but also to purchase a copy of your book. 
• Sell copies at industry events. Whether you’ve booked a speaking engagement, are holding a webinar, or plan to exhibit at an upcoming trade show, bring your book along. You can even sign copies for everyone who buys it to add a personal touch. 
• Hold a giveaway for your book buyers. Enter everyone who buys a copy of your business book into a drawing. The winner can receive a free in-person consultation or coaching session with you as the author and the subject matter expert. 

Keep in mind that in order to be memorable and impactful, your book has to be great. From the design to the content, it has to grab your audience’s attention and provide them with value. To ensure they put their best foot—and business card—forward, many business authors partner with professional book publishing services to create the best version of their book. 

Our book marketing services can turn your business book into a sales-earning business card

Writing a business book is the first step in becoming an authorpreneur. The next steps involve fine-tuning, polishing, and marketing the book so it’s an effective catalyst for your business and personal brands. And we can help! Our publishing and marketing experts have the talent and experience you need to stand out from the field as the subject matter expert your clients want to work with. 

Connect with a publishing professional today to get started on your authorship journey!