Why Authors Should Use Rack Cards for Promotion
When you go to a store, restaurant, hotel, or even your doctor's office, you often see racks filled with bright, colorful cards for businesses. As an author, you can benefit from rack cards. You might not realize how helpful they can be for a writer who has to do self-promotion.
Bigger Than Business Cards
Business cards are usually the go-to printable marketing item for authors. From them, people learn your name, website, and social media information. However, these small cards often get tossed into handbags or briefcases and forgotten. They just don't stand out. Rack cards are larger, usually 4" x 9," and are harder to lose. People will find them in their bags quicker than they will a business card and then remember you.
Striking Designs
Rack cards are designed to catch the eye of people as they stand in line. The front of the card usually has a colorful, striking design. This is great for authors, because what is a better striking design than the cover of your book? It will catch eyes and get people to pick up the card to peruse while waiting.
More Information Than Business Cards
As mentioned earlier, business cards list your name, website, and social media. That really isn't enough for someone to decide if you are a worthy writer for their money. Rack cards, since they are larger than business cards, have more space for you to wow readers with your achievements. You can provide review quotes, book quotes, and even a brief synopsis of the book.
Easier to Design Than Brochures
Brochures are often used when a business wants to provide more information and are often found on racks alongside rack cards. The problem with brochures is that the design steps are more complicated. You have to make sure the information fits within certain-sized areas so that the brochure folds properly. If you do this yourself, you might become confused. If you have someone else design the brochure, you will have to pay for the work.
Rack cards are easy enough for you to design yourself. Just fill out a 9" x 4" design, contact a printing service like M13 Graphics, give them your design, and have your cards printed. Then take your rack cards to local bookstores and libraries to entice new readers. Go ahead and ask other businesses, such as hotels, to display your card on the rack with other cards provided by businesses. With luck, you'll soon see an increase in sales and contacts.