Is It Illegal to Put Business Cards on Doors?

No. It is completely legal to stick your business cards between the small gaps on doors, but it might annoy some people. You might get cited for trespassing or littering, remember they already have your information on the business card. It is always a good idea to request permission first before you put your card on any door.

Business cards are known to provide a wide range of contact information all in one place, and it ensures that customers can choose their preferred method to research or contact your business. Howbeit, regardless of how much you promote your business, you can’t force people to care. People will have to choose whether they want to listen and learn more.

Leaving cards in some trendy bars and restaurants might work out for some, but it might also not work for some. Nevertheless, irrespective of where you choose to leave or distribute your business cards, always make sure that you have the right permission.

Business cards are the only way someone will immediately remember who you are and if they’re interested in the business or service you provide. However, also have it in mind that unwanted cards will get thrown away, and they might also invite an angry phone call or bad words and reviews on social media.

Best Places to Leave Your Business Cards

If you are looking to take your marketing efforts up a notch, here are some of the smart places to leave business cards.

1. The Library

This is, without doubt, one of the best places to leave your business cards; howbeit, just only a few people know this and leverage these places. Libraries tend to have community boards for bulletins or a place where neighboring businesses paste or announce their upcoming events or even promote their products and services.

Aside from that, libraries tend to serve as homes for aspirational business owners, educated people, and professionals seeking assistance and information. They might encounter your business card while passing and see the need to leverage the services or products you offer.

2. Malls and Food Courts

Malls and food courts attract almost all kinds of crowds, which can help you find secondary markets for your business. Also note that malls are always fitted with areas where people sit, stroll, and hang out. People who are waiting or looking to pass time can pick up and read your card.

Owing to that, it is imperative you take your time to look for spots where people frequently rest or gather. Have it in mind that seating areas, food court tables, and condiment counters are viable locations to leave business cards. A good number of malls also have indoor children’s play areas where lots of parents are sitting nearby. If you can find willing vendors, try leaving cards on store or kiosk counters for anyone passing by.

3. Schools and Colleges

Although this will most often depend on your customer base; however, note that education facilities provide multiple places to market your business. If educators are in your target market, then consider using faculty rooms, offices, and boards to spread the good news about your services or products.

If you feel your business will do well by targeting the general public, then consider leaving your cards at food courts, lounges, libraries, dorm lobbies, vending areas, and study rooms on college campuses.

While you will definitely find people everywhere you turn, have in mind that it takes creativity to reach the right audience. Also, request a friend or relative with campus access to leave your business cards in areas where visitors are restricted.

4. Past Clients

This is another top option to consider as past clients who are impressed with your business are the perfect ambassadors to give out cards. While it is nearly impossible to control word-of-mouth marketing, note that you can increase its effectiveness. Ensure to keep track of which clients repeatedly send referrals your way. Also, make sure to offer these loyal customers extra business cards to pass along to friends and family.

5. Relevant Books and Magazines

Books and magazines are other smart tools to consider when seeking ways to connect with a highly focused audience. Consider what matters to your customers and the publications they might read. Also, carry out some in-depth research to find popular titles related to your industry.

Reach out to your local libraries and bookstores, and slip your business card into books and magazines that are relevant to your audience. Note that with such an approach, you have a very good chance of reaching people who can benefit from your products.

6. Municipal Buildings

Truth be told, government buildings are viable places to promote yourself without cost. Most often, these locations are accessible and draw in local professionals and people who are active in the community. Ensure to only target locations your target customers are most likely going to visit, such as city hall, visitors’ centers, county clerks, tax offices, and courthouses.

7. Public Bulletin Boards

Also, invest in finding organizations in your area that allow entrepreneurs or individuals to post on public bulletin boards. While bulletin boards might seem too crowded to be worth your while, reports have it that people still dig through information to find something that interests them. Consider these common places where you can display a business card:

• Grocery stores
• Community centers
• Libraries
• College campuses
• Churches
• Chambers of Commerce
• Gyms and recreational centers
• Laundromats

8. Waiting Rooms

Have it in mind that people in waiting rooms are more or less a captive audience. Most often, these people cannot resist the temptation to pick up a magazine or brochure lying around to make time pass quickly. It is advisable to use this idle time to your advantage and put business cards on lobby tables and inside magazines. Places to consider include;

• Doctors’ and vets’ offices
• Hospitals
• Restaurants
• Airports and hotels
• Train and bus stations
• Hair and nail salons
• Bookstore lounges
• Retirement homes
• Auto repair shops
• Employment agencies

9. Banks and ATMs

Banks are known to have steady high traffic and attract people from almost all walks of life. Owing to that consider asking a manager if you can put a small stack of cards on lobby tables and check desks. Have it in mind that people regularly stand at check desks to fill out forms, and this creates a good opportunity to pick up a card lying around to see the business details. You can also leave a few by the ATM, where they’re still visible after hours.

10. Industry-Specific Places To Leave Business Cards

Have it in mind that not all the places mentioned above will work for everyone especially since the target audience tends to vary from one business to another. However, to ensure you get the most from your investment, adapt your strategy to your audience.

For instance, if you offer home improvement services, then you should leverage real estate offices to reach property owners in the market for your services. Daycares and entertainment-oriented businesses will do well to work with businesses that offer family and children’s products. Hair and nail salons or spas are suitable for connecting with a broad female audience.

Conclusion

Before you start distributing your business cards, sticking them between the small gaps in doors, or leaving them on tables, it is imperative you first consider where your potential partners, clients, employees, and employers usually spend their time more often.

Rather than scattering your business cards just anywhere, it is important you approach this from a logical angle. Truth be told, there are many places you can leave business cards, and some locations work better than others for different businesses.