Noel Qualter pointed out to me “Website Design Tips for Magicians,” a post on his blog. He doesn’t offer any technical info on the web coding or anything like that, but what he does have to say is at least as important as the technical side of things. We’re talking common sense like don’t use animated GIFs and don’t say you do adult parties. Check it out!

Website Design Tips for Magicians

My wife loves to watch “deals” websites that specialize in children’s and moms’ stuff. Zulily is one of those sites that she recently ordered some items from. Now, I know, I know. It’s not magic related, but I couldn’t get over the thank you card they sent along with her order and I think there’s something we can learn from it. Here, have a look at it:

First of all, here’s a short comment on the design: all of the design elements work well to portray a store that specializes in baby and motherly products. It’s simple yet elegant and is soft and calming. The thing I really liked about it, though, is the copy around the edge of the card which reads:

A simple card isn’t quite enough to thank you properly. You deserve something extra. Please consider yourself high-fived and confetti-showered. We also did a happy dance in your honor. With spins! Still, we want to give you more. That’s why we put a Very Fun Thing on the back of this card.

Of course on the back they put a fun, short activity that you may or may not take part in.

That short bit of copy around the edge adds a fun, light-hearted human element to what would normally have been a bland, yet well-designed thank you card. Personally, I think it takes it up a notch to being remarkable and all it cost them was a little time and creativity.

Consider how we can add that human touch to our own materials. Sometimes all it takes is interjecting a little conversational humor.

I’m about ready to re-design all of my magic business collateral items including my business cards. In previous posts, I’ve already covered the basics of design and used the redesign of my friend’s business card to illustrate five basic principles of good design. What I’d like to discuss right now is, what information do you put on your card? It may seem like a no-brainer, but here’s a small list to help you out.

Your Name
Yup, your parents gave it to you for a reason. Put it on your card! It adds a nice personal touch. Besides, people will want to know who to ask for when they call you.

The Name of Your Business or Organization
If you have a business name, for example Mystical, Magical Memories or something like that, you should include that as well.

Job Title
Tell what you do. People need to do know this. Try to be specific, like Children’s Entertainer or Restaurant Magician.

Mailing Address
People ask for your address all the time. Why not include it on your cards? You’ll be wishing you had after the fifth or sixth time you have to hand-write your address for someone when all you would have had to do is hand them your card if it was included.

Phone Number
The most common way people make contact is by phone. Be sure to include it. If you have a main line and a mobile number, be sure to specify which is which. Same thing with the fax. I don’t know how many times I’ve dialed a number and was greeted by the annoyingly cheerful sounds of the fax machine. It makes me feel like I’m on my way into the Matrix.

Email Address
Email has become more and more accepted as a form of business contact. These days, some people prefer it over phone calls. It makes sense to include this as a possible avenue of contact on your card.

Website Address
People will probably want to find out more about you before they call you, and your website is where they can. Be sure to include this on your card and have great content on your website to sell your services and answer any questions they might have.

Your Photo
People are hiring you. They want to know what you look like. Put your smiling mug on there! Include a professionally shot photo of yourself on your cards. This will help to build the familiarity that can make a big difference in their decision to hire you.

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In his course The Real Secrets of a Successful Close-Up Magician, my friend Lou Serrano gives a couple more great tips to make your business cards more effective.

Blank Space is Wasted Space
The front of your card should have all of the content mentioned above. The back of your card should be selling your services. Put some testimonials there, or some benefits of hiring you. Don’t clutter it up though; instead use a…

Tent Card
If you really want your card to sell your services, consider using a tent card. This card gives you literally twice the space to use! You could have the front and back as described above and the whole inside will be available for more “selling” content. You could think of a tent card working twice as hard as a normal card to sell your services.

Note: I know that I enjoy performing magic with my cards using the back to write on as the trick dictates. You don’t have to give that up if you have a tent card. Just print two versions! In addition to the tent card, have a regular, blank-backed card (using just the design of the front of the tent card). That way you can self print cards and write predictions all you want! After you finish your trick, hand out a tent card as well. Bah-da-bing!

For more information about Lou Serrano’s The Real Secrets of a Successful Close-Up Magician, go to his website, www.sixfiguremagic.com. You’ll be glad you did. I just do design; he’s the real marketing master. Also, read his blog at www.louserranomarketing.com and follow him on Twitter.