Guerrilla Marketing Example
Using a Humorous Business Card Design to Build a Small Business Brand
Please Note: This conceptual piece was designed for a project 'pitch.' The name 'Bernie the Barber,' the logo image, and the contact information are merely placeholders. But the exercise illustrates how we approach all design projects.
Our assignment was to design a business card concept that makes people smile while still delivering critical contact details at a glance. The solution is not just a card. It's an attention-grabbing conversation starter that mirrors the interesting and enjoyable personality of the person behind the brand.
Sep 16, 2025 • 4 min read
Most people think of branding as just a logo or a website. In reality, branding occurs with every customer interaction. It doesn't matter if it's online, offline, the store decor, how you interact on the telephone, or the design of your marketing materials--even as small as a business card pinned on the community bulletin board at the supermarket.
So for our Bernie the Barber business card design project, we didn't treat it like a throwaway print job. We approached it as we would any small business marketing assignment: start with the user's perspective, and create a message that sticks.
The Challenge: Standing Out in a Crowded Small Business Market
A competitive field:
Bernie runs a neighborhood barbershop in a city full of options. Plenty of places offer decent cuts at fair prices.
The customer mindset:
On a Saturday afternoon, getting a haircut isn't at the top of most people's to-do list. It's easy to procrastinate.
The differentiator:
What makes Bernie the barber unique and keeps customers loyal? It isn't just the haircut itself. And he isn't the least expensive. It's the enjoyable experience. And for a small service business, the way you make people feel is often your strongest competitive advantage.
The Concept: Using Humor as a Marketing Tool
For Bernie, humor was the perfect way to show his personality. His "Hey, great to see you!" smile is instantly welcoming. We built on that energy with a cartoon-style illustration--a playful business card design idea that communicates both the problem and the solution at a glance.
The headline and pencil-sketched illustration are unexpected enough to be memorable. And they nudge readers to think, "Actually… maybe I am overdue for a haircut."
And because small business marketing has to combine creativity with clarity, we paired the humor with a direct call-to-action: "Call Now or Book Online." It's urgent, convenient, and gives customers an easy next step.
The Design Approach: Balancing Professional and Playful
Front: Clean and professional. Uncluttered contact details build trust. Back: Illustration and humor spark conversation and emotional connection.This two-sided design works as both a branding piece and a guerrilla marketing example--something that's memorable enough to be shared, pinned up, or talked about.
The Lesson for Small Businesses
This project is a reminder: whether it's a website, logo, or business card marketing piece, design is never just decoration. It's about creating an experience that motivates action.
For Bernie, humor turned a simple card into a conversation starter. If these cards get pinned to an office wall (or on a local bulletin board), they'll stand out far more than any generic, traditional card.
For your business, the principle is the same: don't just sell the commodity. Make the experience memorable. Create something worth sharing. That's what great small business branding is really about.
Summary
At Joe Web site design in Asheville, we always start with the same question: What will make the end user smile, click, call, or book? Because in today's competitive landscape, providing the service isn't enough. It's the emotional connection--the humor, the spark, the story--that sets you apart.
If your branding feels generic or your website isn't moving people to action, let's rethink your approach together. Just like we did with Bernie's card, we can help you create something unforgettable. Call us today: 828-551-9761
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