Tips to Remember When Designing & Printing Your Business Cards

* If you're serious about your business be serious about your business cards. Don't focus on the money, focus on the quality. Business cards not only provide contact details, they represent you and your organization. People you give your card to will form a first impression within seconds of receiving your business card (oftentimes before even reading it), and you want that impression to be a good one. Make it appeal to the senses.

1. Have someone in house create a catchy logo and/or design and layout for your card. If you don't have anyone to do that, hire someone.
2. Get high-quality, thick card stock that feels nice to the touch.
3. Apply foil or glossy finishes it applicable to catch their eye.

Make your card stand out. If you spend enough time and quality on your card people will believe you put that same amount of effort into your business.

* Make the most out of your cards. Don't be afraid to use them as a marketing tool. Give them to everyone you meet. In fact, give everyone you meet two or three, so that they can give them out if the opportunity arises.

* Give your business card additional value. If you wish, you can usually create a useable backing for your business card—a calendar, appointment card, coupon, referral discount —give it value and decrease the chance that it will disappear into the trash bin.

* Be creative...but not too creative. It is important to design a visually-pleasing layout for your business card. But there are times when you can take creativity too far. Nobody likes to receive business cards of odd shapes and sizes that wont fit into their Rolodex or other business card holder. Make the text big and dark/light enough to read. Don't use 'wacky' colors or fonts.

▶ Reply to This

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Dr. Stephen Jones on January 13, 2009 at 1:26pm

Thanks for the wonderful points about having an effective busness card. The business card is a great way to expand relationships and networks. I have used them to increase my education business which teaches students how to study..

▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Janine Libbey on January 13, 2009 at 1:36pm: The back of Mark Goldrich's card must look great! I think the most important thing you can do to have a professional, memorable business card is hiring a professional to design your logo.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Jubilee Jones on January 13, 2009 at 1:45pm: Or Allure Design Graphics.com! They are way better than Vista print.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Andrea Herran on January 13, 2009 at 1:46pm: All the tips in the article and by the posters are great. One thing I would like to add is if you use a glossy business card be sure one side is matte so people can write on it. My card is glossy on both sides and I have had people say that it was a shame they couldn't make a note on it - this is especially true at networking events. I don't think it has hurt me but when I reprint them, I will make this change.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Liz Walker on January 13, 2009 at 1:47pm: I agree completely. VistaPrint is a very good option. Go for the highest quality card stock there though.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Sandy Morgan on January 13, 2009 at 1:47pm: Less is more. Don't squeeze to much on your card. The purpose of a business card is to act as a reminder that you wish to hook up with the person to further discuss product/service offered; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Jubilee Jones on January 13, 2009 at 1:52pm: Great tips! These are the same tips I give to my customers :D Appearance means alot. People often judge a business' professionalism and value by their business cards. If you have something that is sloppy they will view your business as the same. One thing I want to add is that the use of creative fonts are definately ok if you have a business based on being creative in some way. All in all it should reflect what type of business you have.

Thanks,

Jubilee Jones
Allure Design Graphics
www.alluredesigngraphics.com; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Cynthia Williams on January 13, 2009 at 2:15pm: When I first started in business, I would give one business card away. But now, at least 2, one to keep--one to share. Word of mouth is so vital to my business.
I hired someone to create a business card for me and ended up ditching it--a family member of mine, came up with a great one, that I am still using.

Great Advice. Everything, you do represents your company.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Joanne Popp on January 13, 2009 at 2:19pm: I appreciate your input on the design of the business card but I disagree on your reference to the back of the card. I've found that if you want someone to remember you it's important to address the person personally. I make it a point to write something on the back of the card; sometimes just the words "call me" can get you a more time with a person. Making a friend gets word of mouth advertising, credibility and referrals.
Other times if my business can serve a need they mention in conversation, I write a little more. For instance "I don't have enough time with the kids", I write "Call me about working from home" or "I feel so tired lately", "Call me. I might have just the thing to improve your energy" or even unrelated to my business "I need a recipe for chicken pot pie", "Let me see what I have, call me."; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Deborah Koeppel on January 13, 2009 at 2:20pm: Here is another great tip. Since I started a website for women, I leave business cards behind in the ladies restrooms wherever I go. I go back and check after an hour or so in a restaurant for instance and most of them are taken by women who are interested and it helps drive them to the website.

Thank you for sharing this info with us!
Deb; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Angel Tazari on January 13, 2009 at 2:24pm: Yes, I do agree about the card being a representative of one's business. People are always complimentary towards me when they see my business card and they do contact me.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Sheree Chapman on January 13, 2009 at 2:34pm: I will help you with this new design if you would like. I specialize in printing and I am also a graphic artist. If you would like my assistance, I will be glad to help you.; ▶ Reply to This