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.

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Permalink Reply by Justina on January 14, 2009 at 1:18pm: Practical, honest and right to the point is your write-up on the importance of creating your business card. There is no doubt that the use of your business card plays an important part to the equation in your results. I have seen many business cards in my lifetime as I am certain you and everyone else has. . . some left me saying to myself 'you have to be kidding' and others 'wow this guys has his act'.

Good job in your advise as to the 'touch' of the card. It does give you an immediate reaction.
Your recommendation of giving your business card additional value by making useable backing is really a very good one. It's surprisingly is how many more people retain your card in doing so. Several years ago I found myself doing exactly that . . . . keeping a business card in my card holder. One had a calendar on the back the other had a tipping chart. The tipping chart one I have found to use the most and have personally use this concept for my cards. There is no doubt that in doing so you give your card value and it decreases the chance that it will disappear into the trash.

Good job on the importance of the 'touch'. It certainly does form an immediate reaction.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Pam Jones on January 14, 2009 at 1:55pm: My business card represents my business so I have a professionally designed logo and a color scheme that is pleasing and represents me well.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Steve on January 14, 2009 at 2:43pm: Thanks for creating some thoughts here...; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Coach Cris on January 14, 2009 at 4:28pm: Hey Great post

By the way what do you think about Dollar Card Marketing?

This is a sample of what I've been using http://starturl.com/dollarcardmarketing

With great results!

Cheers
http://twitter.com/icashway; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Marlo T. on January 14, 2009 at 6:19pm: Great tips! Thanks for sharing!

However, how can the in-house person be assured they're not using a logo that isn't already copyrighted? I've read that sometimes that type of legal problem can occur. Do you think that maybe it's best to hire a logo designer? Do you or anyone else have any thoughts on this?; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by We Empower U on January 14, 2009 at 7:01pm: CardCaddie,

If anyone should know about cards and quality, you are definitely the one to ask. I have seen your designs, Fabulous. I have to agree about the quality, and 'not to out there' in shape and colors! The first time I made cards it was a 'lets not talk about that experience.' I learned 'no wacked out colors or shapes!' Definitely invest in the glossy/foil ,and of good card stock. I have some of my 'starter' old cheap cards and cringe when I look at them, they look tacky, to say the least! One thing I can add watch your wording, make it short, sweet and to the main point(s). Cramming to much 'advertising' is distracting and confusing, and can make it hard to read!

Thanks for the reminding it is 'Quality over Quantity' when you want to build a lasting and successful business!

Love, Peace, and Prosperity to All

Tami; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Steve on January 14, 2009 at 7:02pm: Thanks for giving me an idea on having the back for a useable purpose..."the wheels are turning"

In 2009, it will be my time to wine and dine while the "dudes" on Wall St whine....; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by We Empower U on January 14, 2009 at 7:10pm: CardCaddie,

If anyone should know about cards and quality, you are definitely the one to ask. I have seen your designs, Fabulous. I have to agree about the quality, and 'not to out there' in shape and colors! The first time I made cards it was a 'lets not talk about that experience.' I learned 'no wacked out colors or shapes!' Definitely invest in the glossy/foil , and good card stock. I also thank you for planting or reminding just how useful the back of the card can be, if one chooses to make it that way. I have some of my 'starter,' old cheap cards, and cringe when I look at them, they look tacky, to say the least! I actually jotted down things ont he back before giving them away, Cringe! One thing I can add from experience to others, watch the wording you put on your card, make it short, sweet and to the main point(s). Cramming to much 'advertising' is distracting and confusing, and can make it hard to read!

Thanks for the reminding us it is 'Quality over Quantity' when you want to build a lasting and successful business!

Love, Peace, and Prosperity to All

Tami; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Rich Lady Business Partner on January 14, 2009 at 7:12pm: Hey Tina,

Let me know what you got. Contact me offline tershantrhodes@gmail.com; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Kylee Hastie on January 14, 2009 at 7:42pm

This is a Good advice which I have already done with my business cards, also if you have too much on the card, some people just throw it out. But if it is just down to the point , people will usually keep it. Also make good use of getting Business cards as magnets.

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Permalink Reply by Joan Hague on January 14, 2009 at 8:56pm: I too use vistaprint business cards. They are high quality,professional looking,and best of all-they are Free.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by 80 Five Entertainment on January 15, 2009 at 12:39am: When i first got an idea about my entertainment business, i was not so certain about it but was excited so i got business cards...whoa those cards we so qualitable and professional that they got mw some good like ups. The card presentation scores an huge amount of points on behalf of ur business/firm; ▶ Reply to This