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 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 Ghada Hamdan on January 13, 2009 at 4:25pm: Are they free, like VistaPrint where you only pay S/H?; ▶ Reply to This

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 Gary Gawler on January 13, 2009 at 12:33pm: Great advice! Since I work directly with consumers I find it advantageous to include my picture on my business card. Not only does it connect a face to a name ... it also seems to add a sense of legitimacy to my business presence.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Stanislav-Stan: KrTil on January 13, 2009 at 1:24pm: Help! I don't get it. What is meant by additional value?

Some twenty years ago I received a card from a gentleman I still remember well, although I forgot long time ago what he was selling. His card showed the usual stuff, however in addition it had this gold lettering embossment with a royal crown on it saying: "Once a King, Always a King. But Once a Knight is Enough."

Is that what is meant by additional value or wisdom?

Respectfully

Stan
www.Health-Wealth-and-Happiness.net; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by sandra (Sandy) naultsmithson on March 4, 2009 at 5:33pm: Hi Stan,

I couldn't help it, but I couldn't stop laughing about your remark. He sounds like a pimp, would you or myself ever buy anything from him. Just the conclusion I got from what was said. lolllllllllll Have a great week. Sandy; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by sandra (Sandy) naultsmithson on January 13, 2009 at 12:38pm: Thank you for the info. I had this card made up thru Vista Print. I got them with no address on them because I was moving and didn't know where at the time. I have been putting them on windshields at the malls when I go shopping or out for a walk. Also in Doctors Waiting rooms on the desk, with there permission of course. Now that I have read your article, I think they might be a bit cheesy. Could you reply to that for me. Thanks Sandy here is a copy of it.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by BetsyC on January 13, 2009 at 1:10pm: Sandy, you might want to think about adding something more descriptive about your business to your card. Just by looking at it I don't understand what it is you do and why I might want to go to your website. I attached a copy of my card as an example, right at the top it tells you that Feedin' Mama is for older adults and caregivers. My website info is on the front and the blog link on the back.

I use Vista Print myself for my business printing as well as to host my website. They're good and reasonably priced and I can use the same design theme for everything which gives me continuity.

Betsy C.
Feedinmama.com
Feedinmama.blogspot.com; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by sandra (Sandy) naultsmithson on March 4, 2009 at 5:30pm: Thank you so much for all the information. It is making me rethink everything about my card.

From your friend Sandy; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Gary Kidd on January 13, 2009 at 12:40pm: nice tips, and here is another. Instead of just having your name and it looking professional, or just having a catchy phrase, make sure that what you say on your card grabs their attention and wants to make them find out more. One I really like which Big Al suggests is this,

"How to send your Mother-In-Law a postcard from Bali"

Or one I use

"Look 10 years younger at your next school reunion"

It is all about motivating people to take action, so make sure whatever you have on your card creates curiosity and makes people want to find out more.

Gary Kidd; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by DeBorah Beatty on January 13, 2009 at 12:41pm: I think the one thing to remember more than anything else is to HAVE THEM WITH YOU AT ALLL TIMES. I can't tell you how many times I go to networking events to hear they forgot them in their other jacket, their briefcase, etc.

The other thing is to include your mailing address. It's so frustrating not to know where people are. If you're working out of your home and don't want customers/clients dropping by, you can always get yourself a mail drop. I don't recommend P.O. Boxes because it tends to make you look transient.

Be conscious of what you get your card printed on, too. There's a subliminal judgment that happens when people take hold of your card - thin cardstock = cheap.

I also have an article written about the Lowly Business Card on my blog at: http://budurl.com/bizcard I hope you'll drop by and read it. There's a short story about how to tell if your card will make you money, too!; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Patrick S. on January 13, 2009 at 12:46pm: Do not over emphasize your information! Cards become too cluttered when you try to fit too much information on them. It is your first line of advertising. Add a catchy phrase or mantra.; ▶ Reply to This