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.

Share This Page

▶ Reply to This

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by kkharrison on January 13, 2009 at 8:12pm: This is so true; I am glad I took the time to have a custom logo made. I am happy every time I see my little card.

I left the back blank with a writable surface (not too glossy) so people can make a note.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Cole Busch on January 13, 2009 at 8:28pm: Thanks...Just what the doctor ordered....I do business cards if you or anyone would like....You can see some designs @ www.urbmob.com/sacriligious Let me know what ypu think...Good Rates.. A Master Copy to send to the Printer for duplication.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Consuela Greene on January 13, 2009 at 8:33pm: I have also used VistaPrint for my cards. People have complemented me on the foil design that I chose. I guess there are mixed opinions about who to give your cards to. Some say only give it to those who ask for it and not just to hand them out to everyone you meet. I've tried both methods. It's been my experience that many people don't call you even if they ask for the card. I'm still trying to figure that out.

Consuela; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Charlie Profit on January 13, 2009 at 8:41pm: Great tips. Something also to consider, especially if you are using Vista Print or similar service is to proof read your copy and have someone else proof read your copy again before sending it off to be printed. Sometimes words that we see often become too familiar and we won't catch a spelling error. Then be sure to keep a copy of your pre-order with correct spelling. You may need for it credit if the print shop makes a spelling mistake.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Robert on January 13, 2009 at 9:16pm: Yes, you better have a great card.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by John Lederer on January 13, 2009 at 9:59pm: Very well said. I will print this information out & USE IT!
I have used business cards in the past off & on. I have learned something with your advice!; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Stan Fine PhD on January 13, 2009 at 10:06pm: Dreat Tips Here are some more5 Types of Business Cards

Basic cards: This is a good card style when utility is all you need. It's a no-nonsense approach that can appeal to clients and prospects who would not be impressed by fancy design features--the people who want "just the facts, ma'am." The design is simple, and the information is clear and concise. A basic card is usually printed in black ink on plain white or cream stock.

Picture cards: Having your face on your card--whether it's a photograph, a drawing or a caricature--helps a contact remember you the next time she sees you. Images representing a product or services, or a benefit your business provides, can help you communicate your business better than dozens of words. Color is often helpful on a picture card, too.

Tactile cards: Some cards are distinguished not so much by how they look as by how they feel. They may use nonstandard materials, such as metal or wood, or have unusual shapes, edges, folds or embossing. Tactile cards tend to be considerably more expensive than regular cards because they use nonstandard production processes such as die cuts.

Multipurpose cards: A card can do more than promote your name and business--it can also serve as a discount coupon, an appointment reminder or some other function. It may also provide valuable information that the average person may need. For example, a hotel may include a map on the back of its card for any guests who are walking around the vicinity. A card of any type can be made multipurpose by adding these types of features.

Outside-the-box cards: A wildly original, fanciful or extravagant presentation can draw extra attention. Creativity knows no bounds--except the amount of money you wish to spend. I've seen examples of these types of cards that were made of chocolate or that folded out into a miniature box to keep small items in. One of the most notable was a dentist's card that included a small compartment for dental floss to be pulled out.

10 Networking Tips Using Business Cards

Never leave home without them. Before leaving home, your checklist should be expanded to include your business cards. Any 'per chance' meeting is an opportunity to give out a business card. A morning run or a quick trip to the local store could be an opportunity to network.

Insert a business card when mailing bill payments. You may not think a person in South Dakota who opens your credit card bill payment can help you. Never underestimate the power of networking.

Use proper business card etiquette. Whenever you give a business card, ask for a business card. When given a business card, don't just take it and place it in your pocket. Make the person feel important by looking at their card for a few seconds. Write comments on the card such as date, location and common points of interest.

Be generous. Give business cards out to everyone, including family and friends. Don't let vanity stop you from giving out your last business card or giving 2 at a time to each person. I have met many people who have totally missed the purpose of a business card. I once asked a person for a second business card, so I could refer his services. His response was "I only have a few cards left and I need them", as he looked again at his name on the card. Hoarding your business cards only makes your wallet feel full, not your bank account.

Ask for referrals. When giving a business card you should ask, "I would appreciate a referral, if you know anyone that could use my services". People naturally like to do favors for people. This places you in a good position with them and they will feel better about helping you. Give them 2 cards.

Maximize every "per chance" meeting. You never know when you might meet someone who can help you. Family or friends' social events could produce unexpected encounters with people. Don't discount those events.

Place yourself at the right place at the right time. Consider volunteering to help out at the job fair or other types of events. This puts you in a better strategic position for presenting your resume or business card. Company representatives might view you differently, if they know you are willing to go the extra mile in helping them make their presence easier to manage.

Use "In Your Face" follow up. Did you ever have a job interview and wonder why they never called you back? Today's economic climate dictates you might be competing with 20, 50, 100 or more other people for the same position. So it's up to you to give a person a reason to call you back. Immediately after a meeting send a hand written note thanking the person for their time. Insert your business card. Now you're in the driver's seat in standing out from other people.

Use promotions to promote YOU, Inc. Consider getting some blank greeting cards. Search the internet to find out the address of the company's executive offices. Send the blank card with a hand written note sincerely congratulating a person on their promotion. Insert your business card. You have just made someone's day and may create an impression that makes a person feel compelled to respond back to you.

Brand yourself with a slogan. Print a slogan on your business card that answers the question "Why should I hire you" Or "What makes you different from everyone else?" A catchy phrase or slogan makes all the difference between getting hired or not, because people will remember you long after a meeting.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Glenda Esdelle on January 13, 2009 at 10:46pm: Excerllent ideas. Thank you for your input.

Glenda; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Mark Hultgren on January 13, 2009 at 11:18pm: Great tips! Another good point is to try and associate a graphic that portrays your business or specialty. Cute little puppies or kittens might work for a Vet, but wouldn't go very fay for a construction company!; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Glenn Reedus on January 13, 2009 at 11:29pm: When I launched my first business in 1990, I used a white business card that folded in half (it was scored at the printer). The top inside of the card listed our company's (PR and marketing) services and the lower half had the contact information. It gave the appearance we were more than a start-up, and the card generated conversation, which was the opening to do discuss in detail doing work with whoever I was speaking with; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Kali Kunkle on January 13, 2009 at 11:29pm: Good thoughts, CardCaddie, thanks. We had two versions of cards made. Both Mike and I had cards made with our names on them, but we also put our 20% off coupon promotion on a business card. We actually hand those out more frequently.

We used the heavy stock, matte finish cards for our personal cards, and used a glossy stock for the no-name marketing card.

For those on a shoe-string budget, we paid only $149 for professional logo creation through The Logo Company.

Here's a sample of the coupon card (I think I am allowed to do this since it's tied to the post topic and not a link out to a site... but if not, Natalie, it will be nice to hear from you again.)

Kali & Mike Kunkle
_________________________
DreamWorthy Gifts LLC
Write to us: Mail@DreamWorthyGifts.com
Shop at: http://www.DreamWorthyGifts.com
Read our Blog: http://DreamWorthyGifts.blogspot.com
Read our Networking Blog: http://DreamWorthyFriends.wordpress.com

JOIN US AT:

LinkedIn:
http://www.linkedin.com/in/dreamworthygifts
http://www.linkedin.com/in/mikekunkle

facebook:
http://www.tinyurl.com/MikeOnFacebook
http://www.tinyurl.com/KaliOnFacebook
http://www.tinyurl.com/DreamWorthyOnFacebook - become a fan!

Sta.rtUp.biz:
http://sta.rtup.biz/profile/KaliKunkle
http://sta.rtup.biz/profile/MikeKunkle

Twitter:
http://www.twitter.com/DreamWorthy; ▶ Reply to This