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 Margot-Helena Kasari on January 13, 2009 at 5:08pm: Thanks for this great post. I totally agree that business cards give the first impression and that you should always have some with you.
Like some people commenting before, I also like Vistaprint - because of their wide choice and excellent offers. I prefer the magnetic ones and they always get the extra attention.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Steve on January 13, 2009 at 6:06pm: Good points. My preference is also to keep my card simple with just the right amount of info so it doesn't get too "busy". My card does reflect my passion and when the right people see my card, they understand. I'm not always "sold" on the glossy card always being a fit, I think it's all about what your card format and design is. But hey I'm not a graphic designer, and I'm a simplistic businessman. Keep up the good work and I'm about to order more "card holders" in the ner future for a fundraiser event coming up soon.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Glenda Esdelle on January 13, 2009 at 6:26pm: The advice given is sound and suggestions are easy to follow. I particularly like the concept of creating a usable backing.

Glenda
Trinidad; ▶ 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 Tina Potts on January 13, 2009 at 7:13pm: This is great advice! If you are looking for a great quality card that doesn't advertise any other business but yours, let me know. I can get you a superb quality card for prices that rival Vistaprint without printing the name of the company on the card

Tina
tina.potts@comprehensivebackofficesolutions.com; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Glenda Esdelle on January 13, 2009 at 10:39pm: Dear Tina

Send me some info please on your company and what you produce

E-mail: proartsco@hotmail.com

Glenda
Trinidad; ▶ 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 vbright on January 13, 2009 at 7:35pm: There are some very helpful tips here, thank you!; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by David Ogden on January 13, 2009 at 7:39pm: I live in the tropics and have come accross some cards of thin plastic, very usefull in damp humid conditions as they are waterproof, long lasting, cannot be torn or written on. Whilst not quite matching the quality of a thick glossy card, they last longer and are often kept because of thier novelty value.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Glenda Esdelle on January 13, 2009 at 10:54pm: David
Can I get some information on your source please? I also live in the tropics.
Glenda; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Kaye Snyder on January 13, 2009 at 7:59pm: I make sure to put a business card in every bag at the register. It's effective inexpensive advertising!

Kaye; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Priscilla Ferguson on January 13, 2009 at 8:07pm: I had fun designing our business card. My background includes Graphic Design, so I jumped on the opportunity. All the tips offered in the article are worth anyone's attention and consideration.; ▶ Reply to This