What’s On Your Business Card?
When you're meeting new people, it's always better to have your business card on hand. This way, if someone has a question about what you do or who your company is, they can quickly get the information they're looking for. And even if the person doesn't have any questions, putting a business card into their hand is still an incredibly generous gesture.
Here are five things you need to know before designing and printing your own business cards:
1) It should be easily readable from 6" away...
2) ...and when viewed in black and white—no color allowed!
3) Keep it simple! Less is more with these printable sheets of paper...
4) ...so only print what you absolutely need.
Want a fast and easy way to be organized? Use Avery Business Card Organizer Pages by Avery.
5) Cards that are 2" x 3.5" or 2.25" x 4.25" are the best size for your name, position, and contact information...
6) ...and should include your photo if appropriate, an email address and a website.
Before you upload your business card template to be printed, you'll want to make sure it looks great! To do that, print it out on plain white cardstock at the same size you plan to print it at. You can also order business cards online through a company like VistaPrint or Moo.
If you're just looking for a template to sketch ideas on, then start with an Avery Design & Print Online Template . This easy-to-use website will walk you through the steps of creating a business card from scratch. Or visit our Printing Tips page for more helpful ideas and videos .
From: http://www.avery.com/templates/how-to/article.aspx
Title: How to Make Your Business Cards Stand Out
One of the most important things your business card can do is catch the eye and make a positive first impression. Here are some tips for making your business card really stand out.
1.) Know Who You Are and What You Want to Imply: Identify a “hook” to help make your card unique. For example, an artist might choose his or her favorite piece as the logo or use an unusual color in the design or on top of the photo on the back of the card. Other ways to brand yourself are:
A.) Using a font that is stylish, unique and relevant.
B.) Using cool images as well as text to make your card memorable.
C.) Creating a well-designed and organized layout that is cohesive and consistent in style.
2.) Be Clear, Concise and Simple: Don’t cram too many details on one card. Break out your information into a few cards or include a separate flyer with more detail to leave room for your company name, your info and a “call-to-action” line, which is something that encourages the person receiving the card to take an action such as, “Give Us A Call,” “Visit Our Website” or “Schedule An Appointment Today!”
3. Use Your Photos to Its Greatest Advantage: It is not necessary to have a photo of yourself on the back of your card, but it can really make it stand out if you do. Think outside the box and use your picture a way that will get people interested and curious.
4. Make Sure the Graphic on Your Business Cards Is Simple: Think about which style of business cards will be most effective for your type of business or industry. The best business cards are often colorless, simple and bright. Also think about how you want to present yourself in order to appear professional and polished as well as trustworthy or credible.
5. Don’t Forget the “Call to Action” on the Back: A well-designed card has not only a creative and memorable graphic, but also one or two lines of text that encourage people to take a specific action such as: pick up the phone or visit your website.
6. Use Images That Represent You: If you are an artist or designer, you may want to use your artwork on your business cards in place of simple elegant text that is more appropriate for an accountant or real estate agent. It is important to use images that make sense for you and represent who you are as an individual.
7. Make Sure Your Card Is Folded in a Consistent Manner: Using the same fold on each side of your card is a great way to connect with people and make the entire presentation more appealing.
8. Don’t Forget the Back: The back of your business card needs to be perfect in both design and content if you want to have any hope at all of having it remembered. Here are some tips for using and remembering facts about your business on your business cards.
9. Use Business Cards That Will Last: Choose business cards that won't easily fall apart, rip or tear when you put them in a wallet or handbag, purse or briefcase.
10. Stick To a Limited Color Scheme: It is easier to design and print business cards if you stick to a limited color scheme. It's also easier to remember your information if it is consistent in design and color.
From: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/08/31/business-card-design_n_1809138.html
Title: Don’t Get Lost In Your Own Business Card Design! (Infographic)
Easy to share image illustrating key tips for designing business cards that get results: Free to download!
By Filka Sekulova <filka@onexemedia.com> • August 31, 2012
From: http://www.inc.com/rich-nelson/keep-that-business-card-on-your-person.html
Title: Keep That Business Card on Your Person! [Infographic]
Brought to you by IMA Worldwide!
From: http://blog.piktochart.com/2012/08/23/business-card-designingideas/#more-141428
Title: Business Card Design Tips — Great Starting Points for Good Designs
It takes time to produce a well thought out and appealing business card, but with a few careful touches they can be designed as eye catching and functional as possible.
Conclusion
A business card is a valuable marketing tool for anyone and everyone. That said, it can also be a big disappointment if the design doesn’t match the brand you are trying to convey. Make sure you have your design professionally done to ensure it is consistent with your business. After all, first impressions matter.
Readers of my blog have heard this many times before: "Business cards are dead". "No one uses them any more". “They're not important” etc. So you might be wondering why I'm writing a post on business card tips?
First of all, because I don't believe that they are dead or that they're not important at all.