10 Tips For Effective Business Cards

culled from:overnightprints.com

1: Have a Purpose in Mind
A business card can convey multiple things. It can simply be used as a way to quickly and easily give out contact information. It can, however, also be an effective marketing tool for your business. Prior to designing a business card, it is important to identify the goal you would like to achieve with your business card. It can be an identity marker, a marketing tool, or a way to make you stand out from the competition. Having a purpose for your business card will help keep you from making it too jumbled and therefore less memorable.

2: Cover Your Bases
One of the biggest mistakes people often make when designing their business cards is the tendency to leave off important information. Clients will want to know all the ways of getting in touch. It is important to make sure all bases of communication are covered. The most vital information includes: name, all relevant phone numbers (office, cell, fax), e-mail address, and the office address. If you have social media information, include that too. The more contact information on the card, the more credible the business looks.

3: Include a Photo
Oftentimes, business cards are exchanged at large networking events. With so many contact details being exchanged, it's very easy to confuse faces and names. When the person you've given your card to finds it the next day, you want to be sure he/she remembers the situation in which the card was given. Adding a photo to the business card will ensure that your face is remembered, as well as your credentials. It is also another way to make the card stand out against competitors.

4: Utilize the Back
When designing a business card, you want to be sure to utilize all available space to the fullest potential; this includes the back. Many people will keep the back of the card blank, but that is a huge waste of space. It is important to get creative with the back of the card. Putting something special like a coupon, report, or special offer will help keep your card out of the trash.

5: Don't Skimp on Paper Quality
Your business card may sometimes be the first impression people will have of your business. You don't want to have cards that appear to be less than professional. Some will say that you want the feel of your card to stand out. That would be a good rule to follow as long as the surface of the card still allows for people to write on it. Many times, people will make notes on business cards to help them remember the person that gave it to them.

6: Use Standard Business Card Size
When handing out business cards, you want to make sure that the person you give it to will hold on to it. While it is important to keep your card unique, you do want to be sure the card fits a standard business card size. The standard business card size is currently 3.5”x2”. Don't try and make it a funny shape, or too large to fit into a business card holder or wallet.

7: Get Creative
You want to make sure your business card is going to stand out and be remembered, especially when exchanging at a networking event. It's always good to add color, a fun design, or even a catchy phrase to make the card memorable. Anything you can do to make the card interesting, yet still maintain the identity of the business will help make your business card unforgettable. Try bright, bold colors, and avoid excess white space. Switching up the layout is another good trick, opting for a vertical look over the standard horizontal.


8: Keep it Simple
There is a way to be creative, while keeping things simple. Avoid cluttering the card with too much noise. People shouldn't feel overwhelmed by too many images or different fonts because it will take away from the information on the card. When in doubt, put excess information on the back of the card, utilizing both sides.


9: Define Your Business
Use your business card as an opportunity to let people know what it is exactly that your business does. This can be done by way of a simple phrase or slogan. Be sure to include the company logo, as well. Keep it short and simple, but make sure the person looking at the card will easily be able to understand the services of the company.

10: Double Check Everything
There is no room for errors or typos on a business card. Make sure the copy is perfect. Having errors will devalue the company's credibility. Have a few people look over the card before sending it to the printers.