Your business card is an integral part of your companies branding and representation, it has all of the pertinent information in a small space. Your business card can be the first impression of your business and the reminder of your business after your gone. Customizing your business card and designing it well can mean the difference between the annoying pile on someones desk and a potential lead or sale.
Sure its just a card, everyone has them, everyone hands them out. Creating a business card that looks nice, stands out and is easy to read conveys a sense that the company has values, is modern and professional.
The 3 steps of a effective business card are:
First step is the content – Make a list of all of the information you want or need on your business card. This can include your name, business logo, email, web & postal address, office, cell & fax numbers, short list of services, picture of your product or service, tagline, etc. You don’t want to put too much information on there. A clean card tends to grab more attention.
Second is the design – Take a look online or at some cards other people have given you to get a sense of designs you like. Pick a layout and style that fits you and your business. Do you like a card with icons, pictures, contrasting colors, clean and simple, metallic, high tech, colorful, the possibilities are endless. Don’t get overwhelmed, find something you like and that fits the companies style.
The third and final step is the type – Business cards come in all shapes, sizes and styles. From rounded corners, raised lettering, clear, solid and frosted plastic, flexible, stiff, die-cut to standard uncoated and more. There are many finishes like glossy or matte, silky, pearl, spot UV. Keep in mind the cost, the more bells and whistles the higher the cost. Consider having a few different cards to hand out to different contacts. Trying to impress someone in a sales meeting, hand them the high quality frosted plastic card. A casual encounter may denote handing them a standard but good looking card. Get creative.
Your business card should have the same branding as your other marketing materials like, brochures, stationery and website. Utilize the space on your card creatively, only use the important information, make it look great and remind people why they should do business with you.
Your business card can do more than add to the pile on someones desk. Make is a lasting reminder of you and your business. The key to a successful business card is a great design and the information you convey on the card.
Below are some examples of business cards we have designed for our clients. If you are looking for help with designing, and printing your business card, let us know!