Other than taking up a corner on the counter or receptionist’s desk, what’s the purpose of a business card? The business card is a tangible reminder for people to take with them after initial contact is made with your business. Business cards are an important aspect of promoting a business.
If you hand out business cards on a regular basis, how do you make yours stand out from the rest? Here are some simple tips:
The design of a business card should be simple. This doesn’t mean all text and no images. Since a card is a small item, pay attention to the overall design. A complex or busy design distracts from the important information – how to contact you. When you look at your business card, what do you see first – the design/photo/image or the text?
The information on the card should be readable, especially if a background image is used. The text size should also match the font. Fancier fonts work well for a larger business name, but plain fonts should be used for the smaller text to enhance readability.
Any information included on the card should stick to the basics – name, location, contact information, website, etc. The most important thing is to make sure your contact information is very clear.
The business card should emphasize the uniqueness of your business. What exactly do you do or sell that makes your business different from others? The uniqueness can be spelled out in words or in an image. Think about attorneys. Most distinguish with words exactly what type of cases they accept – personal injury, family, workers compensation, etc. But an artist might choose to use an image to reflect his specific type of art – pottery, painting, calligraphy.
The physical feel of the card is equally important to the design and readability. The card should feel professional – not flimsy. Professional printers measure paper thickness in “points.” The higher the point number, the thicker the paper will be. When in doubt, go for a higher point. You might pay a little more, but you won’t be disappointed in the quality. One step up in point size could mean the difference between a card that the corners easily bend on and one that stays stiff and continues to look professional even after it has been in your coat pocket for a month.
What about matte coating versus a UV coating? Matte coating is good for cards that are primarily text with maybe a company logo or small image. UV coating, or a glossy finish, is excellent for cards that are more creative and incorporate photos, artwork, or background images. The glossy or UV coating will make the colors “pop” off of the card. If possible, leave the back side of a UV coated card blank with a plain or matte finish. Doing so will allow the recipient to write on the back of the card if necessary.
If you are unsure of all of the technical printing and paper terms, request a free sample pack from the printing company. A sample pack will include a variety of different pieces (brochures, business cards, post cards, and fliers), but each piece will tell you what type of paper it is printed on and what kind of finish (matte, UV) is used. Choose the options that you like for your card.
And, finally, is it necessary to use a professional printer for business cards? This might be a personal preference, but yes. When you add up the cost of ink for your inkjet printer, the paper, and the time spent making sure everything lines up just right (who wants to look at a lopsided business card?), paying a professional printer costs just the same. Most online printing companies offer design templates, a host of options, and are reasonably priced.
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