Business Card Design Tips
Your business card is one of the most important marketing tools you'll ever create. You give your business card to prospects and customers so they have your contact information. You tuck your business card inside of presentation folders, drop it in letters, and use it in a myriad of other ways to let people know who you are and what you do. And, if you run ads in local newspapers, your business card may even double as camera-ready copy for the publication's "business card ad" pages.
But no matter how you use your business card, it won't be the marketing workhorse it should be unless it looks professional, is easy to read, and helps customers and prospects remember what you sell and why they should buy it from you.
Making all that happen on a document that is only 3½ inches wide and 2 inches deep is a tall order. But it can be done. Here are several suggestions to keep in mind before you design or redesign your business card.
Use a logo
Have a professional designer create your business logo. If you provide products or services that can be represented with a symbol (ie, house painter, home builder, restaurant, dog grooming service), the logo should symbolize that product or service in some way. It should also be scalable for use on business cards, letterhead, brochures, and your website. (You can keep logo development costs down by using LogoWorks.com or one of the other the logo creation services on the web.
Develop a one-line slogan
If what you do isn't immediately apparent from your business name, create a one-line slogan that will help people remember what you sell. Include the slogan on your business card.
Include your website address and/or email address
Customers and prospects will want to know your website address and your email address. If you're concerned about spam, have your webmaster set up two email addresses for you -- one to put on your business card and give out to the public, and another private email address that you only give to a few trusted business associates and friends.
Make your card readable
Use (or insist your designer uses) font sizes that are big enough to be easily readable without using a magnifying glass. Be sure the type color stands out against the background of the card, too. Light gray type on a white card makes it hard to distinguish letters and numbers. Remember, your goal isn't to produce a work of art. It's to produce a business card that clearly communicates what you do and how to reach you. If recipients can't read the contact information you'll lose sales.
Make your card stand out from the rest of the pack
Yes, your business card may wind up stuffed in a desk drawer with a stack of other business cards. Make it stand out from the rest by using bright colors, including your photo on the card, or using high gloss card stock.
Have your business cards printed on good card-stock
If the card feels flimsy or looks like you printed it yourself on a cheap printer, it will leave people with impression that they are dealing with a small company that will disappear as soon as the owner finds a real job. Have your business card professionally printed on good heavyweight business.
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