Business Cards Basics

How to cater your business cards to fit your organization

Professional business cards are not one size fits all. In fact, you don't even have to follow the rule of a traditional 3.5" by 2" size. You can cater yours to your organization and the people you plan to distribute them to.

Think of business cards as a marketing tool, just like a postcard or brochure, only smaller. Make them eye-catching, polished and, above all, memorable. Here are some things to think about:

1. Does the size and paper texture of your business cards best suit your company's brand?

2. Are you giving your customers a reason to look at, and hold on to, your business cards?

3. Should you design your own business cards or hire a business card company to create them?

 

Talk to business card printers to get an idea of your options

Your business cards don't have to look like everyone else's, although they certainly can if you think this will work best. However, don't be afraid to step outside the mold.
Try: Go to Vista Print's website. This company has thousands of traditional designs to choose from and you can add your own custom image or logo if you'd like. Then,check out Zazzle's collection of unusual business cards so you can compare and contrast. Both of these companies have contact information on their sites. If you decide you want to go al-out wacky, see [Re]Encoded for inspiration.

Learn how to make your business cards worth keeping

Whether they're unusual or mainstream, your business cards need to contain useful information. If not, there's really no point of anyone holding on to them. Some organizations choose to include simply a telephone number or email address, but others also put in a summary of what the business does and even a list or key terms. Don't forget, you'll have more real estate if you use the front and back of the card.
Try: Read Creative Latitude's article on this topic and discuss it with management or your employees to determine what you want to put on your cards. Also, seriously consider images, especially if your business is involved in the visual arts. Fotokard has some great photo business cards worth checking out.

Decide if you want to make your own business cards

If you have design software, there's no reason why you can't make your business cards in-house. Just be sure you're able to achieve the look and feel you want. If not, go with an outside vendor.
Try: Create draft business cards on your office computer using a design program such as Microsoft Publisher. Templates will include all business cards basics. Microsoft has an article on how to do this on its website. If they turn out to your liking, simply send your design to a printing company, like iPrint. If not, you'll still have a prototype to show to a designer. Be aware that you might have to use a specialty printer if you want die cut or raised print business cards.

 

• Don't use your office printer for printing business cards unless you have the ink, paper and resolution to make them look professionally produced. Otherwise, you're not doing your business any favors.

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