Business cards are often the foundation of a good networking program. Not only do they allow you to quickly and easily share your contact information, they represent your name and your brand.
There's a whole lot riding on that little piece of cardstock, and because of that, designing the perfect business card takes some effort.
There are some key features you need to get right in order to make sure your business card helps you make the best impression.
1. Make sure the font is easy to read:
- Take care to chose a font that is large enough to read. Tiny letters may allow you to include more information on your card, but if it's so small it can't be seen, then you need to think again.
- Fancy letters with swirls, curves or thin lines can also be difficult to decipher, so save them for another project. You don't want there to be any guessing when it comes to your phone number or email address.
- Choose a font that is consistent with your brand. The letters you select for your business card should be the same as on your website, flyers, postcards, banners, thank you notes, etc.
- The most important information on the card should really stand out, so a larger or bolder font is recommended for your name and your preferred contact number.
2. Make sure the design is simple
- Business cards look best and are most effective when they are clean and uncluttered. A card that is jumbled with information looses its impact and leaves the impression that YOU are jumbled. Not good.
- Begin your design using your logo, name and contact information, and create from there. Any other design elements can be placed around these important pieces of information, or they can be eliminated altogether.
- Empty spaces are okay. In fact, a blank area on the card allows the receiver to jot a quick note if necessary.
- Just because you have a slogan or tag line, doesn't mean it has to be included. Make an effort to remove unnecessary information.
3. Make sure all information is relevant and correct
- You never want to have to write or correct information on a business card as you are handing it out. It gives a bad impression, and you don't want that.
- Be thoughtful about the type and amount information you include. Do you really want everyone who receives your card to have your personal cell phone number? Is your fax number really relevant to the people you meet? If not, it's got to go.
- A business card should direct a client or other interested party straight to you, with as little friction as possible. Carefully select the contact information you include on your card so that you are easily reached.
4. Make sure the card is memorable
- Business cards are a reminder of an interaction that's taken place...make it a memorable one!
- Use a bright color to highlight information
- Include a photo of yourself
- Consider a vertical layout
- Make it an unusual size- bigger can be better
- Make it an unusual shape- square, circle, triangle
- Use a large, colorful image
- Try a different material- metal, wood, plastic
- Don't forget to use the back of the card. Take advantage of this space to include additional information or supplemental branding. Moving important but non-essential information to the back of the card helps to keep the front of the card clean.
- Photos and product images can be placed on the back of the card. Point this out as you hand out your cards. Not only does this make you more memorable, it gives you credibility.
5. Make sure you pay attention to finishing touches
These days, there's just no good excuse for a bad business card. With so many wonderful designs and unique finishes, it's almost impossible to be plain. Here are few things to consider:
- thick cardstock
- rounded corners
- embossing
- raised letters
- dye cutting
- foil bloquing
- varnish and spot UV
- folding
If you want to check out some excellent examples of these finishes, just click here
Before you order your next batch of business cards, stop to consider if your card has these 5 key features. If not, invest in yourself and your business, by hiring a professional to create a fresh, new design for you.
Now get out there and hand out your cards! Whether you choose networking events, marketing campaigns, cold calls, conferences or conventions, sharing your business card will help you grow your network, which will in turn, help you grow your business.
Want to learn more about networking? Spontaneous Speech Coach offers personal and group training on networking techniques. Call us today at 361-271-1700 to learn more.
Opportunities often start with just a simple conversation.
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