You see them all the time. They are a staple of any business. They come in sizes ranging from 3.5 x 2 to 3 x 5 and sometimes bigger. What is it? The business card. Designing and printing business cards is not a hard task, but there are some steps to take before you jump in. Read these tips on design and print an eye-catching business card that will stand out from the others.
Selecting the Right Card Stock/Color
The main element of any business card is the paper it is printed on. Use high-quality 67-pound card stock. Most business cards are printed on white linen card stock but other colors can be used---cream, off white, gray and pastels. If using colored paper, make sure your type can be read easily. Dark type on light-colored paper works best. Think about your text as you are buying paper. Also, -buy enough paper to print at least 1,000 cards.
Determining Which Design Program to Use
There are many design programs to use to create your business card. From professional programs like Adobe InDesign CS and Quark Xpress to the easy-to-use program Microsoft Publisher, you can design an eye-catching business card in no time. If you are not computer savvy, use one of the many templates available in Microsoft Publisher to layout and print your business card. Within Publisher you can fill in your text, place your logo and print your card in minutes. Use whatever program you are most comfortable with. Business cards can even be created in Photoshop (see Resources section).
Should You Use a Template or Design The Layout Yourself?
Templates are easy to use but sometimes they are very restrictive. Most business cards are basic and straightforward with your business name, contact information, a logo and a selling tag line. If you want to design something unusual, like an oversize card or a card shaped like a key chain, you will have to design the layout yourself. Don't be afraid to create your own layout---use a new blank document within Adobe InDesign or Microsoft Publisher and start creating your layout. Creating an odd-size business card may pose a problem during cutting. Cut the cards out with care.
Include a Photograph or Not?
Your business card doesn't have to have just text and one logo. You can include a photograph of yourself or product on the card. Another idea is to include a photograph as the background for the card and then place text over the picture. The text will have to standout and not interfere with the photograph. People will not only notice your card faster, but it will leave a lasting impression. If you do include a photograph of yourself, make sure it is professional and not just a snapshot.
How Much Information Should Be On The Business Card?
Your business name, contact information and company logo should be easy to find, clear, error-free and the main focus of your business card. Your business card is an advertising engine. Your text must stand out, otherwise your potential customers may miss it. And yes, you can use the back of the card to list your services, quotes or other useful information. Don't clog your business card with sentences but do include your e-mail address, website address and other 21st-century contact information. Your company logo needs to be high-quality and on one side of the card. Do not use stock clip art found in templates or on the Internet. If you have to have the logo designed by a graphic designer, do so.
