You can design your own business cards - really!
Even if you’ve never done it before, you can design your own business cards – really! It’s not as hard as you might think. Just make sure to keep these six tips in mind:
Business Card Design Tip #1: Make it easy to read
The point of business cards is for people to be able to read your contact information and contact you, right? So make sure they can read the wording on your business cards. Don’t use all caps, italics or underlining. Avoid cute or dramatic fonts. Choose a standard font like Times New Roman or Arial that is easy to read.
Business card design tip #2. Don’t alienate the baby boomers
The surest way to lose a baby boomer customer is to make the font size so small that they have to put on their reading glasses and stand by a bright window to read it (I’m speaking from experience here – I’m now in that age group!). The solution: Make sure the type bigger than you think necessary. Choose a color and font that are easy to read. Dark ink on a light background is best.
Business card design tip #3: Keep it Short and Simple
When designing your business card, remember the KISS rule – Keep it Short and Simple. Decide what information is actually necessary and leave off anything else. For example, if you work at home but you don’t want anyone actually coming to your house, don’t include your home address. Simple as that.
Business card design tip #4: Choose paper that people can write on
Often when you hand someone your card, they want to make a note on the back of it. They won’t be able to do this if your cardstock is high-gloss, a dark color or metallic. Have your cards printed on a paper stock that someone can actually write on.
Business card design tip #5: Use the back of the card
Don’t just design the front of your business card – design the back as well. Take advantage of the room on the other side of your business card to add valuable information about your business, such as a map to your location, key points about your services, discounts, coupons, or any call to action that will add value to your business card.
Business card design tip #6: Ask a pro to review your business card design
If you can’t afford to have a professional graphic designer design your entire card, at least get a consultation. Sketch out where you want your logo on the card, and the other information such as your name, address, phone number, website and email address. Take this, along with the computer file containing your logo, to a graphic designer for advice. You’ll be amazed at how even a short consultation will improve your design.
Business card design tip #7: Don’t agonize
Remember, business cards are written on paper, not in stone. If they become outdated because you’ve changed your company name or the focus of your business, it’s no big deal. Just throw them in the recycling and get new ones made. My point is don’t let “getting the business cards done” hold you up in moving forward in your business. Just do it!
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