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Dave Segrove
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Your business card: That little piece of real estate is, or should be, as much part of your business "personality" as your own. Not only does your business card contain your contact information, it's an introduction and a reminder for later. When someone is going through the stack of cards on their desk, rolodex or folder and they come across your card, they should recognize it and by virtue of that, recognize you.

That little 3½ x 2 inch piece of paper should be very important to you and your business. If you're a small business owner, self employed or have discretion as to how you card looks then you have an enormous impact on your business image. Here are some things to consider:
  1. Empty space – keep a fair amount of it. Too much information is as bad as too little. Invariably, the card will look crowded and dense. A good idea is to write down everything you would like to put on your card and then prioritize it.


  2. Use both sides – there's a whole other 3½x2 space to use. Consider putting slightly less relevent information on the back of your card. Your fax number for example, unless you think it's critical. Your blog address, mailing address...yes, your mailing address...how many people write to you based on your card? More people are going to call or email you...


  3. Make it legible. Use a clear font and a good contrasting color. If it's too small, it's going to be a pain to read. Don't try and be clever. To be brutally honest, it's annoying.


  4. Use a good stock. Yes, the economy makes it hard to spend money on some things where we know we can save, but you often get what you pay for, especially when it comes to business cards. Use at least a 12pt card stock. Do consider the return on investment. Plastic business cards may be cool, but they're expensive. Can you justify that cost?


  5. Glossy or not? If you're going to get a UV (glossy) finish, consider the color of the card. Glossy cards have a nice, waxy feel to them, but they tend to show fingerprints easily on darker colors. Another thing to consider is that if you are trying to save money, think about using a lighter color card. Unless you're going to a custom printer, most card colors are printed onto the paper. Depending on the quality of the cutter, this can lead to cards looking "worn at the edges" as soon as you get them, especially with a UV finish. A lighter color, or white, doesn't show this. I've designed cards with a white border just to prevent this problem. A matte finish can look very classy. but so can gloss. UV tends to "weather" better.


  6. Include a photo? It's up to you but ask yourself why. First, it takes up space. Second, it needs to be a good one. Third, it should be you and not you and family, you and pets...you get the idea. Do you want people to "remember" you? Well, your winning personality should take care of that. Use photos with caution. If you're ordering 1,000 business cards, remember that you should try and resemble the photo as you get to the end of the stack. Planning on changing your hairstyle/color? Consider your cards...


  7. What should be on it?
    The "Dave Segrove rule of thumb" is as follows:
    Front
    • Name
    • Title (optional)
    • Credentials (optional, depending on legal requirements. If you have a whole bunch of certifications, consider that having an alphabet after your name may impress some people but it may intimidate others)
    • Telephone
    • Email
    • Web address (optional – could go on the back)
    • Photo (optional – see sermon above)
    • Logo
    • Quote or catchphrase (optional)The Back
    Back
    • Address
    • Fax
    • Blog
    • Alternate phone
    • Web address (if not used on the front)
    • Alternate website (if you have another)
    • Space for notes or appointment(s) (optional)
    • Industry required logos (such as Equal Housing etc)
    • Map to your business location (useful for retail)
    • Hours of operation (retail)

  8. As you can see, there is much to choose from. Considering that you should leave "breathing space", pick carefully.

  9. The background. While a uniform color looks nice, a graphic can be quite eye-catching, as long as it doesn't interfere with the foreground.


  10. What should be avoided? This is just my opinion but you've read this far..."I appreciate referrals". Who the heck doesn't? So why waste valuable space by putting that on your card? Photos that are not relevent should also be avoided. "Clever" sayings that are not part of your mission statement, slogan, motto or catchphrase, tagline etc. If you have the space, perhaps something else to fill it? Oversized or strangely shaped cards. There is a little more room for the latter, provided they fit into a standard business card slot in a rolodex or folder. If your card is too big, where might it end up?


  11. How can you get it customized? Work with a designer. Yes, I know it involves a cost, but many designers are not that expensive. I know I'm not, and I really mean that. A good designer will work with you, learn about you and what your business message needs to convey. He or she should provide "mock-up" designs and taylor them until you're happy. Listen to the designer. Work with them. Ask to see their portfolio and only move forward if you have a good feeling about them.

I don't profess to have all the answers, but I do design a lot of business cards. I do believe in being different for each client. You're unique, so your card should reflect this. "There are many ways to skin a cat" the saying goes (though I have never understood why a cat), and the same applies to business cards.

Would love to help with any questions or concerns and, of course, any business card needs :)

 

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My name is, Dave Segrove and I am owner of JDE LTD a Phoenix web design company and small business marketing service provider. We have developed an excellent reputation in Arizona and around the US for good wor and efficient and effective marketing solutions. You can see samples from my web design portfolio at www.JDELtd.com. You can learn more about our marketing products and services at www.JDEMarketing.com.

 
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12 Comments on 10 Ways to "Say it with cards"...

MAY
01
2009

Dave good post. By any chance you know the url for bext websites to order Business Cards. I've been using vistaprint it is OK, but not great.

9:19am • #1
672,407 Points 69 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp

Great information on this post. I get tired of looking at cards that are so "busy" that you cannot even find the agent's cell phone number!

9:25am • #2
5 Featured Posts

Hi Suma - well, I'd like to say mine :) www.JDELtd.com. I use a number of vendors to be honest, depending on what the client is looking for. I work with a local printer for my higher-end stuff, where we do 4-color processes and I can press-proof and see the cards before the production run. For me, that's very important to ensure good quality. Many of the online companies use similar set up, so it can be a little hit-and-miss. Please feel free to email me (dave@click-done.com) and I'd be happy to learn a little more about what you're looking for an can point you in the right direction.

Hi Melissa - thank for replying - a little imagination and your card can be as unique as you :)

Dave

9:27am • #3
536,560 Points 7 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

We have a tip chart on the back of our cards. Something they can use and hang onto ...also discounts on the back are good to.

9:30am • #4
615,509 Points Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

All great tips and advice -- thanks for the post -- all the best.

10:21pm • #5
MAY
02
2009
5 Featured Posts

Hi Chuck - I've seen tip chart too, useful when your math is bad (like mine) :)

Bob & Carolin - Thanks for the feedback!

10:54am • #6
MAY
04
2009

I see so many bad business cards. A welcome reminder for all to whip out their cards and have a quick review.

6:11pm • #7
DEC
19
2009
Outside Blog

Thanks for the tips on the business cards, too late though I already printed mine, will update on new cards :-)

9:02am • #9
DEC
26
2009

I am a printer so i wont talk bad about online printers but many of the online printers can not offer the customer service you get from a local face to face printer. Also when using most online printers your business card if you pick from their templates is one of thousands being used out there. I see it all the time when going to networking events you see a Realtor, Handyman, Builder, Home services type business all use similar images. That doesnt say much about that person and their business.

Branding the persom and business is important so spend the extra money and work with a local designer and/or printer and make the investment into the business and spend the extra money to have custom marketing collateral.

8:46am • #10
5 Featured Posts

Hi Mike - I agree - as a designer, I think I can make a huge difference in people's marketing approach. That said, economics more often than not dictate what clients can do. For me, I also love the whole creative process, so there's an added bonus :)

 

Cards do say a lot about a business. Thanks for your comment.

Dave

9:44am • #11
JAN
16
2010

well written post.thanks for sharing.

clippingimages.com
2:30am • #12
FEB
05
2010
338,720 Points 9 Featured Posts Called Shot Master

Nicely done Dave!  Great ideas & etiquette!

9:17pm • #13

What does the graphic say?

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Dave Segrove

Phoenix, AZ

More about me…

JDE LTD

Address: Phoenix, AZ, 85086

Office Phone: (480) 353-0504

Email Me

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Marketing and small business development consultant, web and graphic designer. What this means for you is that my company can be a central resource for both your online and offline marketing needs. With a focus on small business, and being one, I know that every penny counts. Affordable, high-impact marketing solutions are essential in the quest to succeed, no matter what the marketplace. My services include:
  • Web Design, Redesign (Updating);
  • Marketing Materials (flyers, business cards, postcards, brochures and more);
  • Marketing Image "Makeovers"
  • Traditional and non-Traditional Marketing Campaigns;
  • Small Business Development;
  • Logos and Branding;
  • Education & Training;

You can view some of my portfolio at www.JDELtd.com.
My approach to my work is collaborative. There are many web design companies out there that sell you a template, take your deposit and get back to you with a finished site. At JDE, we don't do things that way. I firmly believe that in order to get the best results, you have to work with and not just for the client.

Please take a moment to read some of the testimonials on our website. Take a look at our portfolio. Our reputation for excellence and value is growing in leaps and bounds.

Please feel free to send me an email if you have any questions. I look forward to working with you.

Scottsdale and Phoenix web design and marketing services by JDE LTD



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