Great business cards are hard to get if you know the steps to take and the items to use when putting them together.
1. Free Business Cards Aren't Free
Wait, what? That's right. They're not free. They cost you money you don't even have yet. Free business cards are often cheap-looking and have the printing company's logo on it (like VistaPrint). Every time you hand them out you're giving people a quick look at how you perceive your own business. When they look at your business card and see and/or feel "cheap" or "this didn't cost me anything" then they're likely to think you don't take your business seriously. If a potential client thinks you don't take your own business seriously then why should they? Well, they won't and that just cost you money, a lot more than you would have spent on great business cards.
2. Feel
Business cards should be heavy on at least 120# card stock - and heavier is better. They shouldn't bend too easily. Imagine being at a networking event and you're handing out cards to dozens (maybe hundreds *fingers crossed*) of people you have to understand that those people are getting many other cards as well. If at the end of the night or the next morning they pull out that stack of cards but yours is ripped or crumpled they will likely throw it away because they think "I'm sure I have someone else that does a similar service in this stack." The likelihood that they'd call you to get a replacement is pretty slim too.
In addition to the weight always go with glossy or screen-printed cards. The feel is more professional and the colors and text will last longer without as much fading over time. When I worked for a VP of a larger company every few months I was asked to go through her business card Rolodex and clear out the "old" (old-looking) ones. There were some in there that were really old but they still looked great so they always stayed.
3. Color
Colors matter. I'm a huge proponent of full color and color-blocked cards. This doesn't mean I dislike white or off-white cards all the time but whenever possible I recommend the former. Cleaning companies, lawn care, or other industries that deal in "clean" benefit more from white cards, simply through the association of cleanliness with the color white. If your company has a not-so-wonderful color scheme in their logo use less of that color or sometimes it's even acceptable to go with a more understated black-and-white or gray-scale version (you'd need to confirm that this is acceptable with your company/office) and offset it with a complimentary color. Need help color picking? Try using Kuler.Adobe.com.
4. Graphics and Photos
Use high-quality and high-resolution graphics and photos. Never use Clipart. Ever. Your photo, should you choose to include one, should represent the type of business you run. If you want to attract high-end clients then you should look high-end. Laid back and friendly? Business casual. Every once in a while I come across someone that does shorts, a t-shirt, and flip-flops but this is rarely successful.
A professional designer or design firm generally has access to high-quality stock photos and graphics or can create some just for you. Nothing should be "fuzzy" on your card. Clean, sharp, crisp.
5. Avoid Clutter
Only put pertinent information on your card. Less is more. Your name, company name, your title, contact information, website address, email, and social media information (badges are great if they compliment your design) are the most important. If your services are not obvious (i.e. REALTOR®, mortgage broker, home stager, appraiser, etc.) then you can list a few of your prominent services on the back. Don't include tip charts (as a former waitress I hated when people went off these because it was never enough), "The best compliment I can receive...," inspirational quotes, etc., on the back either - this is a waste of money. A raving testimonial, logos to respected professional organizations you are a member of, or QR codes are great things to put on the back.
Don't know where to start? How about getting a custom-designed card. Contact me for more information on getting high-quality business cards and other marketing materials.
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