Even in this age of high technology, business cards still play an important role in building your image.
Social media and mobile devices have changed the way we network today, but face-to-face contact is still vital and the business card is still the main way of exchanging contact information in such settings. Of course, the card of today differs from those in the past in that it should include complete electronic contact information including social media links.
Business Cards Develop your Image and Brand
The image you project to others can often mean the difference between business success and failure. Your image plays a central role in whether others will trust you enough to purchase your products or services.
In order to create an impression of professionalism, trustworthiness, reliability and integrity, you must pay close attention to the design of your business cards. Avoid using template designs found on popular software applications like Microsoft Word and Adobe Photoshop.
The template designs might appear too familiar and “cookie cutter” to project the right image. Instead create a highly customised design that develops your own brand and gives the impression of uniqueness. You want to stand out from among the crowd so that existing and potential clients take notice of you.
Do Not Skimp on Quality
While it may be tempting to use cheaper quality card stock and printing in order to save money, this might not be such a good idea in the end. While you can print more, the idea behind the business card is to create an invitation of sorts to do business with you.
Now, if you notice most formal invitations are created with high quality materials and printing. They are formal in design and you want your business cards to have the same quality. Of course, there are exceptions to this depending on the exact type of business involved.
For example, is you have a party catering company, then you probably will want a more fun design that projects the type of experience that you offer. However, even in such cases, it is important that the card should have a professional look and feel.
If you use cheap low-quality business cards, then customers may get the feeling that you also provide low quality service and products.
Should I Use Professionals?
Professional graphic designers can create business cards that will stand out, but such services can also be expensive. In many cases, it is possible to design cards that will do the job on your own.
However, at the same time, it is probably better to use a professional printer for your business cards. The exceptions will be cases in which your company has high quality bulk printing capability. Do not depend on inkjet printers for your business cards!
Instead, you will need a high quality colour or black-and-white laser printer and high quality card stock. If you have these already in the office, then it can make sense to print your own business cards. Otherwise, it is probably better to use a professional printing company.
Since printers order materials in bulk, they can often give you significant discounts when you make large orders. Therefore, you can save money by ordering a large number of business cards all at once rather than repeatedly making small orders.
Business Card Design
In order to make the right impression and to capture the attention of clients or customers, you business card design must stand out. One common mistake is stuffing too much information in the card.
You do not want the business card to be too “busy” with tightly packed text that is difficult to read. Leave plenty of “white space” that makes it easy for the reader’s eyes to distinguish the key elements on the card.
Use text that is large enough to read easily without squinting and make sure that there is sufficient contrast between background and text colour as not to make reading difficult. Of course, you should include your logo in order to help establish your brand.
In many cases, it is also a good idea to include your picture on the business card. This can be true especially for professional consultants. Otherwise, it is often advisable to include images as these tend to capture people’s attention.
For example, a real estate business might include a photo of an attractive home or lot on their business cards.
Some businesses use special glossy card stock, raised printing and other techniques to make their business cards stand out. Whether these techniques are appropriate will depend on the type of business involved and on your personal style. Lawyers, for example, might want to avoid anything too flashy, but instead stick with cards that project an image of sobriety and integrity that people tend to associate with this profession.
Author Bio
Stan is the owner and manager of one of the best printing companies in Australia. Using the very latest in technology, he provides a superior level of business card printing Sydney clients are grateful to have access to. This year, Stan plans to expand his business throughout Australia and open his first store internationally in New Zealand.
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