Business Card Wording and Design
Tips for Creating Unique Promotional Cards for Networking
Nov 23, 2008
Business cards are a very important promotional tool. The choices for design can be overwhelming but it is worth the effort to carefully choose the right image to create a brand. Often, businesses tie their web, stationary, PowerPoint template (and other document templates such as invoices, receipts and order forms), and packaging design together to create a promotional package.
Find a designer or design firm that has a solid track record for creating unique and memorable designs. Ask to see a portfolio of their work to make sure you like their style.
Designing Business Cards
There are many decisions to make when designing a business card or working with a design firm. Some businesses spent a large amount of money to produce very unique business cards that make a strong first impression. Start by collecting business cards from a trade show or other event and sort them to determine what elements appeal to you and make a card stand out.
Some of the many design options include:
- Horizontal layout (traditional) or vertical format
- Including a head shot or photo of a product
- Special shape (dye cutting)
- Folds
- One or two sided printing – some print in full color on one side and black and white on the reverse
- Raised ink
- Embossing
- Metallic inks and papers
- Full color, three color, two color or one color
Some questions to consider when designing an unforgettable business card are:
- Does your card stand out from others?
- Does your card clearly identify your product or service with its design?
- Is this a card you are proud to hand out?
Font Choice
Remember that you want your card to be easily read. Script fonts, highly stylized or low impact fonts can reduce readability.
Ink and Paper Choice
If you are printing in full color, then the choice of card to print on is limited by cards that will accept full color printing. If you are printing in one or two colors, then you can print on a wide variety of card stock. Visit a print shop and look at a variety of sample card stock to see what is available. Consider various textures, colors, weights and price points.
Business Card Text
The text on a business card in addition to a company logo can include:
- First and last name
- Title
- Office phone
- Cell phone
- Fax
- Reception phone
- Head Office contact info
- Web site
- Slogan, catch phrase, values, mission, vision
- One word description of services or products
An effective marketing and promotional strategy includes a business card that will make an impact. Taking the time to carefully design a business card that makes a statement will start networking conversations and encourage business deals.
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