TOP TIPS - What does your business card say about you?

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"there's even a watermark..!"

“Here’s my card?”   How many times have you heard that phrase?

Given all the business meetings and networking opportunities out there, it’s not surprising that the majority of professionals have a business card. Even in the digital and technological age that we live in, we still rely on a little bit of card to represent our business.

The look, feel, and message on a card help people understand your business and can decide how they view you and more importantly, if they will remember you.

So, here are my top 5 tips on producing quality, informational and memorable business cards.

Tip #1 - correct information!

It may sound obvious but I have seen business cards with biro scrawled over old email addresses or telephone numbers and the new information written in tiny incomprehensible writing. Worse still, I find that the information on the card is incorrect. Business cards are so cheap these days, there’s no excuse for not having up-to-date information.

Tip #2 - double up

When someone gives me their card, I have a quick read

of the information on the front then I turn it over for more. I’ve seen other people do it, it’s just a habit. Use this space to make a lasting impression. Use an impact image or list the services you offer, if you have enough to shout about why not have a four page business card? Use the space wisely but don’t just leave it blank – it’s disappointing to turn over and find a boring white vacant space.

Tip #3 - make them stand out

Your business card will probably be added to a pile of others so make sure it stands out from the crowd. Incorporate colours into your design or have rounded corners or jagged sides. Better still, make it usable - I once received a business card that was a USB memory stick – genius!

Tip #4 - to laminate or not to laminate, that is the question

Personally I prefer laminate, it gives a more quality feel and makes them more durable. There are two options for lamination – glossy and matt. Matt gives a smooth, silky feel but be aware that if your design uses a large block of dark colour, scratching and marking can be seen over time. Gloss looks very swish but can be a bit tacky on a smaller space. However, if you have a high impact image, jazz it up with a layer of gloss.

It’s worth bearing in mind that if a lower quality laminate is used, it can peel off if the corners get bent. I suggest keeping them in a metal or plastic case to protect them and ensure they are smart when you hand them over.

Tip #5 -continuing the theme

Your business card is the starting point for your branding. If you end up working with your new contact, you are sure to write or send an email to them so don’t disappoint, ensure the visual branding continues through all of your stationery, both on and offline.

To ensure continuity throughout your branding, not only can we offer a one-stop printing service for quality letterheads, comp slips, business cards, folders and document corners, we can also provide a digital stationery pack that includes the design of

your signature for emails and letters as well as fax

notes and invoices for you to send via email.