Come on, now - when you start a business (apart from giving it a name and a logo) who doesn't get all excited about having a business card with your name on it? Or perhaps you think business cards have gone with the dinosaurs because of digital marketing?
Well, it's time to get excited again because this is what makes them even more special:
Handing over your business card has a timeless and personal touch.
Business cards also support your professional image - it says that you are organised enough to have one and that you've invested a bit of money into buying one.
But now, the most important thing about having a business card - make sure it doesn't look like a horror show.
YOUR CARD DESIGN
Having a business card gives you that professional edge - but you can't just hand out any old rubbish. Your card will have your name and business name all over it, so you need to create the right lasting impression - one that people will take away with them.
There are many tools you can use to design your card, depending on your skill level. Most companies that allow you to order cards online will have a design facility, with templates for you to customise. Otherwise you could use the free graphic tool Canva to design your card from scratch.
When designing your card, be mindful that you give all the relevant information (i.e. don't miss anything out and don't overload it!). Treat a business card like someone has handed you a pen and paper, then simply asked for your contact details:
People just want to know who you are and how to get hold of you.
5 BUSINESS CARD DO'S
Here are my all-important must-haves, to make sure you design a winner.
1. Full Name (first name and surname) & Business Title
It might be cool to just have your initials but don't make it awkward for people to remember the basics - your name. And you own your business, so let people exactly who they are talking to - the Business Owner.
Make these things prominent on your card design.
2. Professional Email Address (yourname@yourdomainname.com)
Having a free email address like Hotmail or Yahoo, isn't going to win you brownie points. An email address with your business name gives you creditably and helps people to trust you. It's shows gone through time, money and effort to look co-ordinated and that your emails aren't just going into their personal inbox.
How to get a professional email address
STEP 1. You will need to purchase a domain name to be able to integrate this into your email address.
PSSST! But you don't need to have a website just because you have bought a domain name.
STEP 2. A good place to start looking for your domain would be 123 Reg.com this can be as little as 99p for the first year.
STEP 3. You can buy your email address and hosting from your domain provider but I recommend using G Suite from Gmail at around £4 per month because it comes with a whole heap of business features.
3. Direct Contact Number
Give people your mobile number and direct dial - or whichever one you have for work purposes. And make sure you have set up a professional voicemail, i.e. one you have recorded yourself because if your contact gets through to your work colleague or automated menu, that will be frustrating,
4. Website Address
By including your web address, people will be able to find things like your social links, the services you offer, how much you cost and all other details about your business because these should all be on your website. So no need to squeeze them onto your business card.
5. Branding
Obviously include your business name / logo and possibly your tag, if it fits nicely. Keep the font style and colours to your brand palette, for an easily recognisable design.
HIGH QUALITY PRODUCT
Go for a thick card with a nice finish. This will cost more but business cards aren’t flyers, so you need quality over quantity: you will be handing these out personally to your network and potential clients, therefore investing a bit of money at this stage is worth it.
There are funky variations on card sizes and shapes but make sure you get something that will fit into the card holder of a wallet or purse. Moo.com are very good in quality but I recommend supporting your local print shop and buying your cards from them.
REMEMBER: Relevant details | Business Branding | Quality over quantity | Support your local Printers
BUSINESS CARDS DON'TS
Graphics – the card has a small surface area, so don’t go crazy with too many graphics
Photographs - I would stay away from photographs of yourself. It's just a bit weird.
Text size – don’t go too tiny, if you haven’t jam-packed your card with unnecessary info you won’t need to
Colour - stick to your brand palette
WHAT NOW?
If you've just started a small business and need professional help designing the branding / logo, this is one of my fortes, do please check out my Branding package, which includes a Business Card design, here:
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BIG KISSES
Claire x