You only have one chance so be sure to print effective business cards that make a great first impression.

Why not improve your chances of making a memorable impression time and again by maximizing the use of a stylish and savvy looking business card?

At Omega Graphics, our business card printing experts have put together these seven simple, but powerful design rules for making a lasting impression with effective business cards that get noticed.

Tip #1 – Use a Photograph

When you have been in a one-to-one meeting, your business card may be remembered for a short while after it was handed over. However, as days and weeks pass, the individual you gave the card to will be much less likely to recall you and your business, unless there was a personal note written on the card to prompt their memory.

Like they say, “a picture is worth a thousand words,” so by adding a great photograph to your business card, it will not only increase that card’s value but will also make it that much easier for the individual to link you with your business card.

Tip #2 – Less is Always Better

It’s not necessary to add your entire resume to your business card. Your business card is like your elevator pitch, you have a matter of minutes, if not just seconds to sell you, your business, or your ideas. The most effective business cards contain just the relevant information necessary for the customer to know who you are, what you are about, and how to contact you. Keep it simple with plenty of space and it will be easier to read at a glance.

Tip #3 – Include the Important Information

Your business card can be used to tell others your position in the business, your brand (business name and logo), and most importantly, how to contact you. However, when printing effective business cards you must also consider what not to tell people. Share only the essential information on your business care, the rest you can share online, within your social media and through conversations you may engage in.

Tip #4 – Make Your Business Card Easy To Read

Unless you’re an artist and wish to use your business card to show off certain skills, keep your business card legible. Avoid unique fancy fonts and keep the font size large enough to be read easily. Do not try to reduce the font size to fit more words onto the card (refer back to Tip #2 and #3). You don’t want the recipient to get distracted from the core information they need to know, or worse yet, discard the business card because they couldn’t read it. You want people to be able to read and grab your information at a quick glance.

Tip #5 – Choose a Spectacular Finish

There are several effective business card design options that can help make your card stand out, such as:

·       Printing on both sides of the card

·       Using the business card as an appointment reminder

·       Adding rounded corners

·       Embossing or applying foil

Omega Graphics digital printing experts recommend that you stay with the most common business card size so that it will fit into a standard holder. You should also match your extra card embellishment choices to your industry.

Tip #6 – Print Enough So You Don’t Run Out

Having enough business cards on hand is very important. You don’t want to be left without a business card after meeting an important potential customer or networking partner. At the same time you don’t want to print too many business cards and risk them becoming outdated or irrelevant and having to be discarded. Ask our stationery printing department about our quick turnaround times so that you know when to reorder!

Tip #7 – Keep Your Print Quality Professional

You may be tempted to buy a cheap pack of blank cards from your local office supplies store and print your own business cards from home. Business card templates downloaded from the Internet make this very easy to do. However, they will never equal the quality of business stationery printing from your local print shop. You will only save a few dollars and risk looking unprofessional or not established in your industry.

Final Thoughts on Business Card Design

While business cards are just small pieces of card stock or plastic (similar in size to a credit card), they effectively represent you, your personality, and the presentation of your business brand. It may be okay to break some of these business card rules depending on your line of work and what you wish to say.

The key to a successful business card is making it professional, relevant, and appropriate for your industry.