You may have heard that there is multiple places on the Internet that offer free business card deals. Now Yes that is correct but not all free business card companies are the same. One should be especially carefull when selecting a company to order your free business cards from. Now I have not ordered business cards from all of the services that offer them ,but I have done from quite a lot of them and out of all the companies I did try the one company that came out on top was Vistaprint. They are probably the most reputable company on the Internet and have been around for a good number of years. And their long standing history gives them a very good name in the business card industry. And now I use them for all my printing needs.
Business cards are the first thing that a client will be given that will give them the initial information about who you are and what your about. In order to give your client a good first impression about you, you are going to want your business card to be something that will get their attention straight away. It needs to have that something extra that will stick in their minds and make them remember you by your card. It is widely known that the human mind has an extremely effective visual memory, even more so than the textual memory, which means that the mind of the average person finds it far simpler to remember pictures rather than words or names. So if your Business Card has an image or some kind of picture that they will remind them of you, then you have ingrained your business or service in that client’s memory forever. they will from then associate you with that card or image for many years to come.
To make your Business card easily remembered, it will need to be flashy and bright. For someones business card to be striking, I would make one that has a few key ingredients, I would give it a brightly colored background, I would give it shiny, glossy paper and I would make the text nice and bold. To make even more interesting you could give it an odd shape, perhaps rounded corners, or serrated edges or something like that. I have seen many different business cards over the years and the ones that I remember the most are always the more interesting ones.
The very first business cards were actaully called visiting cards and were used from as far back as the early 17th Century in central Europe. The cards were normally larger than todays more traditional cards and the giver of the card wrote things such as greeting’s, signatures and promissory notes basically what ever they want to relay to the person they were leaving them for. A Person that offered such business cards was often held in higher respect in society. If you were given one of these greeting cards from someone it was a big privilege and something that you would cherish for quite some time.
If you are considering ordering some business cards, then here is a few things to consider before paying someone your hard earned money. First of all there is paper quality, you do not have to buy expensive high quality paper, although they do produce better results. If you are working to a budget then cheaper cardboards can give you great looking cards at a much more affordable rate. To make sure that your business cards will stand the test of time and last a long period of time then thicker card or laminated cards are always be better.
Whether this is your first attempt at designing your business cards or you are a seasoned pro, remember, “Keep it Simple”! There is nothing worse than a hard to read card crammed from top to bottom with text, so try to keep it to a minimum. All you need are the very basics just make sure your contact details are CLEAR and easy to read.
Business Name
Your Name
Your contact details (including email)
Logo
Your logo can be a simple representation of your industry e.g. building blocks for an Architect, TV for a TV repair man. Dont let it take over the business card to the point where you cant read the contact details. If you do decide to use detail in your image, then make sure it is clear and legible. People want to be able to know what you do at a glance, if its too complicated – well it may end up in the trash.
In all my years of being in the industry Ive seen cards made out of many different things, some shaped like animals and others covered in soft material. If youre a girl who loves all things pink and purple thats fine but just dont go over board on your business card. If you want people to take you seriously then you will need to be sensible, go easy on frills and sparkles and bling. Business cards can quite easily be so last week! The trends are slowly changing when it comes to promoting your business and anything goes, but try to keep away from dull business cards. I have found heaps of creative ways to get your business name out there, such as funky pens, fridge magnets, mouse pads, matchbooks, notebooks, the list goes on and on.
I have found heaps of creative ways to get your business name out there, such as funky pens, fridge magnets ( who doesnt need more of those? ) mouse pads, matchbooks, notebooks. The ideas are endless and if you get them printed in bulk the cost is quite reasonable. Think about it for a more moment if you will – someone hands you some plain business cards with stuff printed on it that you will put in your pocket, go home and your wife throws it out when shes doing the laundry. OR someone gives you a funky fridge magnet! Now thats something that wouldnt get thrown out in the laundry.
There are heaps of fun ways to get your name out there and business cards are not the only way. Have you seen the Lego men? You get your name printed on the front and your details on the back. Not only are these novel and fun but they certainly grab plenty of attention. Another unusual idea that takes business cards to the limit, and will be commercially available soon, is meat cards. Yes meat cards made from dried meat – jerky style. I suppose practically speaking this does seam a little odd, not to mention the mess in your wallet, and the fact that people are eating your information! For a Butcher giving them away and giving people a taste at the same time might be a good idea perhaps for a big opening sale?
