A business card is a card with information about a person's role, company, and contact information. It is so common in the business world that we bet anyone reading this has received quite a few in the past, whether wanted or unwanted. Quality business cards make networking and contact between different companies and customers more simple and effective. Why? Well, the biggest one being that they help people remember your company. And we all know that if people remember your company, then recognition and demand for your products and services will also increase.
1. Which type of card should I get?
You're probably thinking, "Huh, there's more than one type?" That's because when people hear "business card", they often think immediately of the scene in movies where successful businessmen give out a small, horizontal card with a suave "Let me give you my card".
True, the horizontally shaped, one-sided card is probably the most traditional one. However, there are a few more types that you may or may not have seen. And because we're all about innovation here at 5by7, we've included some info on two other common types.
Vertical cards are far less common. However, when designed well, vertical business cards make the receiver stop and think twice about the card, and in turn, the company. This could help make the difference.
Pros of Vertical Cards: Highly unique, makes the receiver think twice.
Cons of Vertical Cards: Still fairly rare (though this could be a pro, too).
Multi-purpose, or double-duty cards show information on the back of the card as well as the front. There are three common kinds.
The first type is where various information can go on the back, commonly being coupons or special offers, a map of the company location, bullet points on which products and services the company offers, or any other such information.
The second type is where the other side is a translation of the first side into another language. This type of business card is common if your company is involved in production in another country/language area. It makes communication easier, especially with people who don't speak English.
One other type of double-duty card shows just the logo and the company name on the front of the card, with other typical information going on the back. This can present a pleasant and attractive picture.
Pros of Double-Duty Cards: Can offer receivers of the card more specific information or special offers/coupons that act as incentives, can offer information in two different languages.
Cons of Double-Duty Cards: Takes up space and might give off a "cluttered" feel, more expensive.
2. What information should go on my business card?
Most people probably know the basics of what goes on a business card, but as human memory is limited (unfortunately), we've included a checklist here to remind you and some optional suggestions to help you out.
a. Your name - This will be your first and last name, and it will be featured prominently on the business card.
b. Your title - What role do you play in your organization? Manager, service representative, or something else? This should go near your name.
c. Your company's name and logo - The company or organization's name should also be featured prominently on the card. The logo of the company should appear next to the name.
d. Your/your company's mailing address - This should be found near your contact phone number and e-mail address.
e. Your phone number - Home, mobile, and/or office.
f. Your fax number -Self-explanatory.
g. Your e-mail address -This is very important, especially in our digital, modernized world, even more so if your company is mainly web-based.
The above seven elements are necessary ones for your business card. There are also some optional ones that you might want to consider:
a. Description of your company - you might want to add your company's catchphrase or slogan onto the card.
b. Products and services that your company offers - main ones in bullet points to help remind the reader.
c. Pictures or designs - these can brighten up the business card or make it stand out if applied well.
3. How will my business card actually be designed?
Hiring a graphics design company that specializes in business card design is the best option to go. Firstly, you save time and money that you would have wasted by attempting something that others specialize in. Secondly, you receive guaranteed best results from specialists of card design who have designed countless successful cards on an international scale before.
Once you contact the design company, the process will be simple:
a. Fill out the form that the design company presents to you. It will be usually about the information that will go on the card.
b. The designers will contact you with a few draft editions. You can either select one of them, or raise some points that you would like to be changed. In the latter case, the designers will keep working with you on your card until you are satisfied.
c. If you choose to have the same company print your cards as well, which is the most convenient and easy method, the company will handle the entire printing process. This includes issues such as cut, paper quality, bleeds, coating, etc. After they deliver to you, then congratulations! You now have new, beautiful pieces of yourself to give out to others.
4. High-End Printing Options
If your company is looking into getting high end cards printed, then fear not; there are plenty of ways to achieve this! At 5by7, we use many techniques that produce quality, premium high end cards that clients are always satisfied with.
Here are examples of some of the techniques that we employ (and don't worry if you don't understand at first, if you do print with us, we'll take care of the technical aspects for you):
a. Die-Cutting: Do you want to be super unique and stand out from the rest? If so, you might consider printing die-cut business cards. These are business cards that are in different shapes and sizes, different from the average horizontal size specifications.
b. Embossing: Do you want to add some elegance and class to your business cards? You can do this through embossing, which is a special type of printing that creates a "raised-up" effect, so that the texture feels better than just normal cards.
c. Spot-Coating: Do you want certain areas of your cards to shine? This can be done through spot-coating, which allows selected areas to give off a shine/glow through application of a glossy coat of UV over the areas.
d. Matt Lamination: Do you want your cards to cause clients to fall in love at "first touch"? Matt lamination enables business cards to have a smooth and silky finish, creating the ultimate overall effect.
Handing out a business card is similar to handing out a bit of yourself; although feather light and small in size, it cannot be more representative of your company. Therefore, investing in creating quality business cards that can further your company's international achievement is not only important, but also wise.
Your source on all things related to printing, design, and merchandise, whether it be designing new logos, brochures, business cards, corporate branding, corporate merchandise, etc. Excellent and friendly staff and valuable information at your disposal: www.go5by7.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Liz_S_Sun
