Do’s and Don’ts of Business Cards

Do go for something unique. London-based Moo creates business cards in which you can upload multiple photos for different business cards. Moo is best for those who need a short print run – you can order business cards in packs of 50. Besides that, you can upload 50 images to be used on 50 cards. This is great if you have an ever-changing inventory and you want to show off that inventory with your business cards. One jewelry maker says she can reorder cards with her newest creations featured. I’m guessing she can also tell a potential client: “Here are some sample photos of my work” (which are her business cards), and then she can give the client a business card with the sample of work he liked.

Do keep the design simple. Use clean lines, and one or two colors max (unless you have more colors in your logo – it’s okay for your logo to be in full color). Use lots of white space, or empty space, so as not to clutter the design. If you put too much text and design in a small space like a business card, it will be hard to read.

Do update your cards with new information. If you have a change of address, title, phone number – whatever, you need to update your cards. Scribbling out the old address to put in the new doesn’t look professional and could cost you a client. It also says “I’m too cheap to buy new business cards,” which is not an image you want to convey.

Don’t let your business cards sit around in a holder all the time. The point of getting business cards is to distribute them, right? Don’t leave your business cards at home or in your office when you’re going out – have some with you at all times. Leave them on the counter of coffee shops. Hang them on community bulletin boards. Get them into people’s hands.

Don’t ignore the back of your card. It’ll cost you a little extra, but putting some useful info on the back of your card will help to keep it from being thrown in the trash. You can put a 3-month calendar, emergency phone numbers, cooking measurements (if you’re in the cooking business) or any other kind of useful on the back, you’ve given people another reason to keep your card.

Don’t print your own business cards. Many people use the perforated cards that you can print at home on an inkjet printer. These cards often look unprofessional and people can feel the perforations around the card. That screams “homemade.” Spend another $10 or $20 to get it done right the first time with an online printing company. You can get professional quality business cards for little more than the DIY home kits. It’s well worth it.