Business Cards

Success is in the cards when yours conveys the right message.

Once you have your logo it is time to incorporate it into the marketing items you will use most, like your business cards. A good business card will convey the overall image of your company in an accurate and professional manner. This is not an easy task, considering most business cards measure 2 x 3 inches. Although you cannot expect your company business card to tell the whole story, you can expect it to present a positive and professional image that people will remember.

Your card's appeal and ability to convey your company image has much to with the color, wording and texture of the card. Use common sense when designing your card. If your company markets children's games you might try a card with bright primary colors and words written in child's script. On the other hand, if you run a financial consulting firm your card should convey a professional and reliable image. With this in mind, you may want to stick to a traditional look such as black printing on a gray, ivory, or white background.

Many professional designers claim entrepreneurs should not attempt a business card design on their own. Even so, many cash-strapped business owners have little or no options. In this instance, reviewing the inventory of cards you may already have from other businesses and then emulating any combination of the cards that most appeal to you may be a good idea. You have more leeway if you are in a creative business such as party planning or retailing, but in general you should keep the following tips in mind:

• Use your logo as the basis. Make it the largest element on the card.
  
• Do not make the card an unusual shape.
  
• Keep it simple. Do not cram too much information on the card.
  
• Do include the essentials - your name, title, company name, address, phone and fax numbers and e-mail address.
  
• Make sure the lettering you choose is easily readable.