Business Cards: 5 effective design myths busted

Let's start with the first one, shall we?

"The BIGGER the BETTER".

As a graphic designer, many times I have a new client that wants me to make every word in the design bigger, as if we were designing a billboard. The truth is, when designing a business card, the person will not be looking at the information from afar. Instead, the person will have the business card in their hands, up-close. Keep a clean and concise design makes your impression more professional. The focus should be on the name of the company and niche. Everything else should be a moderate size to keep a sleek look and feel to the design. How many times have you received a business card that was so busy it made you not like it immediately, even before you read it? That is what you're trying to avoid.

"The more information you show the more the customer will learn."

Wrong! Keep your information simple and direct. Do not overload a business card as if it were a flyer or brochure. Many times I ask the client for the most popular services they provide. This list can be placed on the back of the business card in a vertical direction, opposed to the traditional one-sided horizontal design. At the very bottom you can always add "and much more," "as us what else we offer," or anything else that may suite your criteria.

"A telephone number is enough."

We live in the information age. The telephone for some people is so last year. They rather be people to look up information on a website or talk through someone via e-mail. Again, this is not everyone. This is why it's best to know your customer and how they would more than likely be contacting you. You might want to also try to include all avenues of communication, but remembering to keep the text at a moderate size. Many companies now are even placing their FaceBook address. Try as many contact streams as possible without overdoing it. You do not want to have more contact information that actual business information.

"Promoting all your services will land you more customers."

This one here is something I personally have to fight with on a daily basis. Besides being a graphic designer, I'm also commercial printer, music promoter, and a marketing consultant amongst many other services. Imagine if I was to write all of this on a business card. First impression might be that I'm not successful any in field if I have to do so much work. For the most part all my services go hand-in-hand, but the truth is people want to know that you are 100% dedicated to what you offer. You want to embody the vision of a master in your niche. If you do more than just one thing, then create a business card for each industry you take part of. Once your relationship with your prospect turns into a loyal client you have learned more about their needs, you would know if they are interested in your other services.

"The traditional matte print is for professionals."

Many times I have older clients that want the matte print rather than the new glossy card-stock. Matte prints have a longer turn-around time and are more expensive than glossy prints. There shouldn't be any shame in using glossy business cards. They last longer and have a nice shine. In the exception that you would like to write on your business cards with a pencil or pen, then matte is the way to go. The ink doesn't stick to the glossy prints.

To review. The only thing big on your business card should be your company's name or niche. Keep a small bullet point list of the most popular services you provide. Know your demographic and what would be the most useful contact information to provide. Finally, keep it short and sweet. List only one niche per business card and there is no shame in glossy prints.

If you follow the advice above your business card can help you land more leads and generate more clients.

Business Cards: 5 effective design myths busted

By: Fillup Banks

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