subject: Business Card Mistakes [print this page] One of the biggest mistakes many companies make when ordering business cards is to try and save money on business card printing. You may be able to save a few pounds here and there but do not undervalue the benefit of a great business card and do not underestimate the impact of a poor quality business card.
Business cards are a reflection on the image and reputation and of you and your company! Cheap and badly designed business cards have that same reflection on you.
Bad Design
Professional graphic designers are usually well trained and have years of experience in the art of great layout. It takes great skill to produce designs that really stand out and look really professional. Many business people try and design cards themselves and in many cases, it looks like it has been done by an unskilled person. The result is potentially leaving a poor impression when you hand out your business cards.
Cheap Paper
If you choose to use a reputable professional printing company, who have expensive and high quality digital and litho printing equipment, they will have the skills, knowledge and experience to advise you of the best materials to use to produce the highest possible business cards. If you are trying to DIY your cards and are using a laser or inkjet printer, the finished result may look poor. If you are using the wrong materials, there is a risk of smudging and marking that will ruin the business cards.
Printing Process
When a professional printing company runs your business cards using either digital or lithographic printing equipment, they will have expertise in how to produce the cards to get the best end result. They will often have many years experience and have a skilled workforce, combined with expensive print production technology, they will be producing quality printing day in and day out.
Marketing tools
A business card is often an underrated form of marketing collateral and is in many cases kept by your customers and business contacts for a long time. There is an opportunity to put simple key marketing messages, Unique Selling Points or Mission Statements on your cards as they can be a punchy and direct marketing tool.
Make sure your business cards are well designed, well printed on high quality paper and you will be maximising the chance to use your cards for a positive purpose and reflecting yourself and your business in the best possible light.
