Wondering how to create an ultimate business card – the one that is aimed to convert prospects into customers? The ideal business card should tell people what your business entails, but it should be tiny at the same time.
Step #1: Decide your preferred print location
This can vary from varied options. There are three basic options to use, as follows:
Do it on your own
If you have faith in yourself and think that you can print professionally, you can give it a shot. However, if you feel that you are not skilled enough, consider outsourcing. Don’t go ahead and end up destroying your chances of gaining leads through quality first impression. Once you feel confident, use the online templates to make the design and buy quality card paper.
Choose a local printer
This might seem costly at first, but it is the best option for personalized help.
Use an online printer
It’s practically a walk in the park using one of these online printers. It is, therefore, the most recommended option to work with. Besides, it delivers a professional feel and looks to the cards, not affecting the costs.
Only commence with the designing process once you have discovered where you will print.
Step #2: Choose the ideal paper
It is quite imperative to pick the best material for your business card. This is something that you will use to create contacts and leads, so it makes perfect sense of investing quality into it. The same way you would use resume writers.com to get an ideal resume for a job is the same way you need to use the best items to come up with your business card.
Depending on the type of card you’re making, either flashy or straightforward, the papers differ. Here are some of the options on the table to consider:
Glossy and matte
These are two of the most common choices made on business cards. They both have an excellent appeal and finish; therefore, the choice of which to use is your preference. However, the glossy finish preferred for those who either have lots of colors or images on their business cards. This to ensure that all the elements pop perfectly.
On the other hand, matte would be great
if you are seeking a more classy and dull finish, the matte choice would be great. It is also recommended for denser texts. If your business involves networking and meeting up people at events and conferences, then it is not advisable to use the glossy paper. This is because it is hard to write on, and people may need to take a few notes about the conversation you have at the back for memory. And failure to have this provision may give your business the cold shoulder.
Paper stock
This is the thickness of the paper in use. Based on different purposes, you may either need a thick or light paper. There are three variants to choose from, including standard, signature, and ultra-thick. The signature option is the best to use, but the most common variant is the standard option.
Standard vs. special shapes
Going for a standard form of the card paper is not only professional but also saves you the extra costs of designing a special shape paper. Unless your business goes around events and gigs, you don’t need to make irregular shapes for your card. The good thing about the irregular shapes is that they are unique and thus, not easy to come off the mind effortlessly.
Using unusual materials
This is an option many don’t seem to consider, but you can be unique and set yourself aside from the competition. For example, you can use metals, wood, slate, and transparent plastic. Although it may cost you a bit more, it is guaranteed to leave behind a lasting impression. However, don’t make it so queer that it becomes hard to store in pockets and cardholders.
Step #3: Decide what info you want to include on the card
Remember, as you figure out what information you want to place on your card, have in mind space. This is a tiny card and not a company magazine. Therefore, try to be as brief as possible by adding only what is considered vital information. A good business card should have the following; your names, the business name, job title you hold, telephone number for the company, personal phone number, your email address, and company website address. Those are essential items that shouldn’t miss.
However, if you must add any extras, here are some to consider; your physical address, company logo, tagline, social media handles, your picture, fax number, QR code, and approved certifications.
Step #4: Design the card
Now comes one of the trickiest parts of it all – the designing process. You can use several options, but these are some of the best to consider:
Design a template yourself
If you’re good at it, you don’t need help from someone else to make the best design. If you are a fast learner, you can use the internet as a guide and equally learn from a friend who maybe handles designs.
Use an existing template
There are many of these online and even on your computer. It is the cheapest and fastest option if you have a limited budget. You can also use online printing companies to get the templates ready and fill in your details.
Get a professional to do the job
For as little as $5 on freelance sites, you can get someone to create the design for you. However, if you are looking for impeccable quality, you might want to pay a little more for professional designers.
Work directly with the company you chose for printing
Some printing firms offer the whole package that includes the design. Take advantage of this to save on costs and get value for money.
Step #5: Consider a customized finish
This is the last step after the design is complete, and the card is ready for printing. Depending on the printing firm you choose, there are different printers available for use. Some will produce ordinary cards, while others will have a finer and more elegant finish. Some of the custom finishes include the following:
Letter pressing
This pushes the paper down while the inking process continues, instead of raising the paper.
Foil stamping
This produces a shiny and reflective effect.
Embossing
It is used to draw attention to specific segments on the business card.
Devote as much time as it’s needed to create your card, as it is a very important thing to help you run a business.
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