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What will make business cards an effective tool for your business?

Back in the distant past, a simple introduction or business card was the social norm. There was a presentation ritual and various formalities to observe in the hope of obtaining the desired result.

How times have changed! In our modern times your business card should be a strong component in your business stationery armoury. Your business card design should ensure that it works crisply and effectively and brings business to you, as any other proficient worker does.

The passing of the years has brought us a vast array of available options in the materials, printing systems and design techniques that are on offer. So it's back the the basic script again to decide, not what can be done, but what needs to be done to give you the best result.

A blank business card is not much use to promote your business. What should be printed on your card to encourage more business?

If you consider that your business cards need to form part of a cohesive group of printed stationery items, then you can decline the more extreme options on offer. I can't tell you what is best for you, nor can any printer unless your whole picture or plan is placed on the table for consideration. Piecemeal decisions are not really a good idea... for the best results develop a plan and follow it.

Which of these options will get great results for you?

Working to your predetermined goals, select those business card techniques that present your business in its best light, and which make it easy for your prospect or customer/client to make a positive business decision in your direction.

Would a simple single colour business card work for you - clean, crisp and uncluttered
A two colour business card would allow you to have a logo colour and a separate text colour
Multi or full colour business cards can be effective but can also look very 'busy'
Photographic business cards are another option if appropriate - but can be hard to read
Die cut business cards can give you a specific shape to suit your business image

Has this happened to you?

You get your business card file, and as you look through the cards you find ones that you haven't got a clue about! Some don't even identify what kind of business activity the owner performs. Oh well!... another card for the bin!

Is that the fate of many of your current business cards? Are you really sure about that? Here are a few ideas that can add value to your business card.

Font size and style - is your card easily and quickly readable?
Does your card clearly show your name, phone, fax, email and web addresses?
Is it clearly stated what business you are involved in?
Does your card show your USP (Unique Selling Proposition)
Is there a call to action on the card to encourage the reader to contact you?
NOTE THIS IDEA - Is there a place for your client to write details of their initial contact?
Do you need room on your card to write appointment or other client details?
Ensure that both sides of your business cards can be written on - with any common writing instrument

That's all very well, I can hear you say, but how is all that going to fit on my card?

Making it all microscopic isn't the answer, so you can (even should) use both sides of your card. Any extra printing cost is minimal and the advantage is huge.

Still not enough space? If you have a story or plenty to tell, you can use a Fold-over or "Tent" card that reduces to the standard size for easy retention. Now you have plenty of space to make your business card work hard as an efficient salesperson.

For more information on particular card types please see the index in the left column or the topic links below.

One Colour Business Cards.
Business Cards don't necessarily need to be complicated. A single colour card could be ideal for your business. Just make sure it enhances your business and doesn't cheapen it.

Two Colour Business Cards.
Adding a second colour for more options. A two colour card allows you to include more of the personality of your business. Keep it clean and readable for best results.

Full Colour Business Cards.
With the full colour Business Card comes the need to use caution. Don't get carried away and produce a spectacular but overwhelming business card. Confusing and difficult to read is not your goal!

Photographic Business Cards.
Having your photographic image on your business card conveys a feeling of trust. We are naturally drawn to look at faces rather than other images. Adding an element of activity can also work well.

Die-Cut Business Cards.
Great when the shape of your Business Cards immediately conveys the identity of your business. These can be very effective, but consider where it will end up! You could have a problem if it doesn't fit in the usual card file.

Business Cards Software.
When you prefer to design your business cards yourself, you will find suggestions here to help you decide which software you may need, and where to find it in order download the program to your computer.

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Business Cards 101.

What will make business cards an effective tool for your business?

Which of these options will get great results for you?

Has this happened to you?

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