Free Business Cards. Tips for business cards. These free business card tips will help.

Business Card Design Tips

Be creative but avoid being too cute
Pull out all of the business cards that you have collected over the years and look for some that stand out. If they stand out in your mind, they have a good chance of standing out in the minds of those that you will give them to.

One option is to put your photo on your business card - but there are pros and cons to doing this:

Business cards with photos can be easier to locate when in a large pile due to the fact that they usually have more color than the typical business card.
A business card with your photo on it will help a new contact find you in a meeting or help to differentiate you in a group of people. If you often make initial contact with someone by phone or email, sending him or her a business card with your photo on it before you meet in person is a thoughtful gesture.
Photos add cost, not only in printing but also in having a good quality photo taken.
Your hairstyle and clothing in your photo can date you. If you do not make new business cards often, with updated photos that can be a distinct disadvantage.

Design to communicate
Your business card should communicate the essential information clearly and quickly. Remember, your name and numbers are the most important things on a business card.

Whether you are creating business cards for the first time or updating your existing card to improve your image, your business card is the handshake you leave behind. Be sure it reflects your professionalism, your skills and your ability to provide the product or service your prospects require.

Your business card is your initial introduction to potential clients and customers. If designed and presented correctly, your business cards can be a powerful tool to show clients you are professional and customer oriented. Business cards traditionally come in a standard 2 x 3-1/2 size and are commonly printed on 100# or 12pt-14pt card stock. Many printers have the ability to print full color custom graphics and pictures on the front and back of your business cards and business post cards. Research has shown that business cards printed in four colors (full color) will attract more attention than one printed in black & white (two color).

Your business cards should reflect your professionalism and skills. It is what people will use to remember you and contact you. Unfortunately, business cards are small, making it tough to design a card that makes an impact. So remember to create your business cards in a way that utilizes color. Make business cards stand out from the rest so you won't be forgotten.

Normal Specs

Many printers have the ability to print full color custom graphics and pictures on the front and back of your cards. You can even create and design your card right online. Your business card is your introduction to potential clients and customers. Make a lasting impression on them with your custom printed full color business cards.

Important Information

Business cards generally consist of a single card stock sheet with an individual's contact information, including name, company name, and company address, phone, fax, email, and website address. If you need to include a great deal of information, use the back side of the card as well.

Size, Paper Stock, and Color

Most business cards are printed on 100-lb. glossy, professional white or off-white stock. This is generally the least expensive option. Many business choose to use specialty stocks to give their business cards extra flair.

Choose your stock carefully. The stock you choose can say as much about you and your company as the words the business card contains. You can choose a vivid, eye-catching color, a subtle textured stock, or stock with high recycled content, among others. Each type of paper makes a statement about you and your company.

Over the last several years - full color has become much less expensive. Since the vast majority of business cards are printed in black ink on white card stock, adding color is a very simple way to make your business cards stand out.

Use heavy stock

The weight of your business card leaves an important impression with your contacts. A heavier business card will make a better impression. Paper can be measured in weight or thickness. 100#text is measured in weight. 14pt is measured in thickness. It can be difficult to differentiate between the two unless you know both weight and thickness. The size paper comes from the mill is called "parent" or "basis" size and it differs with different kinds of paper. That is why "80#cover" is heavier than "100#text." The point system on the other hand, measures paper thickness, not weight and is often used with coated papers. Make sure you talk to the printer about the type of paper they print your business cards on.