One of the most important advertising resources you can use is a business card. People who own large or small companies and those who work for corporations in which networking or marketing products or services is a big part of the job can use a business card as an important tool for marketing. Choosing a qualified graphic designer to create your card is a crucial first step toward having this valuable networking tool.
What to Look for in a Business Card
Before you choose a graphic designer for your card, you should first know what you want. The business card that you select says a lot about you and your company. One of the first things a potential client or customer notices is the paper the card is printed on. If the quality is inferior, the customer may think that the products or services you provide are inferior. The print should be legible, but not too small or excessively large. You only have to include relevant content on the card including:
- Company name
- Your name and title
- Company logo
- Website
Eye-catching colors and an interesting logo should be used on a business card to add emphasis. People tend to remember logos, especially if they're colorful. The colors you select should compliment your company products or services. Make sure to have the card designed in a standard size that's easy to fit into a wallet.
Finding a Business Card Designer
Use a graphics designer to design your business cards, especially if you aren't familiar with the software used to design cards. You'll project a more professional image and you won't have to pay for software, which can run up to $600. There are several ways to find designers. One of them is posting the job online on a design forum or marketplace, which allows designers to compete for your project. Several designers submit designs and you choose the one you want before you pay, but this can be expensive.
Job boards in which freelancers apply for projects is an option. There are forums to find designers. You can also do a keyword search and browse designers' portfolios.
Important Traits of Business Card Designers
Your business card is a reflection of you and projects the image of your company. Even though you may have a budget, don't automatically choose the designer who offers the cheapest prices. The quality is likely to be inferior. Choose a designer who will print your cards at a reasonable price but will offer you a unique card that nobody else has. Bulk packages aren't as likely to provide the same quality that you'd get by buying smaller quantities. Make sure that the designer understands your needs so the relevant information is included on your cards.
Cost of Quality Business Cards
The cost of business cards depends on several factors including:
- Weight and thickness
- Gloss
- One-sided or two
- Shipping costs
You can compare prices offered by different companies, but some will provide you with 500 business cards for approximately $29.95. Most quality business cards are printed on 15 pt. stock, which is high quality. Usually a graphic designer will charge a set price for one-sided car, but will charge extra for both sides.
