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Dos and Don’ts for Better Business Cards
Aug 16th, 2010 by

Your business cards are more than mere pieces of paper – they are, quite literally, your calling cards, and people will view them as a direct extension of your business. For this reason, it’s important to create cards that are memorable and effective at conveying your message. Better business cards means better business overall, and who couldn’t use a little boost in that department? Here are some dos and don’ts for improving the effectiveness of your business cards:

  • DO make your cards as useful as possible. Beyond the basics, like your name, contact info and job or company description, what kind of information do you have on your card? Why would someone hold on to it if they don’t immediately need to get in touch with you? If you can’t answer these questions right away, it’s time for a change. Try including a map and directions to your business on the back of the card, a tipping chart or abbreviated takeout menu for a restaurant, a measurements or conversions chart, or a small calendar.
  • DO think beyond the basic paper-and-ink model. Who says a business card has to be on actual card stock? Think outside of the (rectangular) box and try a refrigerator magnet, sticker or mini-brochure instead.
  • DO explore the possibilities offered by mini-brochures. A folded card can give you the space you need to share more information about you or your business. This can be particularly useful if your business is highly specialized and requires a lot of explanation, or if you work freelance and offer many different services.
  • DON’T make a long list of the services you offer. While mentioning a few of your specialties can be helpful, if you list dozens of different services, you risk limiting yourself to only those tasks – or, even worse, coming off as a “jack of all trades” with no real focus or expertise.
  • DON’T overdose on information. A little goes a long way when it comes to business cards. Keep in mind that the space you have to work with is extremely limited and that too much text crammed into a small space will only make readers’ eyes glaze over – and land your business card squarely in the nearest trash can.

Overall, don’t be afraid to challenge people’s expectations of what a business card can do – but also keep your central goal of providing basic information in mind.

Why Every Photographer Needs Photography Business Cards
Nov 24th, 2009 by

Photography can be a lucrative and creatively rewarding profession – but it can also be a tricky line of work. Most photographers rely on freelance work for the majority of their income, while others than are employed by a particular organization or media outlet still welcome the additional income that freelance work can produce. Because of this, every professional photographer must understand the value of networking, and the absolute necessity of that most important of networking tools: The business card. Photography business cards are an excellent way for any photographer, from the aspiring amateur right up to the top pros in the field, to get his or her name out there to the masses.

Once you’ve invested in a great set of photography business cards, you may wonder how you ever got by without them! You’ll be surprised by just how many opportunities you have to give out your card to interested parties and potential clients. For instance, actors, comedians, musicians and other performers all need photographs for promotional purposes. Families may require wedding photos, pictures of babies or children, or even professional photos of the entire family to proudly display in a handsome frame above the fireplace. Small business owners may need pictures that showcase their stores, offices or products in a flattering light in order to entice customers via flyers, brochures and catalogs. Once you have these photography business cards at your fingertips, you’ll find thousands of ways to distribute them, and your client base will increase by leaps and bounds.

Unlike regular, boring business cards that feature little more than a company logo and contact information in black print on a plain white background, photography business cards offer a fantastic way to display a little bit of your work to potential clients. Instead of including only your name, phone number and e-mail address on simple cardstock, why not showcase one of your photographs with a vibrant, full color card? A professional online printing company can help you create a dynamic full color photography business card from one of your images in no time, and provide a quick turnaround time, which means that you’ll have your finished product in your hands and ready to distribute in a matter of days. Creating a beautiful full color business card from one of your own photographs may sound difficult, but with the dedicated professionals on call, you’ll have all the help you’ll need every step of the way.

photographer business cardsEvery photographer needs professional, full color photography business cards in his or her marketing arsenal. With these cards in your pocket, you no longer have to tell new acquaintances that you’re a photographer – you can show them, by offering them a sample of your work on one of these exciting cards. Best of all, business cards are one of the most basic and cost-effective marketing tools available. Instead of buying ad space or sending out multiple mailings to gain attention for your photography, invest in business cards that you can use whenever you see fit. Don’t make the mistake of being caught without a card; instead, keep your work and your name on everyone’s lips with multipurpose photography business cards.

Order Business Cards Online For a Great Deal
Nov 16th, 2009 by

business cardsBusiness cards are beneficial for every business in every industry. There are many ways to get business cards today. You can make your own cards, but it does take hours. You can hire a local printer to make your business cards, but it can be expensive. One of the easiest things to do is order business cards online. When you order business cards online, you can save a lot of money and receive professional looking cards. Many printing companies now allow you to order business cards online in a matter of minutes.

Designing Your Business Cards

With most online printing companies, you can use pre-designed templates when you order your business cards online. There are a number of business categories to choose from. Each template comes with high quality graphics, clip art, or pictures. There are hundreds of different templates to choose from when you order your business cards online. You are sure to find a layout that works great for your business. The process is very simple. Just type in your company information in a form, and it will be integrated into the business card design. However, if you are looking for a custom designed business card, that option is available as well. You can upload your own logo or graphics and have a professional graphic artist design your business cards for you.

Business Card Styles

When you choose to order business cards online from a reputable company you will receive exceptional style and printing features. Some companies will offer basic matte business cards for a reasonable price. However, you can also choose to have your business cards made from a 14 pt card stock with a UV coating that offers protection from water and smudging. In addition, your business cards should be printed with a four color process to ensure a professional appearance. You can also choose from traditional business cards, or you can order business cards online that have the fold over feature. These cards will allow you to take down the customer’s information and keep half the card for your records, while leaving the other half with your information with the customer. This business card style is perfect if you are trying to build a contact list for an email or postal mail campaign.

Order Business Cards Online that Are Affordable

You will find that there are hundreds of companies online that say they offer affordable business cards. However, when you are ready to order business cards online, you will find that many of these companies have hidden fees and high shipping rates. For example, some companies offer you 500 business cards for free on your first order. However, when you order business cards online from these companies, you will end up paying more for shipping than what you pay for the cards themselves. Look for a reputable company that offers high quality cards with a professional appearance at an affordable price.

The Advantages of Medical Business Cards
Nov 11th, 2009 by

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Like any other professional in today’s fast-paced world, physicians need business cards. Medical business cards are an excellent way for you to keep in touch with your current patients, as well as a helpful tool for gaining new patients. If you work in the medical field in any capacity, a well-designed medical business card is a tremendous asset. General health practitioners, surgeons, specialists, nurses, dentists, medical billing and coding professionals, and medical insurance agents all need medical business cards to get their name and contact information out to patients and colleagues.

Medical business cards have a number of practical applications. To begin, you should always keep a well-stocked display of your business cards in your office’s reception area for patients to take when they check in for appointments. This way, patients can contact you with ease when it’s time to come in for a checkup or if they have any urgent health concerns that need to be addressed. Many physicians and dentists even choose to print medical business cards with blank spaces that can be filled in with the date and time of the patient’s next appointment or checkup. One popular choice is to print your standard contact information on the front of the card and a space for appointment information on the back. In this way, your medical business cards serve double duty.

Another way in which medical business cards often prove useful is when offering referrals to patients. You may need to refer your patients to colleagues in the field if they need specialized attention that is outside of the realm of your expertise. Offering them the card of a trusted fellow medical professional is an easy way to share the information they need. Similarly, it is a good idea to make sure your colleagues always have a small stockpile of your business cards on hand, in case they need to refer a patient to your practice.

There are a number of ways in which medical business cards can be designed. You can opt for a basic card that has your name, the location of your practice and your contact numbers in plain print on an unadorned background. You may want to add flair with a symbol that evokes your specialty, such as a foot for a podiatrist’s office or a heart for a cardiologist. You can even have beautiful full color medical business cards printed with a vibrant photograph of your office or a soothing pastoral scene to give your patients a feeling of security and serenity. A professional printing website can be an excellent resource to help you design and print your medical business cards. Choose from a number of business card templates or design your own customized card.

It can be difficult to market yourself in the medical profession. Certain time-tested marketing tactics like ads and mass mailings may seem crass when put in the context of the medical field. Medical business cards, however, offer an ideal way to spread the word about your practice and make sure your patients always have your contact information at their fingertips. Order your medical business cards today!

Choosing a Business Card Printer
Sep 17th, 2009 by

When it’s time to print business cards, you want to ensure that you’re making the right choice when it comes to finding a professional business card printer. In order to convey the right level of professionalism and attention to detail, it’s advisable to leave the printing to a pro and resist the temptation to print your own cards with your desktop printer. Sure, printing your business cards in the comfort of your own home or office may seem like a simple money-saving solution, but the finished product will not be able to compete with the work of a great business card printer – and in today’s crowded marketplace, staying competitive is vital! But how do you choose a business card printer? Here are some traits to look for:

  1. Fast turnaround time. You want a printing company that create the cards you need as quickly as possible without compromising on quality. Ask about turnaround time before placing your order. Many companies offer rush printing options if you need your cards immediately.
  2. Reasonable pricing. There’s no need to pay top dollar for high quality printing services in this day and age. Keep an eye out for companies that offer affordable rates without compromising on quality.
  3. High quality output. When choosing a business card printer, it’s absolutely essential to select one that can help you create a fantastic finished product. Ask to see samples of their work before placing your order.
  4. Dedication to customer service. Quality and value mean little if you can’t get in touch with a real, live person when you need help! Some printing companies make knowledgeable customer service representatives available to customers in a variety of ways, including telephone, email and live chat.
  5. Additional services. Does the company offer anything beyond basic printing services? What if you need assistance during the design process?

Remember, when it comes to a professional printing company for your business cards, don’t settle for second best.

How to Use Business Cards
Sep 16th, 2009 by

Every business person, regardless of industry, needs to understand the importance and versatility of a well-designed business card. These cards provide a tangible, affordable way of marketing yourself to colleagues and prospective clients, and serve as excellent networking aids to boot. Have you ever been caught in a situation where you meet someone who could prove to be a very useful business contact, but when they ask for your card you have nothing to give them? We’ve all been there! That’s why you need to contact a reliable business card printer who can help you design and print the cards you need to make your business soar.

Here are some ways to use business cards to effectively promote yourself and your company:

  • Always keep them on hand to exchange with new contacts who may be interested in the goods or services you provide. Ladies, keep your business cards in your purse; men, keep them in your wallet or an inner pocket of your coat or jacket so they’re immediately accessible.
  • Place them in an attractive holder on your desk, in your reception area, or at the checkout counter of a retail establishment. Encourage clients and customers to pick one up before they leave.
  • Enclose one with all business correspondence, including mail orders and official company letters.
  • Always enter your business card in free drawings and giveaways offered by other local businesses. In addition to giving you an opportunity to win fantastic freebies, you’ll also be promoting the visibility of your company.
  • Whenever anyone needs your contact information, offer them a business card instead of writing your name, number or email on a piece of paper.
  • Use business cards in lieu of brochures or catalogs for a more affordable direct mail marketing campaign. Some business cards can be folded for a more brochure-like presentation, and always choose full color business cards for this purpose. Ask your business card printer for pointers.

With these options at your fingertips, the possibilities are endless. Business cards are a truly indispensable tool for any company.

Business Cards Aid in Success
Apr 29th, 2009 by

bizcard_reflect_2009_aprThere is no more universal way to introduce yourself and your services than through the use of a business card. Your business card is a symbol of your company and your expertise. Your business card also provides easy access to your contact information, therefore providing a connection to you. It is common to present your business card as a sign of legitimacy. Since this is often the case it is important that your business card is a confident and competent representation of yourself as a business person.

Finding a business card printer who understands the importance of this is your first step toward creating the perfect business card for your needs. A skilled business card printer will know that a heavier stock of paper will translate as more strength as a person. First impressions can not be undone and your business card will often provide part of the first impression composite. Clean lines and crisp color printing is another important factor making a business card make a good impression. The layout is doubly important as your business card must toe the line between being informative and not overwhelming. Too much text will clutter your message and your business card is likely to be discarded. Finding the right business card printer will help you on the road to success.

Business Cards That Get Attention
Jan 30th, 2009 by

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Business cards include information about a company or individual. It is a small card printed or engraved with a person’s name and business affiliation, including such information as title, address, and telephone number. A professional business card is designed and printed in a way that will attract and acquire new customers, as well as highlight the company’s products or services. Not only is it an advertisement and networking tool, but also a visual representation of the owner and his business which can be used for lead generation. The bottom line is if the business card is not bringing the company any business, it is not working, and this is most likely because the card does not reflect a professional image.

New businesses print business cards to use them as a direct marketing tool. Many people often think that it is easy to design and print business cards. They feel it can be easily done from their home computer. The truth is business cards are the most overlooked of all the business tools out there. A well-designed card makes the business look professional; a home made business card typically gives the impression of an amateur taking a stab at being in business.

Before you print business cards, take into consideration the following important points:

  1. The business card must have a compelling image that complements the product or service that the business deals with.
  2. The card must have a unique design, different from other cards; it should catch the attention of someone when you first give it to them.
  3. Use at least a 100 lb. card stock must, preferably with multiple, bright colors.
  4. Sometimes images that stir emotions can be used in the business cards. However it may not be appropriate for businesses.
  5. The use of non-standard materials such as plastic or colored stock is recommended – something that is out of the ordinary like that is bound to be kept and remembered.
  6. The business owner can even experiment with different shapes; it could be made slightly over sized or in the shape of an actual product the business sells.
  7. Most cards are horizontally printed. However, a vertical business card can draw extra attention.
  8. Cards can also be folded in half or tri-fold to make them appear like brochures.
  9. Producing multiple designs of your cards can be beneficial.
  10. To be even more distinctive and unique, you can add a noise maker attachment or a scent to your business cards.
  11. It is important that the card holds all the standard information – company name, address, phone numbers, fax number, website, and email.
  12. Logos, pictures, or graphic images that are used by the company in their marketing materials could included.
  13. A catchy advertising slogan could be included to stimulate an emotional response. This creates brand identity.
  14. The card could also include other related brief, yet useful information. This would also increase the chances that your card will be saved.
  15. Print business cards using a simple font. Unusual fonts can be hard to read.
  16. The font size should never be too small – you want anyone to be able to read it.
  17. Always keeps the information on business cards updated; outdated business cards serve no purpose.
  18. Layout and arrange your text carefully – you do not want your card to look cluttered.
  19. The back of business card could be used for product information, testimonials, special discounts, free trial, or a calendar – anything that would make someone want to keep and use the card.
  20. Give out your new business cards every chance you get!

Print business cards the right way and make use of this cost effective marketing tool. If they are printed and designed keeping the above points in mind, your card will stand out in the crowd.

Business Card Printing Services
Jan 30th, 2009 by

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A business card is a small card identifying a person in connection with his or her business and is given to a client, potential customer, etc. A good business card should convey the overall image of the business, which isn’t always easy considering it only measures 2 inches by 3 inches. Therefore it is very important that the card be designed effectively and printed using the highest quality papers and printers.

Online business card printing today is easy – there are thousands of websites that offer business card printing services. To get the best deals, there are various factors that one should look for, such as price, quantity, digital or offset printing, paper material, colors available, business card templates, quality assurance, shipping and fast delivery.

Research the different websites that offer business card printing services and select the top five sites that offer the cheapest service. It is important to note that one should only print the amount of cards needed. That way when you run out of business cards, you can update the information to keep it current, or just freshen up the design to keep it new and interesting.

One should find out whether the printing service uses digital or offset printing. Offset printing is generally considered superior since it produces better quality than digital printing. However digital printing also can produce acceptable results at a fair price.

When it comes to the business card printing material, choose the paper stock that you prefer. Most printers provide a choice of different paper materials. If you’d like the feel of a silky and smooth business card, glossy matte lamination would be a good choice. Texture business cards are for those who prefer a clean and elegant style.

Be sure to check the actual number of colors used when printing the business cards. The four main colors in printing are cyan, magenta, yellow and black (CMYK). The phrase “full color printing” refers to this CMYK color scheme, which together can be used to print any color. Some people prefer colorful business cards to make it attractive and eye-catching, while others prefer single, two, or three color business cards for their corporate identity.

Most business card printing services offer free business card templates. Business card templates tend to not only save a lot of time and trouble, but also money. With the wide range of templates available, there is hardly a chance that one does not find a template of his/her preference.

High quality business card printing and paper stock used is always the main ingredient for a long lasting impression business card. Though most websites claim to have the best quality, it is not easy to determine which has the best as claimed. The only option is to request a business card sample from a few printing services and compare the quality.

Some business card printing services offer free shipping. However be sure to understand the printer’s terms and conditions for these offers. There are endless bargains on the internet, so there is no need to rush and make a hasty decision when it comes to printing business cards.

Be sure to take your time to minimize the possibility of mistakes – you don’t want to make an error in your business card design and not realize it until after the cards have been printed. Once you have your business cards, it’s a good idea to periodically keep track of how many you have. That way, replacement business cards can be ordered in advance so you never run out.

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