Tips for Creating Professional and Memorable Business Cards

A bit of history...

Business Cards began back in the early 17th century. In the days of Louis XIV,"Visiting cards" were used to introduce the social elite in "all of their solemn glory" in France. "Tradecards" were used by the London shop owners to advertise and act as maps to their location since there was no formal street numbering system at the time. In the 19th century, newspapers took off and tradecards effective advertising dwindled. The French tradition of visiting cards then came to the rest of Europe and America. There was a distinct difference in America between calling cards (social distinction) and business cards.

Have a business? Need a card!

Sounds like a no brainer but business cards are a must for a business. In the least, not having them could be disastrous for a small business. Imagine chatting up your new business with your awesome products and services to someone you just met and then just walking away... expecting that he or she will remember your name tomorrow to look you up. It's not feasible or efficient. Business cards are pocket-sized which means they're easy to have on your person at all times and when you give them away, it's easy for them to put in their own pocket, wallet or purse. It's not convenient to pull out a brochure or sales binder.

Professional versus "just printed"

You just spent 30 seconds reading about how business cards came from the French social elite and were used to announce someones visit to a household in "all of their solemn glory." Think they spent some time to make sure the cards reflected their "glory?" You bet! Your business cards reflect you, your professionalism, the quality of your business...everything in that little card! So when you go to the office supply - pick out the cheapest paper, design your cards in 5 mins and print them out on your printer which is running low on ink - what does that card say to the potential customer? "I'm cheap, rush through jobs and don't care about a quality product." It doesn't mean you have to go spend hundreds on business cards. It does mean you need to take some time to decide exactly what you want your cards to say. Above all else your business cards should say you are a professional.

Memorable and Unique

While you're developing your cards, try thinking outside the box a little.

Try a different shape: Long and skinny, rounded corners, leaf style, circle, half-round...there are lots of choices that could fit your business style.

Colors & Pictures: Try spicing up thinks with a cool background that fades in one corner or use your signature colors. People respond well to colors and textures but remember to still keep it professional.

More than just contact info: Print a map on the back, add a spot to write a next appointment time, get folded cards which can have a list of products or services. This is another way to stand out.

Get sticky: Printers can make your business cards into magnets or stickers which is another way to make it easy for people to keep them around.

Plastic, Linen, Metal & More: This can be more costly but changing the material might be what you're looking for.

There are printers out there with a variety of variations on business cards that are well priced and affordable.

Whatever you do, make it count! Once you design your business cards, the work is done, and you only have to worry about re-orders. Spend the time in the beginning and you'll have your business headed in a great direction with professional and memorable business cards.