© 2002, Rozey Gean,
www.Marketing-Seek.com

While we often associate business cards only with off-line businesses, this proven marketing tool makes sense for online businesses as well.

Business cards are an inexpensive, yet extremely effective means of letting your customers know who you are, what you do and how they can get in touch with you.

There's a reason people have used business cards since the dawn of the printing press... they work.

But simply buying a package of perforated cards at your office supply store and printing them on your InkJet printer is not the answer. To be truly effective, you'll want a professionally printed business card to show your business in its most favorable light.

With planning and forethought, you can create an attractive representation of your desired image by designing a card that's perfect for YOU. To begin, ask yourself some simple questions:

* What will your business card say?

Think of the text you'll print on your card. Some things you'll want to consider are:

--Company name
--Your name
--Complete address with city, state and postal code
--Country
--Phone (with area code, and country code (if you do business internationally)
--Toll free phone
--Fax
--Email
--Web site
--Slogan, etc.

* What fonts do you plan to use?

What type style, text color, sizes and attributes (bold, italic, underlined, etc.)? Don't go overboard here. One or two font choices are best. Vary the look by bolding some portions of text like your company name and italicizing others like your slogan. Too many variations, however, can overwhelm and detract from your message.

Avoid serif fonts--the ones with the 'little lines' on the letters--for small print. Choose instead a sans serif font (without the lines). The serifs may bleed when finely printed. You may end up with an 'l' when you wanted an 'i.'

* What about a logo or graphic element?

A graphic adds visual interest to your card. Even something as simple as a dividing line or the use of an artistic first letter, on your company name, are appealing.

* Will you print in color?

While four color cards are attractive, four color printing is expensive. One or two colors will still give you a nice design and is a much more affordable option for small business owners.

* What about paper?

Will you use colored or white paper, smooth or textured stock, glossy or matte finish? These are considerations that affect, not only the overall look of your cards, but the cost as well.

Business card colors vary, but it's best to stay with a muted or pastel color for a more professional card. Depending on the image you want to create, you may also find a linen paper works better than glossy, or vice versa.

Consider the weight of your finished card, too. Some printers can't handle heavy weight stock because it jams more easily. Be sure to ask in advance.

[TIP]: Using an 80-pound stock for a more professional appearance is better than handing out a flimsy stock that bends easily and portrays a weaker presentation. Remember, most store bought printers can not handle paper that is heavier than a 67-pound card stock.

* How many cards do you need?

If the majority of your business is online and you seldom mail envelopes into which you can tuck a card, 500 cards may be last you quite awhile (250 cards is seldom cost effective). If, however, you do a lot of mailing, or attend networking meetings and other off-line events where you can distribute cards, you'll want to go with a larger print run. You'll typically receive a price break for 1,000 cards or more, which will be helpful if you know you'll use them.

* How will you output your card?

Will you design the card yourself? If so, is your printer able to read your file format? This is something you'll need to verify before in advance. You don't want to spend hours on a beautiful design only to find your printer can't read the file and you have to start over.

You may choose to hire a printing business to create the card for you. Many printers offer this typesetting service to customers.

* What's your printing budget?

If you have a dollar amount in mind before you begin, it will save you countless headaches later. Printing costs can vary dramatically, both by the type of job and by the printer you choose. Shop around for the best deal to meet your individual needs.

Don't hesitate to ask your printer's advice about your business cards. As a professional, they should be able to guide you to the proper choices that will help you create the most attractively designed card at a price you can afford.

Credit:
Rozey Gean is a Commercial Printer and Graphic Designer who can design a business card that's right for you. Feel free to contact her at mailto:rozey@printsourceone.com for a quote on your next printing project.

"Good Things Come To Those Who Seek!"
___________________________________________________________
«¤»¥«¤»§«¤»¥«¤»§«¤»¥«¤»§«¤»¥«¤»§«¤»¥«¤»§«¤»¥«¤»§«¤»¥«¤»¥«¤»
¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯
Keep YOUR Publication and Online Content on the "Cutting Edge" with FREE content from Marketing-Seek. The place where smart Writers, Publishers and Online Entrepreneurs gather resources and build exposure.

M A R K E T I N G ~ S E E K . C O M

Web Site - http://www.marketing-seek.com/index.shtml
Contact - mailto:rozey@marketing-seek.com
___________________________________________________________
«¤»¥«¤»§«¤»¥«¤»§«¤»¥«¤»§«¤»¥«¤»§«¤»¥«¤»§«¤»¥«¤»§«¤»¥«¤»¥«¤»
¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯
FRUGAL AND FUN
http://www.frugalandfun.com

Don't suffer through the recession, learn how to live a life of luxury while saving thousands of dollars. Stop living from paycheck-to-paycheck. Let us show you hundreds of ways to save money, simplify your life, AND have fun!

Related Information:

NBA Benefit Provider - Accolades Advertising Specialties

NBA Resource Article - Thirty Creative Ways to Use Business Cards

NBA Business Education Library - How-To Understand Marketing