10 Top Tips When Buying Business Cards For Your Business
Buying business cards can be a minefield, especially when printers start asking questions you don't know the answers to. What does it all mean?
Let me share with you my 10 top tips when buying business cards...
Tip 1: Weight Matters
'GSM'; what does that even mean? It simply means how heavy the paper is. For example, 90-100gsm is the standard weight of household printer paper, and when paper gets to around 350gsm, it's considered card. Here at Giraffe, we think the perfect paper weight for business cards is 450gsm; thick enough that it feels premium, but not so thick that it's too expensive!
Tip 2: Use Both Sides!
When someone hands you a business card, what do you do? You naturally look at the front, then turn it over to look at the back. I shiver with disappointment when I flip a card over and there is NOTHING there! Why? Why, would you waste 50% of your advertising space? All of our business cards come double sided as standard. You can use the back of your card to showcase your business strap line, a few key services, or your business logo.
Tip 3: Gloss or Matt?
To laminate or not to laminate, that is the question. A glossy business card will have a shiny finish, but I tend to think of glossy card as photograph paper... Not really ideal when it comes to a business card. I personally feel glossy finishes have gone out of fashion a little in recent years, and most people choose matt-laminated cards. Ladies, do you remember in the 2000's when we all had tacky, gloss lip glosses? Today we're more likely to wear matt—see!
Tip 4: Shape & Size
Should I change the shape of my business card or use spot UV? Changing the shape of your business card from the standard side is an additional cost, and one I'm not fond of. A lot of people keep business cards in folders, where a crazy shaped card simply won't fit. Rounded corners and spot UV are a great way to stand out, but there will always be an additional cost—it depends whether you think it's worth it! A good weighted card, with a nice laminated finish is often enough.
Tip 5: Quantity
How many cards should I order? Business cards usually come in packs of 250, 500, 1000 and more. Often it's not much more to buy 1000, than it is to buy 500; so if you know your contacts details won't change, you could make a great saving. Be sure to check out special offers too!
Tip 6: Make Sure You're Contactable
What information should I include on my business card? We recommend:
- Business logo
- Your full name
- Job title
- Phone number
- Email address
- Website address
You must include at least two contact methods—think about why you give out your business card... So people can contact you!
Tip 7: You're Allowed to Blow Your Own Trumpet
Should you include your job title on your business card? Is it pretentious to put 'CEO' or 'Director'... Even if there is just you? In my experience, it's useful to know a person's official title within the company. If you decide to recommend them, it's useful to know what to introduce them as!
Tip 8: Be Consistent!
Keep the design of the business card in keeping with your brand identity! You should use your company colours, fonts and style. This is why it's important to invest in a great design; if your business card matches your website, which matches your uniform, it looks seamless and professional.
Tip 9: Keep It Short & Sweet
Keep it simple. Your business card is not a leaflet. I repeat: your business card is not a leaflet! If you cram every single thing you do onto it, it just looks messy and unprofessional. A short list of your services is fine, but less is definitely more!
Tip 10: Typos Will Cost You
As with everything you have printed, check your details and then check them again! There is nothing worse than 1000 business cards with one digit wrong in your phone number! It's an expensive mistake, so check, check and check again!
If you'd like to order business cards, you can click here.
Still unsure about buying business cards?
If you need help with business cards or if you're looking for some advice, feel free to get in touch:
Email - info@giraffe-graphics.co.uk
Give us a call - 01246 766770
Book an appointment - Visit us at our Chesterfield showroom
