Business Card Dos and Don’ts

I was recently interviewed and quoted in the Seattle Times article “You at 3.5″ x 2″: Business cards can say more about you than just your name and number” written by Terry Pile. (You can read the article here http://fb.me/V3CXzArU) The article provided some great information, and I’d like to add a few more “dos and don’ts” that can apply to everyone with a business card, but are especially important for small business owners.

Business Card Dos:

1. Do make a powerful and memorable first impression with a unique card. “Unique” can vary depending on your business type and brand—design, color, shape, size, texture, etc. are all options to creating a memorable card
2. Do tell a story with your business card. Your business card needs to communicate what you do, how well you do it, and why you do it better than anyone else. And it needs to do it all by itself without you providing director’s commentary. Remember, you’re not always there to fill in the blanks.
3. Do think about who is receiving it. Would they be annoyed or excited to receive an odd shaped card that doesn’t fit into a standard card holder?
4. Do consider turning your card into a mini-brochure. This does not mean cram as much information as you can on the standard business card, but instead use the space efficiently or consider having a larger card that folds into the standard size of 3.5″ x 2″.
5. Do consider printing on paper that people can write on. Many people like to make notes on business cards to help them remember where and when they met the person. If your cards are printed on a high-gloss paper you might want to consider handing out permanent markers as well, because they are the only pen that will write on the glossy finish.

Business Card Don’ts:

1. Don’t have outdated information on your card. If you have recently changed your number or address, get your new cards printed as soon as possible. Having the wrong information or crossed out information doesn’t say “professional or credible.”
2. Don’t use Gmail, Hotmail, or AOL for your business email. This is another mark against your professionalism and credibility. Please have an email address with your business URL. Example YourName@YourBusiness.com
3. Don’t have stains or tattered corners. The exception to this rule is if it fits into your brand identity and is done on purpose. For example a mechanic’s business card might have greasy finger prints on it!
4. Don’t have other business advertisements on the back of your card. This might happen if you opt for free printing, sometimes the printer will put their information on the back of the card.
5. Don’t use business card templates. Whether it’s Word, Publisher, or an online printer’s template, just say “no”. They can be spotted a mile away, and they definitely don’t meet the requirements of being unique and memorable. (See dos #1 and #2 above.)