We often find ourselves in an extraordinary situation in which we must have our business card at hand. That time we meet a person who is important to us. That same time to start a conversation with that person and leave your number or email engraved in their memory. Thus, at the least expected moment, on a Sunday afternoon, listening to the mobile knowing that it is him. So that this situation is not the opposite, we must know six mandatory commandments to deliver your card.
These ten commandments will be useful to attract attention. Bearing in mind, that if you give a card on a napkin, you will not be the graceful number. Presenting a business card in optimal condition is essential. Therefore, attend to these little tips.
Do not accumulate data please
It is very tempting to make a design and, even seeing it finished, we want to perfect it more. This is when we make the mistake of entering a lot of data. Name, logo, number, e-mail, etc etc etc. And there is not even room to see the card design.
Find a perfect summary of yourself or your company. Set up one or two lines of communication at most. And write your personal name or, where appropriate, the logo.
Remember, if someone has your business card, it is very likely that they have met you and already know what it is about. A card simply serves as a reminder. So keep it simple - you just want to jog their memory and direct them to your website, or somewhere they can find more information.
Don't be so sociable
Whether you are looking for a job or if you are a company, your private profile will not interest anyone. In case of looking for a connection, use other social networks such as Linkedin. Both other companies and customers are not interested in what you have for breakfast. Neither is your opinion about another topic. With this you can close doors. Remember that a first view is very important, present yourself as a necessity, not as an enemy.
Take care of your cards
There is nothing worse for a client or prospective employer than getting a business card wrinkled and stained that you've had on the bottom of your wallet for months. So keep them in the box they were delivered in. To carry it in the purse, better an open wallet or a straight pocket of the jacket. At least during your outing, while you are at home, keep them in an open place.
Don't design the same for everyone
Like the curriculum vitae, all the companies you face do not want the same from you. They will look for different criteria when hiring someone or trading with your company. Business cards for type designers shouldn't look the same as business cards for UX designers, for example. Neither do people who want to access a law firm than a carpentry workshop.
Strengthen your own brand
Try to make your logo or brand the only image on your business card. If you print double-sided (which you should do), you should otherwise include your contact details.
You are synonymous with your brand and your customers or colleagues need to associate with it immediately. So don't deviate from your brand colors in any way; it's just confusing.
Typography and readability, the endless struggle
Unless you are a calligrapher, there is no reason to use a script font on your business card. It may look fancy, but if you can't understand it at a glance, you just denied the point of your card.
In short, just make sure your name and contact details are clearly displayed. And keep your main text above 8pt.
You will be original
This is perhaps the most important commandment of all: the "you shall not kill" of business card design. Whatever you decide to do with your design, make it about yourself. Make it original and make it memorable. Whether it's through your unique message, thoughtful formatting, or subtle die-cutting, make your customers remember you and make sure your card isn't thrown into the bottom of a bag to be recycled six months later.