Decide which information is essential and optional.
Bear in mind that a common mistake is to try to cram every possible
contact number onto your card.
NAME - Your company name should stand out. Name
recognition is everything in today's business world. You want your
name to be recognizable so when someone is looking for a business
like yours, your company name pops into their memory.
FONTS - First and foremost, your business card
must be legible. Use easy-to-read fonts in a size large enough
for even grandpa to read. Try a 12 to 14 point font, perhaps bold,
to help your company name stand out. For other information, try
using a slightly different font style and use approximately a 10
or 11 point font. A 9 or 10 point font will usually work well with
the rest of your card.
LOGOS - Your logo should be the largest element
on the card. A logo helps to tie in with the rest of your printed
stationery products and other marketing materials. If you don't
have a good logo, get one!
COLOR - White business cards are always a good
choice. However, sometimes color can help your card stand out in
the crowd. If your business markets toys for kids, you might try
a card with bright, primary colors and words written in a child's
script. If you run a consulting service, stick to traditional looks
such as black printing on a gray, beige or white background. Whatever
color you choose it is essential that there is enough contrast
between the text and the background. Blue ink or a dark blue background
is hard on the eyes and greatly weakens the message of your card.
FOLDED FORMATS - Having folds neatly designed
and well thought out, can turn an ordinary business
card into a great mini-brochure. And don't forget to make use of
the back of your business card if you wish to summarize major services & product
or give more detailed information. However, don't
get carried away. Print only what is necessary and useful to your
client or customer.
CALENDARS AND CONVERSION CHARTS - Consider putting
other information on the back of your business card, not directly
related to your business, like a calendar or a metric/imperial
conversion chart. This way, your card has a better chance of becoming
a permanent part of some-one's wallet or purse. Or consider adding
a special offer or detachable coupon.
SPECIAL EFFECTS - Decide if you need raised
lettering or gold embossing. If a special effect adds to your message,
use it. If it is only for show, why bother with the added expense.
COMPUTER PRINTING - If all you can afford
are those tear-apart business cards that you can print on your
home printer, use them until you get something better. As soon
as you can though, use a professional printer.
CARDSTOCK - Don't use a thin cardstock to
save money. Use a regular or heavy cardstock. Business cards
often get beat up in peoples pockets, purses and briefcases.
Corporate
Identity Design 
