Your business card is #$@!

Business Card; definition: A small card identifying a person in connection with his or her business, given to a client, potential customer, etc.

Don’t expect your business card to be able tell your company’s entire story. Your business card is not meant to sell a product or service.

What you should expect it to do is present a professional image people will remember. The color, wording and texture of your business card have a lot to do with its appeal and its ability to convey your company image or message. Use common sense when you’re designing your card.

Keep the following tips in mind:

1. Use your logo as the basis. Typically, make it the largest element on the card.
2. Don’t cram too much information on the card.
3. Do not put your photo on your card unless you sell real estate.
4. Do include the essentials–your name, title, company name, address, phone and fax numbers and e-mail address–and make sure your name and business name are immediately identifiable.
5. Make sure the typeface is easily readable. Stay away from Brush Scripts, Comic Sans, Papyrus. These are just a few.
6. Stick to one or two colors unless you decide on full color printing.
7. Make sure it’s easy to read.
8. Your business card should not exceed $1 per card. This is just a rule of thumb.