Advice on Putting Your Best Business Card Forward
If you are running or starting a new business, especially in the "real world," your business card may be your most important asset.
One thing you want to be absolutely certain of is to not leave off important information. You'd be surprised at the number of times people will forget to include their phone number or an eMail address, so recipients of the card will be unable to contact the person in the future!
You also want to be sure that your design doesn't overpower the information. You want people to be able to read and use your business card. It's self-defeating to have a business card that makes it difficult for people to contact you because your details are too small or too difficult to read.
You can learn more at Business Card Advice dot Com.
One thing you want to be absolutely certain of is to not leave off important information. You'd be surprised at the number of times people will forget to include their phone number or an eMail address, so recipients of the card will be unable to contact the person in the future!
You also want to be sure that your design doesn't overpower the information. You want people to be able to read and use your business card. It's self-defeating to have a business card that makes it difficult for people to contact you because your details are too small or too difficult to read.
You can learn more at Business Card Advice dot Com.
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Fetching RSS feed... please stand byOffset Printed vs. Thermographed Business Cards
What's the difference?
An offset (or digital) printed business card is flat. That is, the imprint is essentially flat on the card, much like the print in a magazine, or menu or most of the printed items you see every day.
On a thermographed card, the imprint is raised. Thermography (sometimes called raised or "puffy" printing) is a special printing process, using a special powder and heat to create the effect.
Both flat and thermographed cards are printed the same way. But, with thermography, a special powder is applied to the ink while it is still wet. This is then run through heat which causes the powder to melt and "puff", giving the imprint a raised impression. This is very similar to the embossing powders used by rubber stampers. (However, while some people may use "embossed" to mean "thermographed", in the printing industry, embossing and thermography are two different things.)
Which is better is a matter of personal opinion. However, if you will be using photographs or halftone or gradient screens, you'll generally be better off using flat printing as the thermography process may give undesired results on screened images.
On a thermographed card, the imprint is raised. Thermography (sometimes called raised or "puffy" printing) is a special printing process, using a special powder and heat to create the effect.
Both flat and thermographed cards are printed the same way. But, with thermography, a special powder is applied to the ink while it is still wet. This is then run through heat which causes the powder to melt and "puff", giving the imprint a raised impression. This is very similar to the embossing powders used by rubber stampers. (However, while some people may use "embossed" to mean "thermographed", in the printing industry, embossing and thermography are two different things.)
Which is better is a matter of personal opinion. However, if you will be using photographs or halftone or gradient screens, you'll generally be better off using flat printing as the thermography process may give undesired results on screened images.
A Disadvantage of Glossy Business Cards and How to Counter It
Overcoming a possible difficulty with glossy business cards
Glossy business cards often look great. Photos will appear sharp and clear, and the colors will really pop, adding impact to your message. However, there is a disadvantage, but it is one that can easily be remedied.
Many times, the recipient of a business card will use it to jot down a note about you. Maybe they want to remember a price you gave them, a special feature of a product or service you offer, or some other bit of information they thought was important enough to remember.
With a glossy business card, writing a note can sometimes be problematic. Pencils won't typically write well on them, and even some ball point pens may have problems placing ink on the surface. Other inks may smear, causing your prospect to lose their important note.
Such issues can be avoided by ordering your business cards on paper that is glossy on one side only. Called "coated one side" by printers, this is a paper stock that is glossy on the front (the coated side) and non-glossy on the back (the uncoated side). It gives you the best of both worlds. You can have the sharper appearance of a glossy business card, while still allowing your prospects to make any notes on the back without issue.
Many times, the recipient of a business card will use it to jot down a note about you. Maybe they want to remember a price you gave them, a special feature of a product or service you offer, or some other bit of information they thought was important enough to remember.
With a glossy business card, writing a note can sometimes be problematic. Pencils won't typically write well on them, and even some ball point pens may have problems placing ink on the surface. Other inks may smear, causing your prospect to lose their important note.
Such issues can be avoided by ordering your business cards on paper that is glossy on one side only. Called "coated one side" by printers, this is a paper stock that is glossy on the front (the coated side) and non-glossy on the back (the uncoated side). It gives you the best of both worlds. You can have the sharper appearance of a glossy business card, while still allowing your prospects to make any notes on the back without issue.
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- kohuether kohuether Oct 20, 2008 @ 4:36 pm
- It took me over a year of starting my writing business to finally get a business card. I was silly for waiting because of how important it is to help brand you and market your business. Great tips. :)
by dcr
I believe that when you get involved in a project, and get very particular about it, you can never be satisfied with the results. You tend to lose obj... (more)
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