A professionally printed business card is one of the first tools of the trade that any entrepreneur will reach for when it comes to networking or making new contacts. With that in mind, it is extremely important that the card that is being handed over to a potential new partner, customer or contact is equipped to do the best possible job.
Despite the importance of first impressions when it comes to printing
digital business cards, many people fall foul of some of the simple errors that can cause a business card to go from being ‘front of mind’ to ‘bottom of bin’. Here, we explore those common mistakes and offer some handy hints on how to help a business card make the right kind of impression.
10 mistakes that are commonly made when producing business cards:
Typos
Typographical errors on business cards show a lack of attention to detail – which can give a bad first impression for a business. A simple spellcheck, or having the design professionally proofread before it goes to print, should make light work of any typos.
Illegible font size
The effect of small font sizes will be limited on something as small as a business card. Small fonts are usually synonymous with cramming too much information into a small space too, making them a definite no-no for business cards. Opt for a minimum font point of six for the body copy and consider using a font double this size for the company’s or person’s name.
Broken links
A business card isn’t a website, but it can be a strong link to one. Website addresses, email addresses and social media links can often be incorrect, so it is vital that these are double checked and tested on an internet browser before the business card is printed. It is also worth testing on the browser of a mobile device as many people update their contacts on the go using mobiles. The same goes for QR codes.
Spelling mistakes
Closely related to typos, spelling mistakes are another way of demonstrating a lack of care or attention to detail. If in doubt, it is advisable to have an eagle-eyed colleague check over a design before it is sent to the printer.
No contact details
It may seem like an obvious point, but some people may neglect to add even the most obvious of contact details to a business card, such as email addresses or telephone numbers. What’s worse, people sometimes get these wrong. Just one digit out on a telephone number means that the recipient of a business card will never be able to contact the person who gave it to them – if in doubt, double and triple check.
Failing to provide information on what the company does
Space is always at a premium on business cards, but it pays to have a brief strapline outlining the nature of a business. Some people collect several business cards a day when at networking events, so it makes perfect sense to add a catchy line to jog the recipient’s memory. Many people forget how important it is to remind their new contacts exactly what it is that a company does.
Poor quality stock
Printing with poor quality materials that easily become tattered will inevitably mean a shorter lifespan for a business card in question. Tatty business cards are only headed for one place – the waste paper basket. A good, reputable printer will be able to discuss the various options for paper or card stock when printing business cards. If in doubt about which is best – ask a professional for help.
Printing on slick or glossy paper
The flipside of printing on paper that is easily tattered comes with using paper that is too glossy or slick. Many business owners choose to use their cards to write a memo, diary appointment or another note for the person they are giving it to, and glossy paper makes this incredibly difficult. It is best to stick to a matte card or thick paper which is durable without being difficult to write on. It also pays to use the correct type of pen when writing on business cards – standard biros are usually suitable.
Forgetting the importance of consistency
It is important to bear in mind that a business card is a gateway to a brand. When someone receives a business card, chances are they will visit the website on that card. As a result, it is important to ensure that the branding on the website is consistent with that on the card. If a rebrand is likely to happen over the coming months, bear this in mind when thinking about the quantity of business cards that are ordered – it may be necessary to change the design to reflect a new brand design.
Ignoring social links
The last – but by no means least – common mistake the people make on business cards is to omit their social media links. LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram are common social networking sites that people are routinely including in the designs for their cards where relevant. This makes it easier for potential partners, suppliers and customers to connect with them.
These common mistakes can be easy to make, but are even easier to avoid. Next time that business card printing is on the agenda, be sure to use the handy checklist above to avoid these pitfalls. If in doubt, one of the golden rules to remember is to double check everything before sending a final business card design to print and to sense-check any queries with a professional printing company to get the most out of the promotional materials.
Think of a business card like the extension of the first impression at a first meeting. People never get the chance to make that first impression twice, but a business card is a constant reminder, and it could eventually mean the difference between making a sale and not, or acquiring a new customer, supplier or partner.