Playing With Colors & Black and White

• Business Name: Okay, this is an easy one. Your business name should be on your card.  It should be larger than the other text on your card, yet not too large, just large enough to stand out.
• Logo: If you have a logo, it needs to be on your card.  Your logo represents your company to the world.  If you don’t have a logo, consider having one designed.
• Slogan: If your company has a slogan, it’s a great idea to have this on your card.  People associate slogans with businesses and if it is a catchy slogan, it will make you memorable.
• Your Name: Again, a relatively easy question.  How will they know who they are calling or emailing without your name?  With the instance of business cards for a minor (i.e.: babysitting cards, lawn cutting, dog walking), I would refrain from placing a last name on a business card.
• Title: Your title should be on your card.  It should be placed under or next to your name.  It should be a bit smaller than your name and, for an added touch, you could italicize it.
• Address: An address should be posted on your card.  This can be difficult if you work for a subsidiary of a parent company.  You may have to post both the main address of the company and the address of your physical location.
• Phone Number: If you have a direct line at work, this is the number you should use.  If there is a main number and you have an extension, be sure to put your extension on the card.
• Fax Number: Having your fax number readily available and placed on your card can save your clients a phone call to you.
• Cell Phone: If you do not have a direct line to work, you may wish to place your cell phone number on your card.  Keep in mind; if this is a personal cell phone, you may receive calls after work hours.
• Email: In today’s world of technology, everyone has an email address.  Your email should be one with your domain name and not a generic email.  For instance, Tracey(at)lakeland-printing.com looks more professional than Tracey(at)aol.com.
• Website: As I mentioned above, with today’s technology, it is a must to have your website address listed on your cards.  The majority of consumer’s will visit your website before calling.
• Services: It is a good idea to list the services you offer.  Your services can be placed on your card in a variety of ways.  You can list them with bullets, space them out with a “hyphen” in between or creatively add them on the back of the card.
• Fees for Services: This is something I would not place on a business card.  You need to take into consideration an increase in prices.  If you go up on your prices, will you still honor the prices on the card?  Also, some fees vary depending on the service, if you list your house cleaning fees as “price per house”, are you charging the same price for a 2 bedroom, one bathroom house as you would for a 4 bedroom 3.5 bath home?
• Photograph: This is a personal choice.  Many realtors have a photo on their card.  Though it is not necessary, many people like to put a face to the name.
• Licensing: If you are in a profession which requires a license (i.e. massage therapist) you should place your license number on your card.  Some states and industries actually require this information to be posted.

If you find yourself with too much information for your card and not enough room, remember, there is always a second side which can be printed on.  There are also the “fold over” business cards.  These cards are perfect for placing your company information on the top, your services and contact information inside and an appointment reminder on the back of the card.

Whatever you choose, we are here to offer suggestions and help you create your perfect, professional business card.