Guide to Building a Better Business Card Building a Better Business Card

On the net today you’ll find so many choices of template designs, many have a similar look;  few of them have their own style and flare. Printing business cards in full color on your own color printer is a good way to decide on what personal presentation you fancy. Just simply design them and print them at home on your computer printer to get a good idea of what commercial print will look like. The color language you use to out put and type of color printer will effect .

Another option is to utilize a company that has web-based tools so you can design your own cards online and then they will print them in true CMYK Inks for you. With this approach will be able to select a design that you like and click through many other possibilities that you are interested in.

print them in true CMYK Inks

There are some things today that your local printer just can’t do. If you have shopped the net before you know what I am talking about. Many online printing and design companies have found specialty niches that they build on.

Steps for Getting Cards Printed Without the InternetGetting Cards Printed Without the Internet

Imagine what life would be like without the communication of the internet. For me, I do not have to imagine it; I lived it. Without having the convenience of electronic communication here are the steps in getting your business cards printed;

  1. Get in your car, drive to your local supplier of choice, Explore options
  2. Place your order- make deposit payment
  3. After a few days your proof is ready to view. Go to your local printers operation and approve your proof or make changes.
  4. If you make changes (most people do on first draft) return again to approve the revised draft
  5. Wait 5-10 days for a finished product and finally pick them up

All of these steps are necessary in creating your unique business card if there was no internet.

They can all be done in a few minutes by going to your kitchen, making a cup of coffee and relaxing. Now, on your computer you leisurely create a business card that pleases you, FREE. Whether you design your own business cards using computer software or buying business cards online, dealing with the right company will make your buying experience a pleasure and one that you will pleasantly repeat.

Make the Right Choice Make the Right Choice

When you are making your business cards, there are fonts, colors, sizes, paper types, backgrounds and objects to chose from. There are simply millions of possible variables that can sometimes make your choice an overwhelming one. Some customers may not have the time and patience to carry out this task. However, most online printers are more than willing to work with you to help build your own unique business card.

How do you choose the best business card for you?

Customers can always choose who they want to do business with but I recommend this only after seeing what’s out there. After all, your business card is a reflection of you and getting the very best value for your dollar while not affecting quality should be your goal.

Here are a few tips to help you make the right Choice:

  • Look between the cracks, see what prepress techniques are being used. Specifically the line screen measure (LPI). LPI is how many dots per inch the printer uses. The more dots the printer can clearly print in one area the more photos realistic your business card will appear. You also want to ask if they use FM line screen
  • Ask about protective coatings. Find out if FREE coatings are being offered.
  • Look for the best place to get business cards printed based on the above points
  • You want to feel as though the business cares for your order
  • Are there rewards programs if you choose their service?
  • Make sure the card design you choose is unique and personalized without infringing on copyrights.
  • The thickness of card stock not less than 12 point for coated or #100 for uncoated cover stocks.
  • Get multiple quantity Prices
  • Online you also can add your own photos and custom images if you desire
  • Don’t forget about the backside design

Paper Based Business Card Printing Options

The printing of your business card can be done a few different ways:

  • Buy Perforated (tear out) sheets from your local office supply outlet and print them on your own printer. This can be used for a presentation that you have forgotten to get professional business cards for. Although this method is easy and cheap I do not recommend it as these cards will not stand up to wear and tear or moisture contact. Warning : Inkjet printing smears and runs if exposed to moisture – this does not leave a positive impression with your prospect after sitting in their sweaty pocket for a few minutes
  • Digital- this means that your card is printed on some sort of digital printing machine, usually toner based. If you consider this option it is important to understand that your print quality will not compare with true print and litho, especially when you factor in technologies such as FM line screen and Aqueous Coatings. The reason one might consider this option is due to time constraints, but the truth is this style of card will not stand up against lithography.
  • True Print and Litho- You may want to choose the design options that support a greater array of color that offset print and litho delivers. There are 2 basic colors styles of sheet fed offset printing, spot color and CMYK color. Spot Color or CMYK printing is where a printing press is used to produce your business card. The ink is actually absorbed into the paper a certain degree. The amount of absorbency depends on whether you are using a matt or glossy finish. In either case the ink is absorbed into the material which creates a better bond between ink and paper. You may also opt in on a protective coating which will further enhance the longevity and colors of your card. Professional printing is the best way to produce your business cards, although some digital gurus may argue that point, I gladly invite any comments on this blog.

When all projects are completed storing info electronically makes for easy and color-consistent reordering.

Here are a few ideas for printing and using your business cards

  • Print labels describing your current promotion and stick them to the back of your card
  • Attach them to business bulletin boards
  • Print Double sided business cards to increase your mileage
  • Get magnets from your local office supply store that can be attached to your business cards

Always consider printing the back-side of your card. Some ideas include mission statements, promotions, map to location, calendar or a metric conversion ruler. If you are printing on the back of your card you want to plan on ordering no less than 1,000 business cards if commercially printed. Most online companies have a minimum order of 1000 when the business card is getting professionally printed. In digital printing there are no real minimums although 1 sheet (8 ½ “X 11″) contains 10 business cards and that would likely be the way your digital printer of choice would produce a digital business card.

Related Posts