The right business card can turn a casual networking encounter into a job possibility. Business cards are one of the most critical parts of networking. Therefore, you want to not only invest in them financially but creatively as well. A professional and creative business card can attract a lot more potential clients than having no card at all.
Contract an Artist or Photographer
Create a detailed design for your business cards. Pick a concept, picture idea, fonts, slogans, and placement of certain words and images. Decide which media of art conveys your business card dream best: drawings, photography, or calligraphy?
Set money aside to pay the artist or photographer. Research artists who you believe can execute your dream. You can check inexpensive freelance markets, such as Fiverr, or conduct a thorough web search for freelancers.
Also ask friends and family members for recommendations.
Pick Card Material
Avoid flimsy paper cards that easily fall apart. Instead, request a sample box to explore all the material options available to you. A few of your choices may include various grades of paper (some glossy), plastic, or cardboard.
The process will also involve picking the shape of your business card. You may want a shape that reflects your business. For example, design animal-shaped business cards if you work as an animal trainer.
Pick a Printing Service
Fedex, UPS, and Staples all offer various printing services, and some include business card printing services. This could be a great option if you need business cards made quickly. However, this might not be the most inexpensive option.
Business card specialty sites such as Vistaprint and Moo might be a better option when trying to save. Both sites have various monthly, sometimes weekly, deals. They also have coupon options made readily available through Groupon.
Decide on Extras
Most printing services also offer the option to print your business card layout, or a slightly altered version, on novelty items. You can print your contact information on pens, magnets, and pencils. These items will cost a little more than plain business cards, but they might be creative enough to impress someone into giving you their business.