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DigitalBusiness Cards Errors to avoid when creating one

Business Cards Errors to avoid when creating one

 Business Cards Errors to Avoid

 

When you design a business card, don’t forget it has a job to do. A business card has to make you look good enough that strangers are convinced you can help them. We list some business cards errors to avoid.
Business cards have been around for so long, functioning as a marketing tool to get people to remember business information. However, advancement in technology as well as a shift in aesthetics prompted an evolution in the way we design our cards. All too often, people take for granted this factor, and thus, miss an opportunity to give a good impression. A poorly designed card can be damaging, and might even be fatal to businesses, especially if they are just starting up.

 

Are you committing some of these business card design blunders? Here are some of the most common business card design mistakes you need to avoid.

People have a lot on their minds during a conversation, and it takes seconds for them to forget your name. Others get your card through a referral or event without meeting you face to face. In either scenario, most prospects don’t reach out until they need your services. That’s why you have to give potential customers a solid reason to hold onto your business card.

Business cards have limited space to sell your skills. They also provide lots of opportunities to make a bad first impression, which is hard to overcome. A weak business card design comes across as unprofessional, driving away from people who could be a great fit for your services.

If you want to reel in leads, here is a list of Business Cards Errors to avoid.

1. Leaving out obvious contact information

It should go without saying that people need contact information to get in touch with you. An attractive business card might win you a few compliments, but it will still get tossed in the trash if people can’t figure out how to reach you. Not giving enough information.
Minimalism seems like the rage these days and for a good reason. It’s a useless business card if it doesn’t contain any means to contact you, regardless of how good your minimalist design is.
Before you worry about polishing the design, make sure to include the most relevant details:
Business name
Personal name
Job title/specialization
Business website
Business address
Phone number
Email address
Social media handles
Always have somewhere to send interested customers. People have different communication preferences, so adding multiple channels is your best chance of getting responses.

2. Outdated information: Business cards error to avoid

Would you track down someone who gives you a business card with an out-of-service phone number? How about information that’s been crossed out and written in by hand? No one will work hard to fill in the gaps when they can just go to another business.
Do yourself a favor, and resist the urge to keep using cards that are out of date. Business cards are a low-cost investment with far-reaching influence. Few people want to hand over money to someone who isn’t professional enough to invest in cards with the right info.

3. Typos and misprints

Nothing screams “I don’t care about my business” more than typos and grammatical errors.
While everyone makes mistakes, customers expect you to be thorough and attentive about business matters. So triple-check every detail before sending your design to be printed. Use clear images that won’t turn out blurry on the final design.

4. Tiny or unreadable print

Don’t expect people to walk around with a magnifying glass just so they can read your business card. Tiny fonts are hard on the eyes, so avoid shrinking words to cram in more information. A template can help you optimize the space on a business card without sacrificing clarity.
Too much creativity is also a curse. Using decorative fonts that are impossible to read guarantees no one will ever look at your business card again.

5. No unique selling proposition.

You don’t want your recipient to look at your card after a few days and ask himself “Who is this again?” Sure, you can use a wacky shape or a bright and bold design for your card to stand out. But the thing is, you exchanged cards with your potential business partner because of business. What you do is what makes you relevant to your recipient, not gimmicky designs. You should put your brand promise—that one unique reason why your recipient should do business with you.
For many businesses, a simplified job description or keyword will do. If your work is complex, a tagline or a summary of services can help readers get the big picture.

6. Lack of branding

Playing it safe with generic visuals is a surefire way to be forgettable. Customers are more likely to recall a business card with distinctive branding that stands out from similar companies. Your business card is an extension of your brand. In business, brand image is important. If your business card’s design, from typefaces to graphics, does not resemble your logo’s aesthetics, it will create confusion on the part of your recipient. As much as possible, try to use the same fonts and color palette as your website and other marketing materials. This way, you will instantly be recognizable.
Ditch the stock clipart, and instead, showcase your logo and brand colors. Make the overall design consistent with the visual look of your website, store, or products. Branding your card builds recognition, encouraging customers to associate your business with key services.

7. Color schemes

Here’s another legibility issue, this time with color. If you use a font color that is too close to the color of your background, it might be hard to see for some people. Even more so for people with color blindness. Thus, contrast should be a consideration. As a general rule, try to use a small color palette to base your business card on—something that complements your business colors. Try to use dark-colored text on a light background to make it easy to read
While your brand colors should be the starting point, it’s wise to make subtle changes if it improves readability. Try adding more negative space to break up a design. Avoid super-thin line weights or broken lettering on text.
Another option is to use a simplified version of your logo with fewer colors on a solid background. The visuals are still recognizable, but easier for readers to process.

8. Poor-quality paper

Don’t let a bad paper choice ruin a good design. You may be tempted to go with high-gloss paper, but it can be hard to write on. When you hand out cards at trade shows or networking events, many people like to jot down notes about your business. Instead, pick a high-quality matte card stock that won’t easily bend or tear. Your business card is essentially your first impression. You know what they say about first impressions. If your business card is printed on poor-quality paper, it will reflect on your business as a whole, its one of the major Business Cards Errors to avoid.

When printing a set of business cards, ask your printing service provider what your paper choices are. Thicker and higher quality cardstock for business cards usually costs more, but it is a beneficial investment for you.

9. Poor choice of font.

Comic Sans will probably come to mind for most people when thinking of examples of poor font choices. However, font is dependent on the context. For instance, a hospital using Comic Sans would probably raise confused eyebrows, but a daycare center using the same font is pretty much okay. Here’s some useful advice. Use only a maximum of two typefaces and run with it. As much as possible, avoid fancy fonts and those that resemble handwriting because they are hard to read in a small area.

Business cards errors to avoid

Creating a perfect business card

10. Giving too much information.

It is important to include as much information about your company on your business card. However, your business card is small so your space is limited. If you cram too much in there, you might have to reduce your font size, and thus legibility, or clutter your card, and risk getting a bad layout design.
Consider which information is essentially relative to the kind of business you have. Name and position, phone numbers, and email addresses are almost always necessary. Depending on your business, your websites and social media profiles might need to be included.

Contact us for help in creating your perfect business card.

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