Table of Contents
In this post, I’m going to share the new business card I’ve designed for ‘From Fiona’ (yes I did it in Canva) and the key elements that should be on your cards. I’ve seen a few that miss things so this is my ultimate guide (I knew a new phrase) to business cards, what should be on them and where to get them printed.
This is a sponsored post but all views and opinions are my own.
I used to have business cards. I’ve always been a big advocate of having business cards for a blog or business. I know blog events aren’t really happening in the same way they were but that doesn’t mean that a business card is redundant. How many times can you be speaking to someone and realise you don’t have anything to write your info on? Business cards slot in your bag and can be pulled out at a moments notice. I have even made my husband get business cards for his business so I can hand them out to people when talking about what he does for a living.
My main thoughts for what should be on a business card follows the Who, What, Where, Why, When method which I will explain below. Using this method I ensure that I end up with a business card with all the information that it needs to have. How you design it is up to you but I’m a big fan of logos, brand colours and using the standard icons for social networks as they’re instantly recognisable. What I can never decide is do I leave the back blank or do double-sided. For some businesses, a blank back can be handy for adding notes but I love having my blog logo on one side and then all the info on the other side. It also gives me a bit more room to play with and to be able to get as much info on the business card as possible.
Who
Who you are needs to be on a business card. I like having my blog/business name plus my actual name on the cards. This makes a difference when your name isn’t really in your business name. People need to be able to know who they’re dealing with. This is also really important if you’re one of many employees within a firm too. Also, add a job title to your business card if you feel it’s appropriate for who you are.
What
Following on from the above of having your job title on your business card I’ve made a point of having my main blog categories and the fact I’m a virtual assistant on my business cards. To me, this is the information that future blog readers or clients would need to know as presumably you’re handing over a card because you’ve been discussing your blog or business with someone else. they need a visual cue as to why they have your card.
Where
Where they can find you. Are you online and on various social platforms? List them! It may sound simple but I saw a van the other day that said find us on Facebook but there was no company name, location or other identifying information. Your business card is an extension of your advertising so make sure all the info is there. As you can see in the photos above, I’ve put my blog address, Instagram, Twitter and Email address. If you have an actual brick and mortar business where people can turn up then I would have your address on their too. Depending on how you want to be contacted you can add a phone number or any other information you think is relevant.
Why
Now this one is where I start having issues as there is only so much real estate on a business card for all the info that needs to be there. I’d say this is why someone should choose your business – so do you have awards you’d like to shout about or lots of 5* reviews? This is the info you can share and use to your advantage. Just make sure it’s relevant and if like me you can’t think of anything then leave it out.
When
As a blogger and VA, I don’t put opening or trade hours on my business cards as it doesn’t make any sense for me to do this. However, for a traditional business with opening hours make sure these are listed somewhere. I know we’re in a culture where people expect immediate replies to business enquiries but the truth is that we need to set our boundaries and this is one what to do this.
Now you’ve got what you need on your business cards and sorted your design you’ll need to get them printed. I was gifted 250 laminated business cards by Aura Print and the service was great. I submitted my pdf to the team and made sure the resolution was high enough for them to print to the highest quality. They were printed on 700gsm silk with matt lamination plus a rain blue painted edge which is super pretty and matches my branding so well. It’s a little extra I’d never have considered but will make them stand out when they’re being used in the future. The cards are much thicker than I expected them to be but it means they’ll stand up to me carting them around in my handbag for weeks.
I had a great experience using Aura Print for my business cards and would definitely recommend them. The cost for 250 cards without the painted edges is £40.95 which is a great price for the quality of the cards you’re receiving and what I would expect to pay for the level of distinctiveness of these cards.
