Business cards are essential tools for networking and marketing. They allow you to connect with potential clients or customers at events, conferences, trade shows, and other gatherings. If you don’t want to spend too much time designing them, you might consider using templates instead.
You can easily create your own business card designs from scratch. All you need is a computer, printer, and some basic computer software programs. Here’s how to get started.
How to Make Business Cards
Business cards are essential tools for networking. They provide you with a way to quickly introduce yourself to someone without having to talk too much. But it seems like most people don’t know how to design their own business cards. In fact, I’ve seen some pretty terrible ones out there. So here are some tips on how to make your own business cards.
Select Your Paper Type
The type of paper used on your business cards determines what size your business card will be, how thick it will be, and whether or not you’ll be able to print on both sides of the card. For example, if you want your business card to be smaller than 8.5 x 11 inches, choose one of the thinner papers listed below. If you want your business card bigger than 8.5 x 14 inches, choose a thicker paper. And if you’re printing on both sides of the business card, choose a heavier stock paper.
Choose Your Printing Method
There are basically three ways to go about printing your business cards. You could use a desktop printer, which prints on heavy paper such as bond or coated stock. Or you could use a laser printer, which uses toner to transfer images onto paper. Or you could use an inkjet printer, which transfers images directly onto paper using special ink.
Brainstorm Card Ideas
Your business card is one of the most important pieces of marketing collateral you’ll ever make. And it doesn’t just represent you; it represents your brand. So why are business cards still boring? Well, we’ve got some news for you: Business cards aren’t supposed to be boring. They’re meant to convey information about your business, so you want to use creative design elements to really stand out.
What does your business stand for? What makes you different from everyone else? How do you want people to feel when they see your business card? These questions will help you come up with a concept that reflects your brand identity.
Figure Out What Information You Want to Include
Your logo is an integral part your card, so make certain it’s included. In addition to your name and address, there are three things you must include on your business cards: Contact information, a slogan, and a logo. As you design your card, keep in mind what you want people to know about you and how you want to present yourself.
Customize Business Card Templates or Create Original Artwork
Creating your own business cards lets you design beautiful custom business cards without having to pay extra fees. With customizable templates, you can make your designs unique and professional. You can even use your own artwork or photos.
Use a Design App
Free design tools are everywhere. They’re even easier to use than Photoshop. In fact, some of the best free tools out there make designing beautiful things as simple as possible.
Canva
Canva is one of the most popular graphic design tools around. With over 50 million monthly active users, Canva offers a variety of features including photo editing, vector art, text overlays, shapes, fonts, backgrounds, filters, layouts, and much more. All of these elements come together to help you create stunning images and graphics.
Adobe Express
Adobe Express is a creative tool designed specifically for designers. It allows you to work with layers, colors, typography, and much more. This app is perfect for those who want to take their skills up a notch.
Microsoft Word
Microsoft Word makes it easy to craft beautiful invitations, thank you notes, holiday greetings, and much more. With tons of templates to choose from and plenty of customization options, there’s no excuse to send boring messages anymore. Plus, you can easily print your designs on paper or cardstock.
Choose Your Paper
Business cards are one of those things we take for granted. They’re cheap, easy to make, and everyone has them. But there’s more to choosing the perfect business card than just picking the best material. Here are some tips to help you choose the right paper for your needs.
Weight
The thickness of your paper determines how much ink it holds. If you plan to print lots of cards, go for heavier papers like 80# gloss or 90# matte. These sheets hold more ink and won’t buckle under heavy printing. If you don’t want to spend too much money, try 60# gloss or 70# matte. You’ll still get good quality, but it won’t perform quite as well as thicker options.
Surface Finish
If you plan to hand out your business cards to people face-to-face, you probably want something that looks nice. Glossy paper is great because it reflects light and makes your card look professional. Matte finishes are better for mailing since they tend to pick up smudges and fingerprints. Both types of paper come in different sizes and weights, so check out our guide to find the right size and type for your needs.
Perforations
You might think that perforation is simply holes punched into your sheet, but it actually refers to the way the sheet is folded. Perforated paper is easier to tear off neatly. This is important if you plan to mail your cards. A few companies offer both perforated and nonperforated versions of their cards. Make sure you know what you’re getting.
Print Your Cards at Home
The best way to make sure your cards are printed correctly is to print a test card yourself. Print out a few samples of each design and see how it looks. If you’re printing multiple designs, make sure you don’t use up all of your ink or toner before printing your final batch.
Can I Print Business Cards on a Regular Printer?
Business card printers are usually designed to handle heavier paper stocks than normal office stationery. If you’re looking to print business cards on a home printer, it might be best to invest in a laser printer rather than an inkjet one. Laser printers are capable of creating high quality images and text, while inkjets tend to produce lower quality output.
What Factors Should I Consider When Choosing a Company to Print Business Cards?
Business cards are one of the best ways to promote yourself and your brand. They are inexpensive, easy to make, and versatile. In fact, there are many different types of business cards out there, ranging from simple white paper versions to fancy foil ones. If you’re looking to invest in some business cards, it’s important to choose wisely. You don’t want to spend too much money on something that won’t do you any good. Here are three things to keep in mind when choosing a business card printer.
1. Budget
The cost of business cards varies depending on how many you buy and whether you go with a custom design or use templates. However, even though prices vary widely, you shouldn’t skimp on quality just because you can save a few dollars. Make sure to ask about turnaround times and proofing options. Some companies charge extra for these features, while others include them in the price.
2. Turnaround Time
How long does it take for your business cards to arrive? This is especially important if you’re planning to hand them out at events. Do they send proofs via email or snail mail? How long will it take to approve changes? These questions aren’t just relevant to your personal life; they apply to your professional life as well.
3. Design Services
Some businesses offer free design services, but others charge extra for this feature. For example, some companies charge $10 per hour or $50 per day for designers to work on your project. Whether you decide to hire a designer or not depends on your needs. If you already know exactly what you want, you might find it easier to design your own business cards. On the other hand, if you’re not quite sure what you want, hiring someone else to help you could be beneficial.
Business Card Printing Options
Staples offers several different printing options when it comes to business cards. From standard, raised print, to executive styles, you can choose from a variety of finishes such as matte and gloss. You can even opt for ultra thick card stock to help protect your cards from wear and tear. Business cards are often used as a marketing tool, so make sure yours stands out from the crowd.
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