PrintHomemade business cards don't always convey a professional image, but knowing that you can create business cards in a pinch can be reassuring for new business owners.
Creating your own cards requires a PC, a printer (a color printer is needed for cards with colors other than black), business card paper, and the appropriate software. You can purchase a comprehensive publishing package, such as Microsoft Publisher, or a graphic design application, like Jasc Software's Paint Shop Pro, for about $175.
Do-it-yourself business cards might not be a good long-term solution for most businesses, but they do have a few immediate advantages. Printing your own cards lets you produce the exact number you need, and when you run out or change your contact information, creating new ones is quick and easy.
To ensure your cards look professional, follow these simple guidelines:
- Include important contact information. List your name, company, address, telephone and fax numbers, email and Web site addresses, and your business slogan or a brief description of your services.
- Keep it simple. Complicated graphics that look great on your computer screen might not look as clear on a 3 1/2-inch by 2-inch card. Use simple graphics and omit your company logo if it doesn't print clearly.
- Avoid using clip art. Common clip art images tend to look cheap and unprofessional. Instead, use a scanner to scan in photos or artwork, and then use your software to position them on the card. Print a sample and check the quality before printing multiple cards.
- Limit the number of colors. For best results, select one or two ink colors on a white or off-white background.
- Use good paper. Choose high-quality paper that's compatible with your printer. Linen and fiber stone are both excellent choices for your cards. Keep in mind that while glossy paper provides the best printing background, it often costs more than matte papers.
