How To Create Your Own Business Cards The Right Way

By Nayra Mendoza on February 2, 2016

As time edges closer to apply for internships and entry-level jobs, college students should think about creating business cards. They don’t have to be from a business or company.

When networking and making connections, having a personal business card to hand out to a potential employer, client, or partner, can convey importance and purpose.

creating a business card

Via (LinkedIn)

While LinkedIn and Twitter are useful tools to share your work experience and information, a person may just need an e-mail address to contact you; hand over a personal card with your name and number for easier accessibility. Designing your business card can be simple by using these three tips.

1. What to Include

As simple as a business card may look, including the right information can save you and your card’s recipient time and trouble. For example, only use updated and reliable details that would make it easier for a person to get in contact with you. Here is general information that should appear on your personal business card.

A Name

Make sure to put your full name and not what your friends call you or a shortened version of your name. If you have a middle name, the time to decide if you like your middle name or not has come.

An Address

A city and state should do. No one really needs to know your personal home location. Omitting your street name and number also gives off an air of discretion.

An E-Mail Address

By now, you’ve probably made several email accounts. One may be your subscription and spam mail account; you should designate one address to be your business inquiries account. An easy way to choose is list the account you use most often since you won’t forget to check for any important messages.

A Phone Number

Only list your cellphone number since you have it on you all the time. Make sure to set up your voicemail greeting for an extra pinch of professionalism.

What To Avoid

creating a business card

Via (Bundlr)

It doesn’t have to look too flashy. Keep your card simple to read. You can use a smaller version of your personalized logo as a trademark symbol of certification. Just don’t paste it over your whole card; people will appreciate they didn’t have to force their vision.

Don’t buy in bulk. You may not need 250 printed cards, and you’ll probably have no use for them after you’re employed. I’d say about 50 will do, so don’t spend more than you have to. Collecting dust is not a business card’s purpose.

Do not include social media links on your business card. Right off the bat, no one cares how many followers you have or about your latest Instagram posts. Deliver yourself in a pitch and let them want to know more about you. If they seek you out using your card information, send them a return email with your links under your signature for more engagement.

Tools You Can Use

Where should you go for business card making? Use these stores and sites as references or printers for your new networking tool.

Office Depot has the most standard delivery for card design and printing for the passive student. Their “100 cards for $20” sweet deal goes well with their free standard delivery with no minimum purchase; you save $15 off the regular price and no shipping? My wallet likes that.

The UPS Store offers templates, printing, and pick-up. Their offers start at $24.99 for a minimum of 100 cards. If you have a location near you, some stores have a graphic designer on staff to help you create your card.

Vistaprint is a one-stop shop for marketers as well as new entrepreneurs. They have several ways for you to create your cards such as uploading a design, searching through templates, or requesting an expert’s services. They offer a variety of packages and features that can help you create the card that you want and even offer tips as “proven ways to get you noticed.”

Moo is the cool entrepreneur’s holy grail in business. They don’t just help you create and print business cards – they help you create cards for everyone in your new business! The site offers different amount and preference packages, postcard designs for special events, and even stickers.

Overnight Prints is the same, or better, deal as Vistaprint. They ensure that no matter what design you choose, it will be high quality. They stay true to their name and offer overnight delivery with their B.I.T.G.I.T. system –  buy it today, get it tomorrow. Order by 8 p.m. EST and your cards will arrive the next day.

Business cards save the day when randomly engaging in a networking opportunity or attending social events. Keep several cards in your wallet for emergencies. Use your best judgment, and these tips, to create some good-looking, attention-grabbing, useful business cards.

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