Tips for Storyboarding.

Determine the makeup of your brand. What is the image that you're trying to send, and how is it most effectively communicated? Remember, every successful home enterprise (directly or indirectly) conveys unique messages about their brand. You're telling a story. And the business card is a small, yet integral, part of that story telling process. Consider logo options that offer an element of consistency with your brand image. Decide on the most relevant information that will be of value to those in possession of your card. How can they best reach you - e-mail, phone, fax, mail? Use the information that can provide a return on investment, and omit the rest.

I recommend: Companies like PrintsMadeEasy.com allow you to access thousands of templates of unique business cards, so that you can consider a wide variety of options and generate new ideas for the look and feel of your custom business cards.

Tips for Designing

The old school of thought would suggest that you hire a professional graphic designer. That exercise is probably only valuable in creating a company logo (if you truly need one). Beyond that, the leading online printing services/websites can steer even a novice designer toward the right solution. Customer service teams will help proof your work, but be sure to verify that your type font is legible, that your font size is large enough, and that your card quality is of reasonable caliber. Also, be sure that the most important information (i.e. name and company) is easily located. If you haven't narrowed the most salient information, consider doing so before a final proof - remember, white space always beats superfluous details (if there are any).

I recommend: Companies like PrintsMadeEasy.com have their own proprietary software to help you customize your business card design in real time and offer a user-friendly experience. Instead of using fixed/static templates, PrintsMadeEasy’s software allows you to grab and move text and images wherever you want them.

Tips for Printing

Digital printing now offers the optimal solution for any business professional. It matches the quality of offset printers, and orders are processed in much faster time.

I recommend: Look on the home page of PrintsMadeEasy.com, and you’ll see a Countdown Timer that determines how much time remains to complete an order if you want to receive it by a certain date (if necessary). As for final touches, the leading online print companies offer you the opportunity to carefully proof your design and then quickly get the order printed and shipped to your doorstep. Also, in your final proof, keep the back of your business card blank. Some people opt at the last minute to add a mission statement or a catchy phrase on the back of their business cards or post cards. But if you can’t win over somebody with information on the front, don’t expect any residual returns from what goes on the back.

Tips for Getting A Sample Order of Free Business Cards

If you're unsure whether you have created the ideal business card, why place a large order? There are alternatives if you'd like to test the waters with a sample order first.

I recommend: PrintsMadeEasy.com is one of the few companies that truly does offer free business cards to anyone looking to print a small sample run (of 100 cards) before proceeding with a larger order.  Take advantage of it.

Tips for Designing Postcards

You may also want to consider a consistent branding campaign via direct mail materials. It's certainly a worthwhile exercise to lay out some different design options.

I recommend: Postcards.com is a great resource for better understanding post card marketing, including specific ideas that will help you in the branding process.  Be sure to read their articles from industry experts, who provide innovative techniques to consider.