A business card could be your most valuable
asset when it comes to marketing your business. Aside from giving your potential customers your contact details, they serve as an important reminder of the people we meet.

Below is some of my experience about what you should consider when having business cards designed:

1. A good business card starts a conversation
Whether it's the texture or the design of the card, make it stand out from the competition. Our own business cards are black with a shiny UV coating that draws attention to our website address. These make such an impression that some people ask for two or three so they can show their boss.

2. Don't make non standard sizes or shapes
Although this may conflict with the point above, its important that your cards can be fitted into binders and holders that some people use to organise the cards they have collected from people.

3. Make sure the basics are on there
Your name, telephone number, fax number, e-mail etc. It sounds crazy, but it's surprising how many people miss something important.

4. Make sure they say what your business does
We get handed so many cards and after you refer back to them, sometimes months after, it can be hard to remember why you were given the card in the first place.

5. Triple check your cards for typos and spelling mistakes
Sleep on it and then check them again the next morning – a mistake could be costly.

6. I believe that double sided cards look better
It's a waste of one side not to say something else about your business. Why not put your company's
tag-line on the back?

7. If you carry out business in more than one country, use both languages
Alternatively, design different cards for each country. It will make your company look more professional and tailored for that specific local market.