Business: It’s All in the Cards

Next fascinating freelance topic:

What elements do you think are necessary on business cards? Do you even think that business cards are necessary?

Well, let’s think about that.

Your name, obviously.

Your job title/position/description

Contact information, like phone, email, fax number.

Website, if any.

But, what about a company name? Does a freelancer really need a company name? Does it hurt? Help? Make no difference? (Although, if there is a company name, I will say that I don’t think it should be a “cute” one, with so-called clever puns on the word “write.” Because, ugh, unprofessional.)

How about a logo?  Generally, I’d say absolutely yes, but … if you don’t have a company name, chances are you don’t have a logo, either. But that doesn’t mean you can’t have a graphic of some kind to add visual interest, as long as it’s a royalty-free image (of course). In this sample, I added my initials in a swirly script watermark in a font I’ve wanted to use for ages.

How about a list of services right on the card?  Or do you feel that is covered by the job title/description?

John Smith
Writer
Copywriting and Editing
Blogging
General business Writing

One-sided, or Two-sided? I think one is enough, though I went for two sides for my Knitting Scholar cards, mostly because I couldn’t decide whether to use the logo, or the cute little icon with the scholar’s tasseled cap, and so I went with both. That was a splurge, though.

Or, maybe this would be a good use for listing those services? Have the name and title on the front, but a list of services on the back? Then they’re there for a prospect to see (which would be handy if they need a reminder of who you are), but it’s not vital information being lost once the card is in a business card holder?

Good card stock, though, is a must. I’ve been printing business cards for my magazine fulfillment company for years, and have yet to find a good business card stock that goes through the printers. Usually, any business card stock you can pick up at your local office supply store is going to be flimsy in the hand, and if you can at all afford it, you’re better off having them professionally printed on decent-weight stock. You can go with your own design or use one of theirs, but just like with photos, unless you have great equipment and supplies, my feeling is that the quality will be better if it’s outsourced.)

(For the record, I was really pleased with my Knitting Scholar cards, and got them from Prints Made Easy. I can’t say for sure that they had the best pricing available since I didn’t shop around too much, but they were fast and I’m pleased with the quality of the cards.)

What else should a good business card have? Did I miss anything?

(And, while I’m asking for opinions on everything else–what do you think of that sample card of mine at the top? Good? Missing something? Other than the phone number, obviously! Or, should I put “Punctuality Rules!” on there, as my “business” name, even though I’m not sure I want it to be my “business” name?)