how can i improve my business card?

simon.deighton · 27 May 2011 at 16:37

I dont mind if anyone wants to work it up, Id do it but im busy/and/or lazy

Also that vid of that guy is quality.

Id definetly do what was suggested above and purchase a domain name even if you get a holding page put on there.

http://www.123-reg.co.uk/order?domain=www.oldcastlecomputing.com&search=search&transfer=transfer&ajax_enabled=true

Riddell · 27 May 2011 at 16:40

Ditch the gmail account and get a business one.

Oh, and get it emBOSSed.

PhillyDee · 27 May 2011 at 16:43

This:
http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:8787

ikillbears · 27 May 2011 at 17:15

Demoniser · 27 May 2011 at 17:58

Sherbs said:
You need a logo definitely and simon.deighton's one is brilliant assuming he doesn't mind you using it, go with that. I am sure someone will draw it up in illustrator for you

Do you really need a picture of a hand and mouse? Bit dated. I am sure people will guess what you do from that logo!

That's a great video for showing the importance of a business card. It doesn't just apply to cards either, it could be leaflets or websites.

We've all had the crappy leaflets/cards/brochures through the letterbox that look like they were knocked up in word, they go straight in the bin.

- Simple
- To The Point
- Quality

Whats that acronym - KISS

Keep it Simple Stupid. Works so well.

Morgoth · 27 May 2011 at 18:08

I'm going to make a business card, it will say "Lay 4 of these cards end to end. That is the size of my penis. Call me."

Windle · 27 May 2011 at 18:14

That business card is horrible, i'd throw it in the bin if you gave it to me. You seem to be missing the point of a business card, it's your contact details and links to further information. It is NOT an advertising brochure beyond getting your name/company info out there.

Get a proper leaflet made up using someone like Minuteman Press etc, get a plain business card (Logo, Name, Contact Details, Business Address) and staple/clip it to it. Then go and approach businesses.

vail3r · 27 May 2011 at 18:19

Don;t use a business card to advertise, thats what leaflets are for so only put the essentials on and don't try to fit too much on a tiny card.

Energize · 27 May 2011 at 18:46

mcast said:
Working on it, my html is weak though and I really don't want one of those horrible amatuer looking sites.

Just get a web designer?

BDEE · 27 May 2011 at 18:51

Too much information on the front Keep it simple - contact numbers, email, address, company name and your name.

Get a land line number. Mobiles only do not give a good impression.

gmail...... doesnt create a good impression. Own domain name *** and cheap as chips.

IT company with no website = fail. Get a website and your web address on there.

Also the logo looks like its just come straight off of VistaPrint. Get something decent designed and mocked up. The old finger on a mouse is a bit generic.

Macro · 27 May 2011 at 19:17

Get a domain and proper Exchange Email account at http://www.microsoft.com/en-gb/office365/online-software.aspx . It's free whilst in beta and gives you Exchange mail, Lync (IM, web conferencing etc), Sharepoint, Website and MS Office 2010 web apps for £4 per month.

asim18 · 27 May 2011 at 21:04

That is a flyer.

This is a business card:

That'll be Ten Million Pounds please. I'll take Dollars or Euros too

Liampope · 27 May 2011 at 23:24

Some good ideas here...

Dark Sun · 27 May 2011 at 23:27

Don't combine the card with the handshake. I used to do that until I gave a paper cut to a man from Nestle.

mcast · 27 May 2011 at 23:32

Demoniser said:
That's a great video
Whats that acronym - KISS

Keep it Simple Stupid. Works so well.

that card is simple?

I did laugh out loud though, that video is the funniest I've seen in weeks.

So bottom line...I need a website/proper email/landline and a non generic card.

Jambo · 28 May 2011 at 21:13

Dreadful business card. Hire a graphic designer to do one, it isn't expensive.

Limenote · 28 May 2011 at 21:27

[FnG]magnolia;19235251 said:

oh my god..

233 · 28 May 2011 at 21:43

awesome cards

http://www.plasmadesign.co.uk/metalbusinesscards.htm

metal and translucent ***

Demoniser · 28 May 2011 at 21:44

mcast said:
that card is simple?

I did laugh out loud though, that video is the funniest I've seen in weeks.

So bottom line...I need a website/proper email/landline and a non generic card.

Oh that card is far from simple, i wasn't referring to that exactly. That being said, it is a quality piece of advertising. I'd pay more attention to that than a black and white business card or any similar variations.

I just think keeping things simple with stuff like bullet points is better than blocks of text, and anything that isn't necessary should be left out. Its debatable whether stuff in the example above is necessary, but the foil covering and pop out stuff does make it stand out. Simplicity and Quality, a tricky combination to get right.

nigel1210 · 28 May 2011 at 23:54

As echoed on here already get rid of the cheesy stock image.

Some inspiration here:

http://logodesignerblog.com/creative-business-cards-design-inspiration/
http://www.davidairey.com/
http://www.logodesignlove.com/
http://imjustcreative.com/

If you get a logo created make sure it is in Illustrator or eps format.

email as said many times on this thread get your own domain, a free email address looks tacky and un professional.

web hosting have a look here these people aren't the cheapest but are really reliable and there service is excellent.

http://www.vidahost.com/uk-shared-hosting

If you don't want to pay for a web designer, install wordpress buy a template from one of the many template site and add suitable content.

If you need anymore detailed info drop me a pm i'm a graphic designer and will be able to give you some pointers.