I. Introduction
Business cards are an essential tool for any professional. They are the perfect way to share contact information and make an unforgettable impression on potential clients or partners. If you’re looking for the best places to get professional business cards made, then you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll explore the top 5 businesses for printing business cards, offer DIY options for making your own professional cards, discuss customizing your cards, and more to help you get the best cards for your business needs.
II. The Top 5 Places to Get Professional Business Cards Made
When it comes to professional business cards, you want to make sure you’re getting high-quality printing, fast turnaround times, a range of design options, and excellent customer service. After researching and comparing the top businesses that offer these features, we’ve come up with our top 5 picks:
- Moo: Moo offers a range of unique design templates and allows you to upload your own custom designs. They offer high-quality printing and a range of premium paper options. Prices start at around $30 for 50 cards, with discounts available for larger orders.
- Vistaprint: Vistaprint is an affordable option that offers a wide range of design templates and customizable options. They offer standard and premium paper options to choose from, as well as raised print options. Prices start as low as $15 for 100 cards, with frequent discounts and promotions available.
- Jukebox: Jukebox offers a range of unique paper options, including bamboo and cork, to make your cards stand out. They also offer foil stamping and embossing options for an extra touch of elegance. Prices start at around $45 for 100 cards, with discounts available for larger orders.
- GlossCo: GlossCo is a great option for those who want a fast turnaround time and a high-quality finish. They offer a range of paper finishes, such as matte, gloss, and pearl, as well as unique options such as transparent and frosted plastic. Prices start at around $25 for 50 cards, with discounts available for larger orders.
- Elite Flyers: Elite Flyers is a luxury option that offers a range of premium paper and finishing options, such as die-cutting and foil stamping. They also offer graphic design services and free shipping within the US. Prices start at around $60 for 500 cards.
III. DIY Business Cards: Making Your Own Professional Cards Without Breaking the Bank
If you’re on a tight budget or want to add a personal touch to your cards, then making your own business cards can be a great option. There are several affordable DIY options to choose from, such as:
- Avery: Avery offers printable business card templates that you can customize and print at home. They offer both inkjet and laser printer options, as well as a variety of paper finishes to choose from.
- Visme: Visme is a design platform that offers a range of customizable templates, including business card templates. They offer both free and paid options, with design tools that allow you to fully customize your card design.
- Canva: Canva is another design platform that offers a range of customizable templates, including business cards. They offer both free and paid options, as well as design tools that allow you to add custom images, logos, and text.
When making your own business cards, it’s important to keep in mind that they still need to look professional. Stick to simple designs and choose high-quality paper options to ensure that your cards make a great impression.
IV. Customizing Your Business Cards: How to Stand Out from the Crowd
Your business cards can be a great way to stand out from the competition and showcase your unique brand or niche. Some creative ways to customize your cards include:
- Choosing a unique paper option, such as recycled or textured paper
- Adding a spot gloss or matte varnish to highlight specific areas of the design
- Including a QR code or NFC chip to make it easy for clients to access your website or social media profiles
- Choosing a die-cut shape or adding rounded corners for a unique look
When customizing your business cards, it’s important to keep your target audience in mind. Make sure that your design is tailored to your business’ niche and effectively communicates your brand message.
V. The Dos and Don’ts of Business Card Design
When designing your business cards, there are some important dos and don’ts to keep in mind to ensure that your cards make a great impression:
- Do: Choose a simple, easy-to-read font and limit your color scheme to two or three colors.
- Do: Use high-quality images and ensure that your logo is prominently displayed.
- Do: Include only relevant information, such as your name, company name, phone number, email address, and website or social media profiles.
- Don’t: Choose a font that is difficult to read or use too many colors and styles in your design.
- Don’t: Include too much information or clutter your design with irrelevant images or graphics.
- Don’t: Print your cards on cheap paper or use poor-quality images.
VI. Paper Types, Finishes, and More: Making Sense of Business Card Terminology
When it comes to choosing the right paper, finish, and printing techniques for your business cards, there are several terms to be aware of. Here are some common terms explained:
- Paper types: Common paper types for business cards include matte, gloss, and uncoated options. Matte paper has a soft, non-reflective finish, while gloss paper has a shiny, reflective finish. Uncoated paper has a natural, tactile finish.
- Finishes: Business card finishes can include spot gloss, matte varnish, UV coating, and foil stamping. Spot gloss and matte varnish are used to highlight specific areas of the design, while UV coating provides a protective finish. Foil stamping adds a metallic or holographic effect.
- Printing techniques: Printing techniques for business cards can include digital printing, offset printing, and letterpress printing. Digital printing is a cost-effective option that offers high-quality printing, while offset printing is best for larger quantities. Letterpress printing offers a high-end look and feel.
VII. Conclusion
Getting professional business cards made doesn’t have to be difficult or expensive. By choosing the right business or DIY option, customizing your design, and following best practices for business card design, you can create high-quality cards that make a great impression every time.