Mistake #1: Insufficient, Excessive, or Inaccurate Information
When ordering business cards online, it’s crucial to consider the information you want to include on your cards and ensure its accuracy. Even a small error could lead to reordering cards prematurely. While focusing on design and font color, it’s easy to overlook transposed numbers in your phone number. Avoid this pitfall by meticulously checking and double-checking everything!
Tip: Take time to prepare a comprehensive list of standard business card information, including name, title, phone, email, website, and more. Keep this information organized in a Word document or Excel spreadsheet. Make sure to verify the details with each staff member and have someone else review the card before placing an order.
Mistake #2: Using Low-Resolution or Pixelated Images
Using low-quality photos or logos is a common mistake made by non-professional graphic designers. Although your logo may appear sharp and clear on the screen, it could become fuzzy and unattractive once printed. To avoid this issue, ensure that your designer provides you with high-resolution files in formats such as .jpg or PDF (marked as “CMYK” or “high resolution” or “print”). High-resolution graphics have larger file sizes compared to low-quality images. If your logo file is only 25KB, it’s likely a low-resolution version intended for the web. Never use your logo from your website or social media accounts for print materials! If you’re unsure which file to use, consult your designer.
Tip: The following types of artwork/images are commonly used on business cards: company logo, professional headshot, QR code, and social media icons. Use high-quality and high-resolution versions of all these images.
Mistake #3: Small and Hard-to-Read Text
How many times have you received a business card that was practically unreadable? While the text may appear fine on a screen, it’s essential to ensure its legibility in real life. A professional graphic designer would typically print the business card design to check for readability. However, online design tools may not offer this option. Aim for a minimum text size of at least 8pt or 8px, although 10pt is often safer, depending on the font or typeface used.
Tip: Make sure your text size is at least 8pt or 8px, ensuring it remains easily readable. When in doubt, err on the side of caution and go for a 10pt font size.
Mistake #4: Designing Generic-Looking Cards
The purpose of your business card is to make a lasting impression and help potential clients remember you. However, it’s easy to end up with a generic-looking card that doesn’t stand out amidst a stack of similar cards. Avoid using template designs from online printing services that may lack a real logo or fail to match your colors and branding. Moreover, try to be unique and memorable by exploring affordable and creative business card ideas.
Tip: Don’t hesitate to think beyond the standard rectangular shape. Consider creating vertical business cards to capture attention and demonstrate your creativity.
Mistake #5: Ordering Excessive Quantities
Unless you attend countless networking events, ordering a large quantity of business cards in your initial order is unnecessary. Opt for the fewest number of cards possible, such as 100 or 250. Inevitably, you’ll want to make changes or updates to your card before distributing them all. Ordering in bulk often leads to wasting cards, as many business owners end up throwing away boxes with hundreds of unused cards.
Tip: Avoid getting lured into ordering business cards in bulk. Start with a smaller quantity and reorder as needed.
Mistake #6: Placing Information Too Close to the Edge
Printing is not an exact science, and there’s always a possibility of slight variations during the production process. If you plan to have images or colors extend to the edge of your card, you must include “bleeds” in your design. Bleeds ensure that no important information or images get cut off during trimming. Be cautious not to place any crucial text or images, such as your logo, too close to the edge of the card.
Tip: Leave a margin of at least .25″ between the text and images and the card’s edge, allowing room for trimming and avoiding any potential cut-off or misalignment issues.
Now that you’re aware of these common mistakes when ordering business cards online, you can confidently avoid them. Feel free to share any other mistakes you’ve observed on people’s business cards!
Read also: Top 5 Mistakes DIY Website Builders Make.
