Business cards are still an important marketing tool for small businesses and entrepreneurs. Sure, the world has changed, but many people like to have something tangible to hold onto when they’re introduced to someone new, and personal and local connections are often the easiest way to get a business started.

When you launch your business, there are a lot of details to juggle, and a budget that can only stretch so far. But when you neglect your calling card, you are showing ‌others that you don’t take yourself seriously. 

Here are a few tips to keep in mind.

Business cards for the new business owner

Do: Get business cards printed. 

There are many low-cost options from online sources, to paper you can run through your own printer. You need a physical business card to start networking. This seems basic, but some people think they can skip cards altogether. If you aren’t bothering with business cards, you probably aren’t really bothering to set up a sustainable business.

Don’t: Print too many or spend too much on the printing. 

It’s likely many details are still in flux—such as your address changing as you move from a home office to a rented space.

Do: Spend your money on branding. 

While the actual printing of the card can be done on the cheap, your business name and logo are here to stay. Hire a designer with expertise and don’t rush the process.

Business cards for the established business owner

Do: Think about quality of your cards. 

A good, thick paper stock shows that you are beyond the start-up phase. Once you know that your contact details won’t be changing often, you can afford to purchase a larger quantity of cards and therefore reduce your per-card costs.

Don’t: Feel you have to include all your information on your cards. 

For example, you may be on several different social media channels, but every handle doesn’t have to be listed on your card. Think about whether you really want to hand out your cell phone number to everyone.

Do: Optimize readability

Take a good look at your business card and see if there are adjustments that can be made to increase the readability of your business name or your contact information. Small adjustments to the layout and design keep a brand fresh without throwing away everything you’ve built.

Don’t: Change things too much. 

Consistency in branding will help you immensely regarding recognition. Your business card should feel like it fits with your website and other parts of your brand.

If you need help designing your business card, or your entire brand, please Branding Compass can help.