When you’re starting a business, there is a whole host of decisions to make, from the type of business entity to choose or whether to market yourself as a freelancer or a business owner.
If you opt for the latter, it can be difficult to decide on what title to use in your email signature, Twitter bio, or when designing a business card.
Deciding on a title
When ordering those business cards, you might stumble at the job title phase. Are you a founder (may seem unprofessional), an owner (too informal), a president (too regal), or a CEO (may seem childish in a small start-up)?
What else can you do? Here are some ideas:
- Leave the job title field blank. If you do consulting, design, development, etc and you don’t have any particular area you focus on, then there’s no need to compromise or leave a laundry list of titles.
- Use web consultant. Or a similar title that defines the work you do, not the position you hold.
- Use something playful. Chief Executive Philosopher, King Geek, or Mark Zuckerberg’s I’m CEO, b****. Treat the business card as an opportunity to show off your personality, if that suits your business.
Setting up your business card
Whatever you decide to go with, if you decide to print business cards it’s important you put some effort into the design (here’s one guide). If you’d rather go for a stripped back design, keep the font readable and opt for a font size between 7 and 11 points. Set Image Mode to CMYK, resolution to 300 pixels/inch, and the size to 85mm x 55mm.
Here are some simple ideas to make your business cards unique, and eight ways to make them stand out.
Where do you put them?
First of all, carry some on you at all times, to give to potential clients. If you’re at a trade show or other event, hand them out like crazy! Also keep some at your business (if you have a physical address). If you’ve decided to invest in offline marketing, here are some other ideas, ranging from the innovative to the crazy:
Leave some at the bank ATM next time you get cash
Leave two with your tip the next time you go out to eat
Stick one or two in with the bills that you mail out each month?
Leave it behind when a receptionist asks you to wait for somebody
Those are some quick tips for working with business cards, we hope they help!
Frequently Asked Questions about Business Cards for Business Owners
What is the importance of having a business card as a business owner?
Business cards are a crucial tool for business owners. They serve as a physical reminder of your business and can help to establish your brand. They are a cost-effective networking tool, perfect for events, meetings, or casual encounters. A well-designed business card can leave a lasting impression and can often be the first tangible experience someone has with your business.
What information should be included on a business card?
A business card should include your name, your business name, your job title, and contact information. This typically includes a phone number, email address, and business address. You may also want to include your business logo, website, and social media handles. Remember, the goal is to make it as easy as possible for people to contact you.
How should I design my business card to make it stand out?
To make your business card stand out, consider using a unique design or high-quality materials. You could use a different shape or size, or even a different type of paper. Color can also be a powerful tool – consider using your brand colors for consistency. However, it’s important to ensure that your design is professional and aligns with your brand image.
What title should I put on my business card as a business owner?
The title you choose to put on your business card should accurately reflect your role within the company. Titles such as CEO, Founder, or Owner can be used. However, it’s important to choose a title that will be understood by your target audience and that aligns with your business’s brand and culture.
Should I include social media handles on my business card?
Including social media handles on your business card can be a great way to connect with potential clients or partners. It allows them to easily find and follow your business online. However, only include social media handles if you are active on those platforms and they are professionally maintained.
How many business cards should I order?
The number of business cards you should order depends on how often you plan to use them. If you frequently attend networking events or meetings, you may need a larger quantity. However, it’s important to remember that business cards are a reflection of your brand, so it’s better to invest in a smaller quantity of high-quality cards than a larger quantity of lower quality cards.
Can I design my own business card or should I hire a professional?
While it’s possible to design your own business card, hiring a professional can ensure a high-quality, professional result. A designer can help to create a unique and memorable card that aligns with your brand. However, if you have design skills and a clear vision for your card, designing it yourself can be a cost-effective option.
Should I include a QR code on my business card?
Including a QR code on your business card can be a convenient way for people to access your website or online portfolio. However, it’s important to ensure that the QR code doesn’t clutter the design of the card and that it’s functional.
What should I do with my business cards once they’re printed?
Once your business cards are printed, keep them with you at all times. You never know when you might meet a potential client or business partner. Consider investing in a business card holder to keep your cards in good condition.
How often should I update my business cards?
You should update your business cards whenever your contact information changes. Additionally, if your business undergoes a significant change, such as a rebranding, it’s a good idea to update your cards to reflect this. Regularly updating your cards can also be a good opportunity to refresh the design and keep it current.
Adam RobertsAdam is SitePoint's head of newsletters, who mainly writes Versioning, a daily newsletter covering everything new and interesting in the world of web development. He has a beard and will talk to you about beer and Star Wars, if you let him.
