May 02, 2016

How to Design a Business Card + Question of the Month



Some people may say that a business card is the thing of the past, but I disagree. If you ever plan to do a giveaway, you can add a few business cards to the package you ship to the lucky winner. If you do book signings, you can have business cards on your table for visitors to grab. If you go to conferences, you can give a card to an agent. If you talk to a stranger at the post office or store and your career gets brought up, give that person your business card.

I have even gotten sneaky with my business cards. I’ve slipped one into the middle of books I checked out from libraries and enjoyed. I’ve left them on bookshelves at thrift stores and Wal-Mart. NO SHAME! :P


Here’s how you can design a business card:

1. Go to VistaPrint.com They have deals all the time that’ll cut down on the cost!

2. Decide what type of post card you want: Standard, Signature or Ultra Thick. I picked Standard for mine.

3. Look through the hundreds of designs. Having an idea in mind will help you narrow down the options. I liked the ones that allowed me to add my logo/picture such as the sparks that I’ve used on my blog and website.

4. After you have a design, select the color scheme you want and start making it your own.
TIP: There is a white line along the border. Make sure that the images you add will not be cut off in an awkward way because of this border (“safety line”) and make sure all of your words are inside it.

5. Add an image. This could be your author photo, a book image, or an image that has become linked with your image/brand such as my sparks.

6. Put your author name at the top and include your job title below it if you want. Example: Author

7. Have an author tagline? Put it on your business card! Mine is below my name. My author tagline is: Thrilling and Romantic with Heroines of Steel.
SEE: How to Create an Author Tagline
8. Add your social media links. You might not be able to put all of them on your business card, but you can put the post important one. I have my website, Facebook, Twitter, and blog URLs on mine.

9. Decide if you want a backside. It will cost more, so you don’t need it if you don’t want it. I opted for a backside to add more information and to make my card standout. On the back of mine I put a small bio (because there’s only so much you can get across about yourself with the scant info on the front) with two eBook cover images to entice readers.

This one came out a bit blurry but you get the idea. :)
TIP: Take your time to get it right!
10. Make sure everything is spelled correctly and placed neatly on your card then PURCHASE IT! You can decide on the number of cards you order. I first ordered 250 and those went quickly. Now I have 500. But you can start small as I had.

As soon as you get your cards, hand them out to your friends and family, and start leaving them everywhere!




QUESTION: Do you think author business cards are worth it? Do you have a business card?





QUESTION: If a friend came to you looking for advice on starting a blog, what three pieces of advice would you give them?

Last year I did a post FULL of blogging tips, so you can check that out here: Blogging 101


My 3 pieces of advice would be:

1. Come up with a catchy blog title and use that title in the URL. For example: Write with Fey, www.WritewithFey.blogspot.com

2. Set up an “About Me” page. You may say, “Why? No one cares to know anything about me.” But that’s not true in the blogosphere.

3. Participate. If you’re a writer, join the Insecure Writer’s Support Group and get to know the members one by one. Follow them and comment. Do the A to Z Challenge, which happens every April, and again…follow and comment. When you start visiting other blogs, you may come across sign-ups for blog hops, these are a lot of fun and many people do them, so join in and…yes, follow and comment.


70 comments:

  1. Great tips on the calling card. I also think they are still important. It's something to hand people when you meet them in person. I have my Go. Create. Inspire! phrase on the back of mine. I notice that most people take your card, and flip it around and look at the back!
    Also, great tips for blogging. I also encouraged people to join the A to Z Challenge!
    Mary at Play off the Page

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    1. See? That's why it's important to utilize the back! :D

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  2. Good blogging suggestions. I think maybe I should do something with my about me page--it's in serious need of expansion.

    Shortly after I began blogging one of the first things I did to promote my blog was print up business cards. Im a big believer that they are still a viable method of promotion. I was gung-ho passing them out and talking about my blog, but I don't know that I ever got a visit from that card. Still, that unknowable doesn't turn me against the cards. I might still have a few from that first batch printed over 6 years ago. I think it's time for me to do new ones just to have them.

    Right now I only need them to promote my blog, but if I had a book like you do they would be a necessity. I think you are using yours wisely. I might consider doing two different sets of cards: 2 sided information filled attractive cards for distribution as a calling card and insert and a 1 sided card with a with backside with a dull finish for writing.

    I like the one-sided cards because the backs can be used for writing notes about the meeting or other information. When I used to work trade shows I always preferred it when someone who stopped by my booth would give me such a card so I could write notes about our meeting and any other thing that I felt was relevant. And I do like simple and uncluttered when the card is essentially just and address and contact sort of thing.

    There are big advantages to many different kinds of cards. Each person just needs to decide what they want the cards to achieve.

    Arlee Bird
    A to Z Challenge Co-host
    Tossing It Out

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    1. You're right that there are advantagestories to any card someone creates. It's important for everyone to think about the function of that card. If they go to a lot of conferences or trade shows, an empty back for notes would be smart.

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  3. Love the business card idea. I've used business cards off and on many times. I DO need to print out some new ones and I love your ideas and suggestions.
    Great ideas on what to do when you start a blog. Blog hops and such are a great way to meet new people, new followers and new friends. You also get many great ideas and a LOT of support. Now that I've joined so many blog hops, I've put my own R.A.N.T. series on the back burner. Or at least cutting it down to only once a month.
    PS - So sorry I have not gotten back to you about the email. I will try to get to it today. I just got so buried and swamped with all the A to Z stuff.
    PS I LOVE your business card.

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    1. Thanks for letting me know about the email. I wasn't sure if you actually recieved it or not.

      Blog Hops helped me to feel less lonely. Before them, I was my only audience.

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  4. Great tips! I'd never really thought about having business cards. I love all the sneaky places you leave them, too ;)

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  5. I've had business cards for ages, but they could use an update. I like the idea of putting info on the back.

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    1. Info on the back can leave a nice impression. :)

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  6. That's a great looking card--something I should think about.

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  7. I like your tips for the designing business cards and leaving business cards where you leave them :) Local stores here sometimes have bulletin boards for people to leave their cards; I always look at the cards when I'm walking in/out of stores :)

    Great blogging tips; my #1 would be comment, comment, comment like you mentioned!

    betty

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    1. I wish businesses here had cork boards for cards. I look for them but never see them.

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  8. Thanks for all the useful tips about business cards. I laughed over the sneaky places you put them. I think it's great that you do that. I have postcard-sized book cards printed with the cover on the front and blurb and my info on the back that I hand out, but I've often wondered if I should have a traditional business card as well. Thanks for the blogging tips, too. I think participation is the most important one.

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    1. I have postcards too! I love those. I've done the samething with those...left them in libraries, etc.

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  9. I've been thinking about business cards for a while, but I never have any idea what I should put on it. Thanks for answering that question for me!

    Your cards look great, by the way.

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    1. You're welcome! :D And thanks. It took a little playing around with but it was fun.

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  10. I have business cards and I may have just spent the last hour tweaking with the design for next time I have to order some thanks to your post. =)

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    1. I love that! I'd love to see your new ones when you order them. :)

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  11. Hi Chrys, great to see you back to the blog. In other words, I missed you :) Your business cards are excellent! I love that you put more info on the back. I don't have business cards but I have bookmarks. I give those out similarly and of course with every book purchase (print book). It's an equally great way to give people information. I carry a few in my purse.

    As for blog tips. The About me page is so important. One thing people forget to do is put their name on the about page. I hate it when I'm on a blog loving the content but can't figure out the writer's name! Often people go by a cutesey name and that's cool but please put your real name in the about me page (unless you're anonymous--then say so). :D Happy Monday to you!!

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    1. Hi Lisa! Aw. It's nice to know I was missed. Though, I have to admit, I almost didn't want to come back. It was nice not having to worry about my blog.

      I have bookmarks too! (And postcards.) The more stuff you have to give out the better. ;)

      I've had that happen before. For some reason there's not even a name at the end of the post (in the footer area) showing who wrote it.

      Happy Monday, Lisa! Btw...I missed you too. :D

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  12. I do have business cards and I hand them out at writing events and booksignings. They make very handy bookmarks.

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  13. I love that you left your visiting cards in library books. Your advice to new bloggers is wonderful. The About me page is a good tip because that's exactly what every new blogger thinks - why would anyone want to know about me? Thanks for stopping by at my blog. I will read your Blogging 101 now.

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    1. Hi Kalpanaa! I'm glad you liked my tips for the business cards and for blogs. And I hope you find a lot of useful advice on my Blogging 101 post. :)

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  14. One of the YouTubers I follow, Karen Kavett, has at least one video on designing a business card. My father doesn't agree with her suggestion to make a logo for yourself and put it on your business card, since he thinks that comes across as childish and unprofessional unless you're in the graphic design or art business already. I don't see what the harm of having a logo is as long as it's designed well and fits with your brand.

    Another thing Karen mentions, which I agree with as a typophile, is to use good typefaces. No one worthwhile will be interested in you, most likely, if you use something amateurish and overused like Comic Sans, Papyrus, Bleeding Cowboys, or Waltograph.

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    1. I don't see the problem of using a logo either. I guess you could say the sparks are my logo. ;)

      The typeface is important. It needs to be something standard that's easy to read. Typefaces that are too much are...too much! lol

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  15. I like business cards and I like bookmarks. When I visit high schools for book events, I always have some and the kids love them. I also do Sticky Notes with my logo. They really like those.

    Thanks, Fey. Good ideas here today.

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    1. Sticky Notes! That's a fun idea and perfect for kids.

      You're welcome, C. Lee. And thank you! :D

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  16. Great tips Chrys, good to see you back,
    Yvonne.

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  17. I think business cards are a brilliant idea and many ask for them because so much info can be placed on this tiny card. I think it is very clever of you to place your cards inside magazines, books etc.... I have business cards but that's because of my work:) Great advice for blogging. I think-have fun! Don't get too stressed over it, it is meant for enjoyment overall

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    1. Having fun is essential with blogging, so you don't get bored quickly or burn out.

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  18. Hi and welcome back, lady Chrys! Great business card and some wonderfully sneaky ideas on distribution;-) My cards are the size of small bookmarks but I really should update. I enjoy small town antique and coffee shops, many of which have bulletin boards for advertising and my cards have found a space a time or two;-) I've left cards in library books too!
    In fact, I even run across a few cool cards that others have left;-) Most of my books (when sold locally) are sold with my card inside. Have a super day!

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    1. I need to go looking for coffee shops and such with corkboards. I swear my city doesn't do this. Putting your card inside your own books that are sold locally is perfect.

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  19. For some reason backside immediately put me in butt thinking territory and I could not stop laughing. Think I'll keep my backside in that sense. LOL. You gave some great ideas and pros for business cards today Chrys.

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  20. Great tips indeed. Our about me page is pretty good I think, may need a little more. I did business cards for a thing a while back, worked a bit. So they have worth.

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  21. My business card has a link to a hidden page on my blog that lists all the places I do or have done hosting or creative work for. The only problem is the link is quite convoluted, with lots of slashes and random letters.

    I forgot you'd done that blogging 101 page, this question would have been easy for you.

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    1. This was a pretty easy question, but that's okay because it was useful.

      Complicated links are difficult for business cards. You could've used bitly.com to simplify it.

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  22. When I was a baby I lived in Ca. My mom said she woke up to my crib sliding across the floor during an earth quake. I don't remember it, but I was there!

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    1. Oh my. I can see how that would be something your mom would never forget. Thanks for telling me about that!

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  23. Ooh, I like your business card....and your nail polish:) I need new ones. I do think business cards are good to have on hand.

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    1. Ha! I was proud of my nail Polish in this picture too. ;)

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  24. Good to see you back and I like your business card. I only use one sided cards and don't use slick card stock as I want to be able to write on the back my cards.

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    1. Hi, Sage! It's nice to be back. :) Writing on the back is good use of that space.

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  25. I don't need author business cards as of yet, but I do have cards for my business. I get them from Moo.

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    1. I've never looked at Moo. I'll have to check them out some time.

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  26. Great advice on blogging and business cards! I want a business card now, even if it's just for my blog :) I wish I would have used my title for my blogger address, but I went generic with my name. Oh well, at least I could change my title if I wanted to, but I probably won't.

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    1. I see a lot of blogs with something different for their URL, and it can be hard to remember the URL for the blogs that do this.

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  27. I particularly like number one ;) but it's all great advice, Chris. Do you find the Insecure Writers' Group takes up a lot of your time? I've questioned that as well as whether I want to be identified as insecure :P

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    1. Haha. Thanks! ;)

      No, the Insecure Writer's Support does take much time at all. It's one post a month and you can visit as many members on the list as you feel you're capable. You can always start out small with visiting 5 new blogs each month.

      We may not be insecure all the time, but there are times when we feel it. There's nothing wrong with identifying ourselves as insecure. :D

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  28. I don't have a reason to have author business cards, although I'd have a ton printed the moment I actually got a chance to meet readers face-to-face.

    Great blogging tips. :-)

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  29. A lot of great tips, Chrys. I don't give mine out enough. Thanks to your post, I will now.

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    1. Thank you, Diane.

      Yes, give out those card! :D

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  30. Hi Chrys - yes nice nails .. love the colour!!

    Blogging - comment with newbies - whose comments make sense on the blog you're reading and thus they are looking it - it'll connect them.

    Be consistent in the beginning .. regularly blog for at least a month .. building up relationships etc ...

    I really need a card - perhaps I should get a basic one for the time being .. and can alter it anon ..

    Cheers - good posts though .. the tag line one ... cheers Hilary

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    1. Glad you like my nail color, Hilary. :D

      Being consistent is key.

      Basic is good. It doesn't have to be too fancy. :)

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  31. Great tips on making business cards. And you have full info on the back which I have seen so many people leave blank and unutilized.

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    1. Based on comments, I understand some use the backs to write on, but those who have a standand back and don't write on them are certainly missing an opportunity for including more info.

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  32. Yes, I think they're worthwhile. I had some made years ago and guess it's time to revise them. Thanks for the tips.

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  33. Great tips as usual, Chrys. I did print business cards when I sold my print books at cart sales and when I had meetings with school principals regarding my books. But now that I'm mainly e-books and service (rather than product) directed, I don't use a biz card anymore.

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    1. I had business cards even when I just had ebooks. Haha!

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  34. I love my business cards. They make me feel legit. Plus, it's an easy way to pass my info along without being intrusive- it's almost like a gift (well, maybe not). Anyway, love your blog tips too. I wish more bloggers had good About pages. It really does make a difference.

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    1. Mine make me feel legit, too!

      I'm constantly disappointed by poor about pages. :\

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