How to Make Business Cards for Free

Handing out business cards is a great way to promote your company. And when it comes to business cards, you can order your business cards from a professional printing service, a costly option in terms of money and time. Or you can make business cards using templates found on the Internet, an economical option that's quick and free. That's right! The key to making free business cards is to be prepared. Have your contact information and card stock ready so that you can print your cards. After you have those materials, the process is easy.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Your contact information
• Card stock
• Paper cutter

1. Select a template. Most free business card websites ask you to choose from a variety of formats. Pick a template with a format that will suit your needs. Keep in mind that you want to emphasize your company, product or service. Evaluate templates in terms of legibility. Ask yourself, “Will this text print well?”

2. Choose a design, if desired. Some free business card websites allow you to upload your company logo, but most websites only allow you to use the designs provided. Consider the design in terms of shape and color. Are the graphics distracting?

3. Fill in the forms with your contact information. Type the following information into the template forms: the name of the company, your name, your position title, mailing address, phone number, fax number, email address, website address. Add your motto or a message about the product or service that you provide.

4. Print a trial version of your business cards. Print your first run on copy paper to avoid wasting card stock, to check for errors, and to make sure the text is aligned properly.

5. Place card stock in your printer. Place one sheet of the card stock in the printer at a time, especially if you have not worked with the card stock previously. Card stock is heavier weight than copy paper. Placing more than one sheet of card stock in the printer at a time may lead to paper jams.

6. Print your free business cards.

Tips & Warnings

• Choose the best card stock for your needs. Select a high quality card stock with a parchment or linen finish for more professional results. Pick semi-gloss or glossy card stock for business card designs that have large blocks of color.
• Use precut business paper for the best results. Select business card stock with a clean edge for a more professional look. Using more affordable card stock with a perforated edge is not recommended as this type of card stock can convey a less than professional tone.
• Be sure to adjust the scaling of the page so that the business cards print properly. In Microsoft Word open the print dialog box and change the default setting from “fit to page” to “none.”
• Be sure to adjust the settings to “print maximum area” in order to ensure cards are properly aligned.
• If you decide cut the cards, use a paper cutter to create a clean edge.

Resources

• Businesscardland
• Homebusinesscenter