How to Design Your Own Online Business Cards

Whether you're looking for a job, starting your own business, selling a product or networking, having personalized business cards gives people an easy way to remember you. Traditionally, people have purchased business cards from local print and copy shops, but you can now design professional business cards from home using an online business card printer. Designing business cards online can save money and give you creative input.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Internet connection

How to Design Your Own Online Business Cards

1. Visit the card design site of your choice and browse the ready made templates and choose one as the basis for your card. If the templates don't appeal to you, you can either create your own custom design at the site or upload an already completed design to use.

2. If you wish to create your own design, think about what you want your card to say about you and your product or service. Your primary goal is to get people to associate you with your business. Consider business cards that have been memorable to you and try to emulate the things you liked about those cards. If you are a piano teacher, a design based around some clip art or stock photography of piano keys may be a good choice. If you make custom clothing, a photo of some favorite pieces could be a good visual representation of your business. If you are an artist, consider using an original drawing as the basis for your design.

3. Upload any graphic elements such as clip art, logos or photos to the card design site. Now, add your desired text, such as your name, company name, title, cell phone number, email address and website URL. If your company has a logo, make sure it's in a prominent place on the card, such as the upper right or left corner or in the very center of the card. You could also choose to use a photo of yourself and add it to the top right or left corner. Another memorable option is to add a slogan or quote related to your business or work or a list of the services your company provides.

4. Once you've added the text, make sure that the basic functional elements of the card are still in good shape. Your objective is to make certain that the text is readable. Your great design may go to waste if the print is too small or the font is hard to decipher what it says. Also make sure any photos you use don't blend with the print or overwhelm the overall design.

5. Double check your information to make sure there are no typos or errors, and when you're satisfied with the design, complete your order.

Tips & Warnings

• Some online business card companies also have graphic artists on staff who will design an original card for you for an additional fee. A good design should not look crowded, so don't bog the card down with a logo, photo of yourself, slogan, list of services and all of your contact information. Determine the most pertinent elements of the card and cut anything that seems to be overkill.
• Some companies may offer a "free" set of cards that you only need to pay shipping costs for, but the cards will usually feature the company's logo somewhere in the design. If you want an advertisement-free card, be prepared to ignore the free offer and buy the cards that you design.

Resources

• Vista Print
• iCLIPART Free Clip Art
• Got Print
• 123 Print
• Stock.XCHNG Free Stock Photos