Entrepreneur: Business Card - Entrepreneur Small Business Encyclopedia

A good business card should convey the overall image of your
business, which isn’t always easy, considering the card measures
just 2 inches by 3 inches. So how can you possibly get a message
across in such a small amount of space?

Don’t expect your business card to be able tell your company’s
entire story. What you should expect it to do is present a
professional image people will remember. The color, wording and
texture of your business card have a lot to do with its appeal and
its ability to convey your company image. Use common sense when
you’re designing your card. If your business markets children’s
toys and games, you might try using bright, primary colors and
words written in a child’s script. On the other hand, if you run a
financial consulting service, you want your business card to convey
professionalism and reliability, so stick to traditional looks such
as black printing on a gray, beige or white background.

Of course, professional designers claim entrepreneurs shouldn’t
attempt to design a business card on their own, but many
cash-strapped business owners have no other choice. Your best
course of action? Look at all the business cards you’ve received
over the years, and emulate the cards you like. You have more
leeway if you’re in a creative business, such as party planning or
retailing, but in general, keep the following tips in mind:

Use your logo as the basis. Make it the largest
element on the card.
Keep it simple. Don’t cram too much information on
the card.
Do include the essentials–your name, title,
company name, address, phone and fax numbers and e-mail
address–and make sure your name and business name are immediately
identifiable.
Make sure the typeface is easily readable.
Stick to one or two colors.
Make sure it’s easy to read.

Once you’ve got business cards, make the most of them: