Should you, or should you not, make business cards? Making business cards yourself is possible, if you own word processing software and a decent printer. However, the process can be much more frustrating and not as inexpensive as many do-it-yourselfers hope.
There are a variety of reasons you might want to make your own business cards. Perhaps you want to save money (which doesn't always happen, by the time you buy paper, ink and maybe software) or to make business cards that are really unusual or imaginative. (I have a business card that was printed on cardboard. Clever, but it won't fit in any of my business card storage containers! Learn more about the pros and cons of unique business cards here.)
Requirements for Making Business Cards
Business Card or Word Processing Software
You can use common word-processing programs such as Microsoft Word or Publisher to make business cards - you can even download templates from Microsoft. However, software designed specifically to print business cards may produce better results, especially since you often have the option to use built-in backgrounds too. One popular business card software program is Business Card Designer Plus ($29.95).
Paper or Card Stock of Appropriate Weight
If you want to print your own cards, you'll need business card paper or stationery, unless you choose to cut your own cardstock. The advantage of buying business card paper (such as Avery business cards) is that it's exactly the right size and usually comes with software or templates to help you design your card to fit. However, some business card paper is pre-perforated and flimsy, which looks and feels unprofessional.
Alternatively, you can buy your own cardstock, print your business cards, and cut them out yourself - but that's very time-consuming and it's difficult to make accurate cuts.
Printer
A good quality printer, preferably one that can print in color, is mandatory. Don't use "draft" or "quick" print settings - print using the best resolution possible. Keep in mind that most inks are not waterproof, although you may be able to find waterproof cartridges for your printer.
Is It Worth the Time and Effort to Make Business Cards?
Actually, most business owners and entrepreneurs find that making their own business cards costs more than it saves. It's tough to make homemade business cards that meet the quality and professional expectations of your potential clients. It's also a time-consuming process.
Many people make their own business cards when they only need a few specific cards, not a huge order - but with the advent of online business card printers that print as few as 20 cards, that's no longer a good reason.
It's also easy these days to add your own artwork to professionally-printed business cards, making them as unique as you want while still conveying your professionalism.
A Better Alternative
Why not make business cards online? Many online business card printers make it easy to create your own business cards, offering thousands of backgrounds (templates) to choose from or giving you the option to upload your own artwork. Click here for an overview of making online business cards.
One of the most well-regarded of these online business card printers is Prints Made Easy, and they're currently running a special. You can get 100 free business cards - no ads on the back, no catch, just pay for shipping - or $14.99 off your order or more than 100 business cards - as an incentive to make business cards there. The company has an excellent reputation and your free business cards will have no ads on the back.
