I just starting doing a little freelance graphic design and decided to create a business card to help publicize my services (sounds dirty). I’m calling my company ORNJ, the main colors are orange and an almost black. After creating a logo and business card, I have compiled a list of tips for designing a business card.

1. Conisder your audience: With ORNJ, my main audience is typically business owners who have never had a logo or have put one together in a few minutes. I wanted to make sure my business card would prove my skills as a designer. To do that, I made a full color business card (front and back) with my logo on the front and my other information on the back. You don’t need make an over-the-top business card for your lawn mowing service, but depending on what your doing you might want to.

2. Ask for opinions: Before printing your business cards, have a few family members or friends look at your card. You have looked at them for too long and might not see spacing issues or misspelled words. This can be extremely helpful and can save you some money especially if you’re printing a high volume of cards.

3. Don’t be cheap, but don’t go crazy: When getting ready to print your cards do some research. You’ll want a card that will last in someone’s wallet or purse and can take a couple folds. I decided to go with a thicker glossy card-stock. You probably have already seen the list of crazy business card designs on Digg, but you don’t need to go that far. Having an intricate business card can prove costly. I am really happy with Splatprint, an internet printer with great prices.

4. Print a lot: Trying to decide how many business cards to have made can be tough, but you’re better off printing more than you need. You should be willing to give all of your family, friends, and clients a business card, as well as anyone you meet that could be interested. Your business card is putting you in the public eye; be willing to give them to everyone.

5. Don’t stop at a card: After creating and printing that beautiful business card, you might think you can just wait for the phone to ring (which is sometimes true). Be proactive, create flyers and/or a website like I did. On my business card I put ORNJID.com in the corner. Having my site on the card will let maybe customers see what else I have done.