1. Make sure that your card includes a tag line that explains what you or your company do.

2. Order them in large numbers. By ordering 1000 your cost per card will be significantly lower than if you ordered 500.

3. Even if you can produce your business cards at home using an inkjet printer, have your business cards professionally made by a printing company.

4. Avoid using standard clip art as your business logo. A logo brings credibility and brand awareness, so before you invest in business cards have a logo professionally made for your business.

5. Put up a website and use the URL in your business cards. If you don’t have a website, people will notice the absence of a web address in your business card and, depending on the business you are in, it may make you lose credibility.

6. Keep all the information in your business card current. If you changed address or phone number, don’t scratch the old number and write down the new one by hand; get new business cards.

7. Keep your business card simple. Don’t use too many fonts or try to cram too much information in it. Try to use a pleasant layout and make sure that your main message.

8. If you live in the US, limit your business card size to 3.5″ x 2″. Anything bigger will not fit in standard card holders and your card may end up in the trash.

9. Make sure that your business card reflects your image. If you are an artist or a graphic designer, it is OK to use trendy colors and fonts.

10. Find a way to make your business cards stand out. I’ve seen business cards with one of its corners cut in an angle, or with an interesting texture, all of which makes your business card stand out of the crowd.

11. Make your business card easy to read: use high contrast between the background and the type.

12. After your logo, your name should be the largest piece of information on your card.

13. Make sure that all the information on your card is printed in a large enough typeface to be easily readable.

14. Run your business card copy through a spell checker and double-check your contact information.

15. Keep your business cards with you at all times. Keep a stack in your car, in your house, in your office, and in your wallet.