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I know it’s not sugar, but humor me, mmkay? I just did a ton of research and made my first business cards so I thought I’d share the knowledge! If you need business cards, you’ll want to read my 5 Tips for Blogging Business Cards!
Blog conference season is upon us! There are so many conferences in the coming months, it’s almost overwhelming. I’ll be at Bloggy Boot Camp in Phoenix in April and BlogHer Food in Austin in June, which is probably plenty, but every day I hear about another cool conference I just want to go too!
I’ve only been to one conference, the Foodbuzz Festival, back in 2011. One of the things I learned about at that conference was networking and how important it is to be able to introduce yourself to lots of new bloggers (and maybe even brands). A week before that conference I panicked because I had no business cards and I printed my own. That worked great, but I forgot half of what I should have put on them (um, social media anyone?)
Now it’s 2013 and I’m going to two conferences. I needed business cards and I didn’t want to print them myself. I did some research on cards and where to get them and what to put on them. I’m so happy with the way mine turned out, that I thought I’d share a few tips with you today, in case you’re in the place where you need business cards too!
1. Where to get them?
I ordered my cards from GotPrint.com (which, weirdly, has the web address gotprint.net). I came across a recommendation from them from Julie at Table for Two. They’re the only place I’ve ever ordered cards from, so I can’t compare too much. My experience with them was great. And they were super affordable: it was less than $15 for 250 14lb weight glossy business card, double-sided with color printing on one side and black and white on the other. ($9 for one sided.) The cards are heavy, smooth, and beautiful. The colors were what I was expecting too.
I suggest you get a lot of cards. I’m planning to hand them out like cash at the conferences I’m going too! Plus, they kind of prove I have a job. Good for those moms at the park. {Kidding!}
Other companies I’ve heard about are Moo and Vistaprint. Moo looked great but was significantly more expensive. Vistaprint is a very affordable option but I don’t think the cheap ones come in glossy (that I’ve seen anyway).
Where did you get your business cards? Someplace else? Let me know in the comments!
2. Make them pretty – or at least make them YOU.
Most companies have lots of free templates you can edit for your business cards. However, I suggest that you design your own card. You want it to look like YOU, like your brand. All you need is a .png file of your header, or your graphics from your header. You can also create your logo in a photo program, like PicMonkey, and save it as a .png file to upload when creating your card. People know your blog and your logo more than they know your name or face. If you hand them your card you want them to say “Oh yeah! I know you!”
3. What should you put on them?
Obviously, you need to have your name, blog URL, and email address on your cards. I also highly suggest putting some of your social media accounts on them too. I chose to do Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, since those are the easiest for people to use on their phones or tablets.
Facebook tip #1: did you know that, to save space, you can put www.fb.com instead of writing out facebook.com? It totally works! For example, I put www.fb.com/CrazyforCrust on my business cards, instead of www.facebook.com/CrazyforCrust. It really saves space!
Facebook tip #2: if you can, try to get rid of all those numbers after your blog name in your Facebook page URL. Here’s how:
- Go to your Facebook Page. Click Edit Page (at the top) and select Update Info.
- The second section down is for Username. Select a username – I chose CrazyforCrust because it matched. Luckily it was available! Your old page address (with all the numbers) will now be redirected to the one using your username – and no numbers!
Wondering if you should put your phone number on your business cards? Read on!
4. Google Voice
I really struggled with putting my cell phone number on my business cards. I’m fine with giving out the number to PR people, but on my business card? Who knows where those will end up!
I got a tip from Joanne about Google Voice. I’d never heard of it before, but I’m not surprised Google has it. They have everything, right? Here’s how it works: you sign up with Google Voice, using your Google account. You tell them where you are and they give you a free phone number in your area code. You can have that number forwarded to whatever phone(s) you want. I have mine set to call my cell. It will also transcribe text messages for you and email them, and you can set up voicemail. It really works, I tried it! (Supposedly it’s free to use unless you’re calling international, and free is good!)
5. QR Code
A QR code is one of those funny looking not-a-barcode things you see all over the place now. You scan them with your phone and they take you to a website or an email or so many other things. Did you know you can generate a free QR code to put on your business cards? I had never thought about it, but thought it was a cool idea. I got my free QR code at QR Code Generator. Just follow the prompts and download your free code.
Now, I don’t suggest putting the QR code on the front of your business card. You totally can, but I think that would take up valuable real estate, where you want your social media and stuff. I put mine on the back of my card and linked it to my blog. That way, when I give out my card, all they have to do is scan it with their phone and they go to my site. Pretty cool!
I hope this post helps those of you who are thinking of getting some business cards for your blog! Once you have them, you’re going to be dying to hand them out! Even if you don’t think you need them, you totally do.
What do you have on your business cards? Any other tips I missed? Feel free to leave advice in the comments!
This post may be linked to: Chic-and-Crafty, I’m Lovin’ it Fridays, Weekend Wrap Up Party, Sundae Scoop Link Party, and all of these too!
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Hi there! I’m Dorothy, the crazy gal behind the blog. If you didn’t already know, I’m crazy for crust…and cookies…and brownies…and pretty much
anything with sugar.
Can I just tell you that I have pulled up the Instagram of your business card about 700 times in the last week. I can’t tell you enough how much I appreciate this post, Dorothy! Such helpful information!! Now. Do I put a QR code on the back of my business card, or do I make a double sided card that has blog info on one side and Etsy info on the other . . . ?
Lisa @ Wine & Glue recently posted..Personalized Pie Plates #PiDayPieParty
Oooh, that’s a hard one Lisa! I say, a double sided card with your Etsy on the back. That would be cool!
I have an Etsy shop and a blog and did double sided cards. I really wanted QR codes though so I sized them very small in the corner of each side of the card. Each side has a QR code that matches the site. I kept the rest of the card design very simple and I love them!
kilee
That’s a great idea – I wasn’t sure how small it could be! Double-sided cards is a great idea!
I am a digital printer as well as a printer that offers “interative print”. Basically what that means is that we utilize QR codes for our customers (as well as other emerging technologies). Rule of thumb is that you want your QR code to be at least 1″. If you make it smaller it will be very tough to scan. Remember too that your QR code may be scanned to show a video, perhaps of you actually baking one of your items, it can lead to a contest, etc, etc, Be creative and engaging and let people know who you are and “invite your audience into” your business card. As a “fellow printer” if your not going to use me (ha ha) Got Print is an excellent product by far compared to the others mentioned here.
thanks,
Robin
I’m on the look for new cards and your post it’s perfect timing. I love yours cards, just like a small version of your blog.
Great tip on facebook short link and add a QR on the back.
Thanks Dorothy
Roxana | Roxana’s Home Baking recently posted..Caramel loaded fudge brownie cookies #chocolateparty
Glad to be of help Roxana!
Dorothy I just learned like ten new things in this post and I love it!!!! First, have fun on all your conferences! I learned the biz card less the hard was at FBuzz 2010 or 09? I went with NONE. Total newbie mistake
As for Googlevoice – amazing!
QR code – wow you’re high tech
and the FB Page name info – thank you!!!!! I have been wanting to get rid of all the #’s behind my FB name forever but thought that b/c I have over 200 Likes, that Fb is very finnicky about what you can and can’t change. But I just snagged averiecooks. Woot. And also that you can just type in fb dot com with the backslash rather than writing out the whole thing – another big tip!
I love this post!! Over and beyond for the biz card info but all the little sidebar tricks!
Thank you Averie! I was worried it wouldn’t fly because it’s not, you know, FOOD. But I found it helpful, so I figured others would too. Yay that averiecooks was available!
This is perfect Dorothy! I’m needing to get some business cards done up for SNAP! I need to get a move on and this is so helpful!
Jenn recently posted..10 Fun Easter Ideas for Kids
And they came really fast too! I got them within a week!
Perfect! I’m getting our cards ready for Bloggy Bootcamp in April too!!! Thanks for the tips.
Aubrey @ Real Housemoms recently posted..Spring Tulip Planter
Great Aubrey! I’m glad this will help!
I’m no where near the point where I need a business card, but this is good to know for when I do. And I totally want to generate a QR code now
Really great info Dorothy (as always…)! Thanks for sharing!
Martha@AFamilyFeast recently posted..Roasted Garlic Aioli
Such a great list of tips, Dorothy! We use Google Voice for my husband’s business – it’s so convenient and I love that you can set it to go straight to voice mail after a certain time of day or on weekends when you’re not working
Becca @ Crumbs and Chaos recently posted..Peanut Butter and Honey Granola Bars
thanks for all the tips Dorothy, I’m going to use them all! One question, what are your thoughts on having your photo on the cards somewhere, with all I’ve been reading about our face is also our brand, do we want to have that on our cards as well? Did you see many people with their photos on their cards?
Joan@Chocolate and More recently posted..Thursday’s Treasures Link Party
Thanks for the info. I just changed my Facebook name per your instructions. Good info here! Thanks Dorothy
Tami Dragoo recently posted..Watergate Cake with Cover Up Frosting
Yay! I’m glad. Thanks Tami!
Thanks for this!! I need to order more before the conference, and this is super helpful!
Erin @ Dinners, Dishes, and Desserts recently posted..Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches
Thanks Erin!
Great information. Thanks for the legwork. Almost ordered some cards in January but wasn’t really happy with the results. Your pointers helped make my indecision clearer. Got to get to ordering. Thanks again.
You’re welcome!
Thanks for the comment!
SUCH great tips Dorothy! I had some cards made up through vistaprint, but i’m not in LOVE with the design, although a lot of people complimented them. Just not my fav. Good thing is, I’m close to being out of these and ready to design and order some more. Will definitely be referring to this when that time comes.
Holly Waterfall recently posted..The Number One Way to Avoid Crash Dieting
Thanks Holly!
Great tips, Dorothy. Nice to know about Google voice and the QR code. Many thanks.
You’re welcome!
Great tips! I will keep those in mind!
Regina @ SpecialtyCakeCreations recently posted..Chocolate Dipped Peanut Butter Banana Bites
Thanks Regina!
Great tips, I love posts like these – going to check out gotprint for my next run of biz cards, I use Vistaprint now
Sarah @ Miss CandiQuik recently posted..{Chow Mein} Easter Nests
Great, I hope this helps Sarah! Thanks!
The QR code is so cool! Thanks for the tips.
Ginger@gingersnapcrafts.com recently posted..take a look at you {link party features}
Thanks Ginger!
This is a great post!! Way to go
Ashton recently posted..Better Than Anything Caramel Stuffed Brownies
Thanks Ashton!
This is great! Thanks Dorothy! I made business cards a while back, but now I’ve changed my url so I need to make them again. I’ll be putting some of your ideas to use
Melissa recently posted..3-2-1 Cake
Great Melissa!
Oh my goodness, you are so on TOP of this! I just cook, take pictures, and GO! Love your tips and your cards are BEAUTIFUL.
Tiffany recently posted..Peanut Butter Chocolate Crispies
Thanks Tiffany! I’ve been needing some for a long time!
You’re right, a good business card is a must have! You did a great job with these.
Amber @ Sprinkled With Flour recently posted..Chunky Twix Cookies: Before & After
Thanks Amber!
I don’t know if I’ve gotten to the point where I’ll be making my own business cards yet, BUT I LOVE these tips! There really are some fun things that you can do with them. The information on how to get the numbers out of your Facebook page is especially helpful!
Thanks!
Becky recently posted..My Harry Potter Fix: Week 21
Thanks Becky!
Dorothy you have truly out done yourself again! Thank you so much for the great post. I’ve been coveting your business cards and now I can make my own!
Julie @ Julie’s Eats & Treats recently posted..Thursday JEMs 3/7/13
LOL, Thanks Julie!
I recently designed my business cards but have not had them printed yet. I’m going to be changing up a few things based on your tips. Thanks so much!
Great! Thanks Kelly!
I am in the process of ordering business cards so this blog post came in the nick of time. There are so many great tips but I love the one about the QR Code. Technology is such a trip sometimes.
Nicole @ youngbrokeandhungry recently posted..Baked Turkey Meatballs with Cherries and Gruyere
I know, right? It totally is!
This is a great post. I had never thought about generating a QR code for my site! And the Hubs & I are looking into a new business opportunity, so this could benefit us for that as well! Thanks!
Bobbi recently posted..Thirsty Thursday: ThunderSleet!
You’re welcome Bobbi, glad to be of help! Thanks!
Your cards are beautiful! I love all of this valuable information, especially the QR code…amazing! Thanks Dorothy!
Sue {munchkin munchies} recently posted..St. Paddy’s Popcorn
Thanks Sue!
Thanks for the great post Dorothy! I have been throwing around ideas for business cards for the last month or so, since I decided to attend BlogHer and Bloggy Con. How much space does the QR Code take up on the back of your card? I’m hoping to get sponsors for the conferences I’m attending and have offered to put their link on the back of my cards as part of my pitch.
Tammy Northrup {Yours and Mine ARE Ours} recently posted..Slow Cooker Shrimp Creole & Prayers For Isaiah
You can make the QR code as big or as little as you want! They would certainly both fit.
Okay, so I’m totally embarrassed to admit that I had that string of numbers after my Facebook profile, with NO CLUE how to remove them–until now! Holy cow, thank you so much for that tip! I’ve been working on getting my cards together for BlogHer, so this is perfect timing.
Ashley @ Kitchen Meets Girl recently posted..Ham, Gouda and Potato Bake (for the crock pot!)
I didn’t either! I think I got the tip in a group – but it was so cool to finally get rid of them!
Excellent looking business cards! They are too cute!
Another great resource for QR codes is Google. If you use their URL shortener (http://goo.gl), it automatically provides you with a QR code – you just have to click on details under the shortened URL. It also gives you trackable stats such as: clicks (date, time, quatity), referrers, browsers, countries and platforms… all for free! Seriously, how can anyone NOT love Google?!
Just another tidbit of food for thought.
Wow, I had no idea! Thank you Keisi!!
Your business cards are so pretty!! I love the social media icons
Next time, I will definitely add them. Thanks for the tips Dorothy! (especially the one of saving space using fb)
Mariely recently posted..National Craft Month!
You’re welcome, and thanks Mariely!
I’m about to order business cards and have been wondering how other bloggers do it, so this was super helpful! Thanks so much for all the tips
Rachel @ Bakerita recently posted..White Chocolate Espresso Peanut Butter
Oh, yes Rachel. That would be AWESOME.
Such good tips! Ill have to check out Google voice!
Kelley recently posted..New Smoothie Recipes
Thanks Kelley!
Thanks for this post. I literally JUST put this on my to do for tomorrow so when I saw this come up in my FB news feed I jumped over here. I love the new resource of gotprint. I had never heard of them before. Checking now
April @ illistyle recently posted..Handmade Charlotte Stenciled Bath Shelving
Yay! I’m glad to have helped April!
Hi, Dorothy,
I live in Connecticut. Are there any blog conferences out this way? Thanks for any information you can give me. Linda
Love your blog!!
Hi Linda! I’m sure there are some out that way! The only one I know of off the top of my head is Mixed. It’s in Virginia, I think. And the Bloggy Bootcamp travels around, they are also going to be in NC later this year!
i’ve been toying with the idea of getting business cards done( I need a new header first) There is so much I didn’t know.
Thanks Dorothy.
I hope this helped! I waited for my blog design to be done too. Makes it all seamless!
Hi Dorothy, just stumbled on your lovely blog. Great tips for business cards, saw some once printed from Moo, where they put recipe photos on the back side, looked very impressive and a standout!
Gourmantine recently posted..Hazelnut time
What a great idea! Love the photo idea.
Thanks for reminding me of this post. So helpful!!!
Meg @ Sweet Twist recently posted..Banana Peanut Butter M&M Cookies
Where did you find those social media icons? They are cute!
Danielle @ Truffles n’ Treadmills recently posted..Favorite Easter Pins: Treats & Decor
My designer made them for me – Vanessa @ Nifty Thrifty Things. But my friend Ashton @ http://www.somethingswanky.com has lots of tutorials on using picmonkey for making social media icons and the like!
You are a genius! Thank you SO much for doing this post! I’m going to my first blog conference (BlogHer Food) in June and knew I needed to get cards made, but had no idea where to start! Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Becky (So Very Blessed) recently posted..Toasted S’more Brownies
I’ll be there too!
I’m glad to have helped you!