The Five Elements Every Business Card Needs

In poker it's all about fives.

Five consecutive value cards is a straight … pretty good. Five cards of the same suit is a flush … even better. Five consecutive value cards of the same suite is a straight flush … that's tough to beat.

Business cards are a tough game because it's hard to determine value. What's the most important element to put on your card and why?

We had one of the judges from the CE Pro Marketing Awards lay out the top five most important business card elements. By making the most important information pop, dealers can put good cards in their clients' hands.

1. Company logo
Ideally, the logo was created to make a statement. When clients glance at the card they should recognize a distinctive logo that reflects what the company does.

2. Company name
If the company name is clearly stated in the logo, ignore No. 2. If not, take note of how important shouting the company name on a card is.



3a. Telephone number
These days, telephone numbers and e-mail addresses are about equal in terms of importance. Telephone numbers win the tie-breaker, though, because EVERYBODY has a phone. Bottom line: If clients have to search for a way to contact somebody they might give up.

3b. E-mail address
Many busy clients prefer to contact companies over e-mail. It gives them a chance to take their time and present their thoughts and also lets them communicate during non-business hours. Also, not everybody enjoys one-on-one conversations.

4. Web site
The business card should act as a portal to a well-designed Web site where prospective clients can check out examples of the company's work, and find plenty of other information.

5. Fax number
Yes, some people still use fax machines. It's definitely less important than it was a few years ago, but a fax number still needs to be there just in case.