A business card is often exchanged when you meet people in an official capacity as a person representing a company or a business. It helps to keep you and your organization in the mind of the recipient. They may return from the seminar, meeting or conference where you met and later if the necessity arises they will try to recall you or your company. At that point if they have your business card it will provide ready information as your contact numbers and other details will be printed on it.

Normally the name, address and contact number of the person and the organization are prominently placed. But there may be some people who would like to add on the logo of the company they represent onto their business cards. Sometimes a logo brings instant recognition and therefore printing a logo onto your business cards builds the brand recall factor. Also to be considered are the colors and the type of letters or fonts to be used. If you have corporate colors then you may want to add that element also on the card, which again reinforces brand recognition. These are just a few of the factors to be considered when you design your business cards.

While mentioning your name, you may also want to consider whether you want your middle name spelt out or just the initials. The latter definitely is more appealing, especially when your middle name is very long; you might just end up filling the entire card with just your name. Also think about printing of your educational qualifications. Some qualifications are unique and do carry a lot of weight when they are mentioned. It will convey to the person receiving the card that the card holder is someone worth associating with. Adding on an appellation such as ‘Manager' or ‘Vice-President' or ‘Senior Executive' will help your business acquaintances and clients to identify your position in the company.

The address that is mentioned on the business card can be your office address or your residential one, depending upon where you want to be contacted. You can use both if necessary. An address enhances a person's credibility. However some people are concerned about privacy, in which case a post office box number can be given. Your contact number can include the number of your office and/or your residence. It can also include your cell phone number or fax number. The cell phone number is given if you want your clients be able to contact you round the clock, or if you are constantly on the move and may not be able to answer your land phone.

You will score points if you have a branded domain email address that can be used on your business cards. It is not very expensive and it makes your business cards look credible and more professional. A website is a must in the present day business world. It is worthwhile to have a website that gives information about your business and other details. Some people may like to add a photograph, but then when you meet a person for the first time and hand over your business card, you should be able to leave an impression that cannot be easily erased from memory.