Have you ever thought about where your custom business cards are going after you have exchanged hands with it? Did you ever wonder if your full color business cards are being kept by the people you gave it to? Whether you've done business card printing online or the traditional method of printing, you know you need to have print cards that achieve fully the purpose you've set out for it to do.

Your custom business cards are the very first marketing materials that your target clients would have of your company. And most of the time, they are the only ones that your potential customers would see for a very long time. Hence, they make that very important first impression of your company.

To help you determine whether your custom business cards measure up to your target clients? expectations, here are a few guidelines to help you:

1- If the size fits.

If it is the usual standard size of 3.5 x 2 inches, then your cards would definitely have the chance of being kept. The standard size was created with the purpose of having your cards fit inside your wallets, pockets, and even most business card holders. If it does not, then chances are big that it gets trashed right away.

2- If the paper comes up to scratch.

Quality paper gets filed. Cheap ones get trashed. Need I say more?

3- If the ink stays.

To test whether your ink stays in your cards, drop liquid to your text and see if it runs. If it does, trash then. If not, keep it.

4- If the color does not distract.

Full color can add attraction as well as professional quality to your print cards. But remember to avoid overdoing it. Too much color can only distract and clutter your otherwise clean design. Unless you intend to add a photograph, you have to trash your design if you have more than three shades in your custom business cards.

5- If the message says anything of value.

Whether you do your business card printing online or out, your print provider will tell you that your business card should clearly convey your message ? what you do and what you can offer. And it is not only any ordinary offer that even your competition can give; but an offer that has value and benefits to your target clients. The ultimate question is what is in it for them? If you can provide that in your business card printing then your target clients would definitely hang on to your collateral for later use.

So reach in your pockets and look at your business cards. Do they pass muster? Or they simply get trashed as quickly as you can get them out?