So...you're looking for business card design free own. Let's face it...whether it is for corporate purposes or for your own - having the right business card is essential to make the right impression.

We've found that Vistaprint offer the best service online - whether you are looking for the usual corporate greeting and business cards, an Ecard or even a postcard for yourself or your clients...

For its size and cost, a business card is probably the most powerful part of any good marketing plan.

Keeping your cards in your pocket is an utter waste of time (as well as the money you spent on them). Be clear about who your target client is. When you see an opportunity slip in your business card...but always be polite and sensible - never just thrust your card at someone just for the sake of doing so.

If you are not sure that your business card is getting you where you want, market test it. Give it to some friends and colleagues and ask them for their opinions.

Whether you are looking for a job or running a business, handing out business cards is essential to marketing your skills or services.

Use a legible font on your card and keep it large enough to be read - nothing smaller than 10 points, if possible. Save the odd color schemes or clever graphics for another time - you take your business (and your profits) seriously after all...so your card should reflect that.

When you are given a card by someone, don't just take it and place it in your pocket. Make the giver feel important by looking at it...even only for a few seconds. You might even see something that could kickstart a conversation.

Choose your business card based on how you would like to project your overall image. What fits into your marketing strategy should take precedence over your budget. Simple business cards can be just as effective as a more complicated ones depending on your marketing needs...though cheap is not necessarily best.

Most business cards are printed on 80-pound cover stock and, of the three finished usually available - smooth, linen, and laid - the smooth finish is usually the most popular.

Business card design and printing can come in different forms. Style such as raised ink or full color are amongst the most common types. There are also die cut, foil stamp, and embossing. Determining which is best for your business may come down to just the economics of which to choose from...though a well-designed and well-worded card is always a wise investment - not just an 'unnecessary' expense.