Getting an idea of where to put the name and title of the company is both eye-catching and well-balanced. When your card is designed correctly, you will remind people of the first time they met and encourage those who are interested in your products and services.
We can never ignore the fact that a business card is no doubt the traditional, tried and tested marketing tool. Your customers will first know about your brand through the card. Beyond just highlighting the positive image of your company, it should include the necessary elements in the right place for the contact. In this blog, we will cover the proper way to list your name and the title of the brand on your card.
Why Name and Title Important
The name and title are the professional introduction of your brand. You let your viewers know who you are and what your role is. If your name is hard to pronounce, too long, or includes too many extra titles, it can lead your customers to be confused when they receive your card.
In the same way, if the job title is vague or missing, it can leave people unsure of your role and the level of the company. Your goal is that the card should be clear and professional, but it must feel like you are presenting verbally. This balance will keep the connections strong.
First, Add the Name
The name must be the noticeable part of the business, after the logo of the company. The question remains whether to add the nickname or the shorter version on the card.
The rule set is simple. You should choose a name that is being used professionally. For instance, if your complete identity is ‘Jennifer Marie Thomas’, you can use ‘Jen Thomas’ professionally. This will go on your business card. People will recognize and remember you through this identity.
In the other situation, if your formal name is the identity of your brand, you are advised to use the complete name. In that case, your card will have something like ‘Jennifer M. Thomas’. This will look more polished and professional.
If you have some degrees and certificates that you wish to reflect on your visiting card, you can include them after your name, but avoid going overboard. Adding one or two credentials is acceptable. A business card is never your resume. After you have designed your card, search for a service like printing services near me. The suggestions that appear, check them out. Choose one that fits your budget. Ask them to print a copy so you can check the quality.
Choose the Right Job Title
The job title is essential as the audience knows about the service you offer. But sometimes, some titles are a little fuzzy. For example, you might see titles like ‘Creative Ninja’ that sound weird, but it does not tell the people about your actual role. Instead, use titles that are easily understood. For instance, if you are a part of marketing and your title is ‘Marketing Director’, this is clear and specific. If your official title is unusual, try using the simpler version on your card. You can replace Customer Experience Evangelist with Customer Experience Manager. After all, your goal is to let your audience understand your role without any detailed explanations.
Where to Place the Name and Title
Now comes the time to answer the main question of the blog: where should the name and title be placed? Design matters. Usually, the name will go either in the front and center, or at least near the top of the card. Your job title will go right below the name in a smaller font compared with the name. The image below will better explain this:
The format of the visiting card is simple, clean, and familiar. If your company has established branding guidelines, ensure that your card adheres to them. You can use your competitors’ card templates for designing yours. You can work your way; just make sure the details are readable and the card does not suppress creativity when listing the name and title.
What to Avoid
People often commit these common mistakes when they are designing their visiting cards:
Using nicknames: If people call you Mikey in real life, don’t use that on the card. Try to use your complete identity, ‘Michael’.
Adding too many titles: Although you might be multi-talented and wear all the hats, when it comes to choosing a title that fits, add your main role. Or add the most relevant one.
Using unusual fonts: If you make your name difficult to read, you are failing to engage your clients. Therefore, use a simple and professional font. Take ideas and suggestions from your business card printing agent. They are experts, so they can better guide you.
Keep the look consistent
Your business card should match your other professional materials, such as your email, social handles, and the company biography. Try to be consistent in all places. This will help your audience to remember you. For example, if your email address states your name as ‘Sam’ and the Social sites name you as ‘Samuel’, this can be confusing for the viewers. Make sure that you are using the same name and title on all the platforms unless there is a strong reason to prove this. This will help in building a clear, trustworthy personal image.
FAQs
What is considered professional: using full names or short names on the business cards?
Use those names that present you in a professional setting. For instance, if you are known as ‘Jan Thomas’, use it on the card instead of the complete name.
What is the right placement of the name on the card?
The name is one of the most noticeable elements on the card. Therefore, you should either allocate it to the centre or the top side of the card.
Where should the job title be placed?
The right placement of the job title is below the name. Its font will be one size smaller than the name.
What is the feature of the job title?
The job title explains what your roles are. Make sure that it is not vague or overly creative. For instance, it is generally preferable to use ‘Marketing Manager’ rather than ‘Marketing Evangelist’.
Small Package, Big Impact
The visiting card is more than just a way to share your contact information. It is a mini snapshot of your identity professionally. When you list your name and title clearly and thoughtfully, this means that you care about your presentation and you respect the person who will view it.
Therefore, you should try to keep it simple and be honest about your roles. Use your identity that is common among the individuals. The little card in the pocket is the path to creating healthy relations.