Fancy Business Cards Backfire

February 26, 2007 · Comments

back off dad So, I’m sitting at the kitchen table with my new business card scanner. Turns out that several cards, especially the “fancy” ones, don’t really scan.

My own Network2 business card doesn’t scan.

Using images to make text look more clever backfires, too. In fact, it’s amazing how MUCH of the information included in the layout of a card isn’t really proving useful to the card reader.

Now, upon RECEIVING a fancy card, I always smile, nod, appreciate the great design. It’s always interesting. For instance, those new Moo cards are really cool, but they’re sized weird. That said, they scan okay because the card text on the back is great.

So, in the end, I think maybe if you use the back of the card to be shiny and clever and then use the front to be clear and easy to scan, you might get both accomplished. Sound like a stick in the mud? I feel like that, but at the same time, hey, you’re creative.

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  • Cool post, thank you for the info - I dont really ever post on these thingy’s but enjoyed the info. Awesome stuff!, I bookmarked your blog!
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  • GydDUQ preved medved nax!
  • Norm Huelsman
    Two things.

    How does your scanner work? does it impoort the info into your address book and do you add notes?

    If you let me take a crack at designing your next business card you won't be disapointed. I agree with Amy that a great logo is all you need.
  • Char:

    There's always Flickr, my friend.
  • I think a good thumbnail headshot works well for this. I have gotten great mileage from the one on my blog http://conniecrosby.blogspot.com and use it for pretty much everything including in my presentation screens so people connect them. If I were running a business this would have been on my business card as well.
  • Amy Bailey
    If a card has a logo, a unique, simple logo and simple print with necessary info, this can be the most powerful, in my opinion. A great logo can be all that's necessary sometimes, as long as it strongly communicates the "brand." What would a Chris Brogan logo look like, or do you already have one??? You have a "brand" in your name, but what's the graphic?
  • Speaking of Network 2... when I got home to Hamilton today I emptied out my purse and found a bunch of your stickers. You're a sly one my friend. If I had noticed them earlier I would have plastered them on myself. I think that would have been entertaining.
  • It's a very good point. I'll be cranking out a new batch of business cards soon anyway, and plan to use the power of internet video with them as well.
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