Whether your business is at the top of its industry or you’re just getting it off the ground, your identity and making yourself known is vital to your success. High-quality name tags are a powerful tool because they welcome others and make you more approachable. This will allow you to communicate and make connections with ease. However, your name badge can do the exact opposite if it’s not designed and worn properly.
We’ve been creating high-quality badges and tags for 40 years and know the importance a name tag holds. Follow these tips to ensure your custom name tag is effective in growing your business relationships and ultimately your company.Even if you’ve made your own before, use these as an easy reminder the next time you need to update your name tags.
- Make it Legible
- Add Color, But Not Too Much
- Be Informative, Not Distracting
- Know How to Wear It
- Avoid the Lanyard “Turnaround”
But, what do each of these mean? Read on each of these topics in greater detail below.
Tip #1: Make it Legible
Beginning with size, your name badge should be legible from 10 feet away. Choose a simple font and a font size large enough that potential business partners and customers won’t struggle to read it. Also, choose a contrasting color to the background. This ensures your text won’t be lost when someone want to read it. Make your name the spotlight of your name tag!
Your title should be smaller than your name, but still easy to read. And, should follow the same style and design as your name or with a slight variation such as in italics or underlined.
Keep your company’s logo at a reasonable size. Like your name, it should be visible at a short distance and recognizable.
Tip #2: Add Color – But Not Too Much
When choosing colors for full color name badges, make sure they don’t distract from your company’s logo. Select a background and font color that will compliment your logo instead of take away from it. Black or dark blue are classic, professional font colors and many prefer a white background as it allows maximum visibility.
Contrasting, complimentary colors are an easy way to ensure your name tag stays eye-catching while maintaining a professional look. The colors shouldn’t be too bright as that can become distracting rather than attention-grabbing.
Tip #3: Be Informative, Not Distracting
As you decide what information to include on your name tag, be selective. Your name, title, and company’s logo is generally all that’s necessary. Too much information will cause clutter and be distracting.
If there is additional information that you NEED to include, consider sizing up your name tag or customizing ID-style badges. Having more space gives you leniency in how much information you can have. But, you must still consider how much is necessary. A cluttered name badge looks unprofessional and distracting.
Tip #4: Know How to Wear it
If you’ve chosen a name tag template that will be pinned or magnetized to your shirt, know where it should sit. In any case, the most effective location is three inches below your collar bone. Name badges of this sort should always be positioned to one side or the other to minimize obstruction.
For populated events like trade shows and conventions, it’s suggested to wear your name tag on the left side so those approaching you can read it with ease. If you’re in a more intimate business setting, you should wear your name tag on the opposite side you use to shake hands. For example, if you generally shake hands with your left hand, wear your name tag on the right. This will position your name tag in the direct line of sight for those you’re greeting.
Tip #5: Avoid the Lanyard “Turnaround”
If you’ve chosen lanyard or necklace style name tag, it is likely to be turned around and defeat the purpose of a name tag. A simple solution to this problem is printing the same information on both sides with a double-sided badge.
Why is This Important?
You may be wondering, “Why go through all the trouble? How important is it to wear a name tag properly?”
In the modern business world, it’s important to make a great impression the first time you meet someone. It’s often the only impression you get. Wearing your name tag, and wearing it in the correct manner, adds another layer to you professional appearance. It also helps in avoiding awkward ice breakers if your title or position is included.
And, you wouldn’t put much trust in someone wearing an upside down badge, would you?
Remember these tips each time you add your name tag to your business attire! Welcome new relationships and partnerships by presenting yourself in an approachable and professional way at your next event. When you work hard and give yourself the keys to succeed, nothing will stand in your way!
Name Tag Wizard is your go-to, online name tag maker. Whether you need to update your business’s tags or stock up on event badges for conference attendees, we have you covered. Shop our wide selection of DIY designs and templates or make your own from scratch.