Prominent: Name and a one-liner describing what I do.
Below: Email, google voice number specific to the cards, link for people who want to know more.
I kept the card quite plain.
I've seen thousands of cards over the years. I'm sure some of them used novel materials or designs, but I'd be hard pressed to remember any of them, much less the people they represent.
I don't think a nice design hurts unless it makes the card harder to read/scan or less usable in some way.
That said, I think a "designed" card should be professionally done. Do it yourself if you have the skills, contract someone if not.
Also:
* I think the back should be left blank and white or something approaching that (it's for notes).
* I'd stay away from cute titles. I've seen them make a negative impression more often than not.
* Half height or unusually shaped cards are a pain in the ass and destined for the trash.
* If your info changes, make new cards. A card covered in corrections looks incredibly unprofessional.
* Professional printing please. Using perforated or hand cut homemade cards is surely one of the worst a businessperson could hope to save money.
Things to include: Business Name Your Name Title if needed, if solo just leave it off or say "Owner", don't use corp titles like CEO, President, ect.. when you have one or two employees (self included). Business Address (if its your home get a po box) Email Cell or Business Phone If you have a set schedule include that like M-F 9-5 or "anytime via email". The MOST important thing for a freelancer is an online portfolio of previous work or design/code examples.
I have three business cards presently; one for my web project, one for my overall business, and one hawking just tech support (don't knock it, it pays the bills).
It's easier to hand out a card focused on what you want to project to the potential client than a generic card where you have to explain what it's all about (which they promptly forget).
If you want to go for all in one - Here's one of the ultimate business cards: http://larrymade.tumblr.com/post/53856373481
Mine are:
Simple front with company logo and contact info on corners, i.e. phone number, e-mail, Skype address and website. Blank on the back for notes.
Many printers won't do cards with bleed, or won't do them well, or will charge more. And any error in the printing will be very obvious to the eye.
1.) My name
2.) My email and xmpp address
3.) A link to my website
4.) Fingerprints for my public PGP and XMPP OTR keys
5.) A small cheesy photo of my face
I can't think of a single time where I closed or did not close a deal on the basis of business cards, as a freelancer. Whether they were nice or I forgot them at home.