Name Tag Best Practices

Because a person’s name is the single context of human memory most apt to be forgotten, because self disclosure is the single most effective way to build rapport and connect with people you just met, and because initiating the conversation is half the battle—these name tag best practices are your best friend.

Improper creation and wearing of name tags can work against you (and your business) if you are not careful.

Scott Ginsberg, aka “The Nametag Guy,” is internationally recognized as “the world’s foremost field expert on name tags.” He is an author and speaker who helps people maximize approachability, become unforgettable and make a name for themselves. Here are Scott’s responses to several name tag related inquiries about best practices pulled from his Building Front Porches Ezine.

name tag name badge scott ginsberg

What are some best practices for wearing name tags at trade shows?

Before you even pack your show, make sure your employees, salespeople and booth representatives each have company name tags. The reason to do this is because a) trade show name tags don’t always maximize your “name tag real estate,” and b) trade show name tags rarely include your logo—which helps for brand recognition.

A variety of name tags with logos, custom shapes and other upgraded features that show off the best practices of using identification.

Now, perhaps it seems redundant to wear two name tags, right? Well, think about the Superbowl: How many commercials does Budweiser run each year? Exactly. Always more than one. So even with name tags, it is all about the three Rs of networking: repetition, repetition, repetition!

Next, when you get to the show, wear your name tag in a visible location so that everyone who walks in and out of your booth sees it. Potential buyers need to make the instant connection between you and the booth. Also, when you get busy, it can get hard for prospects to locate the right person. The last thing you want is uncertainty about who the actual booth employee is! So use your name tag to identify and differentiate yourself among the masses.

How do you handle poorly designed name tags that are already provided for you at events?

Tough issue. About 80% of the name tags I have ever seen at events are designed without consideration of font size, color, etc. I always suggest that people create and bring their own custom name tag to all events in the situation that the given name tag is ineffective. You can wear both if security and identification is an issue. But most chairs or hosts of meetings will not be offended, as long as you initially take the name tag given to you as an extension of courtesy—even if you don’t wear it.

On which side of your chest should you wear a name tag?

Most books on networking, meeting planning or interpersonal communication say name tags should go on the right. They say you should wear your name tag on the right hand side so it is visible in the direct line with your handshake. For the most part, I agree. And so do most people. This is one of the few name tag best practices most people are familiar with.

A hostess wearing her name tag on the right side of her uniform.

On the other hand, the horizontal placement of your name tag should be dependent on the capacity in which you are wearing it. For example, if you work in a hotel, in retail, at a trade show or any other environment where there are aisles, rows and hallways, consider the possibility of wearing your name tag on the left side of your chest so it is most visible to oncoming traffic.

Now, this is a debatable issue. But the bottom line about horizontal placement is this: it does not matter on which side of your chest the name tag lays, as long as it is above your breastbone and readable from 10 feet away.

Is it redundant to have your first name twice on your name tag?

Yes and no. Doubling the first name is common for conventions, meetings or large groups. Usually, the first name is reprinted above the entire name in a larger font to be more visible. Doubling is helpful for people who go by abbreviated, middle or different names. After all, all you really need to get their attention is their first name! On the other hand, if your name is Don it would be an ineffective use of your name tag space to write it twice. So, just write Don…but make it bigger. As big as you can!

Are some name tags better quality than others?

Absolutely. Especially when it comes casual settings and parties, handwritten name tags are usually a last minute purchase. Most people just buy the first box they see at their local supply store. But I must warn you that there are plenty of name tags out there that are horrible. Some have faded colors, while others have paper quality consistent with that of tissue.

In fact, many companies advertise weak adhesive to prevent clothing damage on their packaging to protect your fabulous wardrobe. But keep in mind, this second rate adhesive will wear off in minutes and cause your name tag to curl and become unreadable. So decide what is more important: sticky stuff on your clothes or being unapproachable.

plastic high-quality name tag with a uv color printed logo
metal high-quality name tags with engraved logos and names
plastic high-quality name tag with full-color printing and a punched slot for use with a lanyard

From branding to color matching, name tags, like uniforms, help to symbolize your quality. Creating a positive influence with your brand means guaranteeing that all of the services and products of your business are consistent. Employees and customers know when that consistency is not present. So, make sure to choose name tags that reflect your brand’s commitment to quality. And once this is accomplished, showing that you commit to quality is easy.

Company name tags show you care about the quality of your brand. When employees wear name tags, they are more accountable for their actions as customers can comment on them by name. And branded name tags prove to customers that you pay attention to all details. So, when you commit to quality, it helps you gain public trust and grow your business.

Are first and last names necessary for employee name tags?

Anonymity and personal safety are two issues, and focuses of best practices, that must be taken into account when issuing name tags to employees. Most handbooks or employee manuals briefly mention their name tag policies. However, many organizations fail to address this issue. Some people may not feel comfortable wearing both their first and last names on the job. I have heard accounts of nosy customers who tried to contact, even stalk, employees outside of work because they could obtain their personal information.

One solution to this problem is to use first name only name tags. This protects the anonymity of the employee, maximizes the space and looks friendly. Besides, the knowledge of your Radio Shack salesman’s last name is not crucial to the service process! Should a situation arise where a person’s safety may be in jeopardy, it might be a good idea to have an extra name tag with alternate spelling, or even a different name.

How do organizations approach name tag best practices?

Some organizations have employees, members, guests and other people coming in and out all the time. In order to avoid alienating some of those people, the organization must first make a decision on their best practices: either everybody wears name tags or nobody wears them.

Unfortunately, there will always be people who refuse to wear name tags. The only solution is, if you decide to implement name tags for everybody, is to make it expressly written externally (signage) or internally (handbook) so people will adhere to the rule. Nobody should be “too cool” to wear a name tag.

Another concern is the name tag’s potential to segregate members based on job title. I think it can go both ways. For example, I am a member of the National Speakers Association. We recently had our National Convention during which each member was assigned a custom name tag based on years of experience, membership, if a guest, etc. To my surprise, people were actually more willing to encourage team building because of these designations. I couldn’t count how many of the veteran speakers who have been in the business longer than I have been alive came up to me and said, “So Scott, this is your first convention, huh? How do you like it so far?”

On the other hand, if isolation by way of name tagging is a possible threat, I would suggest having the exact same type of name tag worn by all people, regardless of employee status.

Should you KISS your name tag?

Yes. Not literally, of course. By KISS I mean “Keep It Simple Stupid.” Recently an audience member asked me, “Why don’t you put your last name, company, position, etc. on your name tag? Don’t you want people to know that information?”

Well, yes and no. We all want people to know who we are, what we do and how we can help them. But it is more effective if you tell them as a response to an open ended question such as, “Tell me about the work you do.”

So when you use your name tag as a conversation starter, if you have the chance to create it yourself, design it in a simple way that sets you up with an opportunity to share the value you give.

Always remember one of the best practices is to KISS (keep it short and simple) your name tags, and they will do the work for you. No matter what your situation, these KISSed tags will get the job done.


P.S. Scott Ginsberg said, “Over a half of a million people suffer every year from Emblema Nomenpenia, more commonly known as Name Tag Deficiency Syndrome (NTDS). This debilitating condition has run rampant through the American business community for many decades, experts say, although only recently has it been classified.” Learn more here: Name Tag Deficiency Syndrome (NTDS)

Award Plaques: A Timeless Tribute to Success

Recognizing people for their hard work is key in any setting. It’s more than just a job well done, it’s about honoring achievements and showing appreciation for someone’s effort. Award plaques are a classic way to do this. They celebrate success and also motivate others and mark important milestones.

Recognizing people for their hard work is key in any setting. Award plaques are a classic way to do this.

Using Award Plaques in Various Industries

Award plaques are a simple and effective way to recognize people in many different areas—business, education, community service and special events. In the workplace, they highlight individual accomplishments. In schools, they celebrate academic excellence. For volunteers, plaques honor years of service or community contributions. And at special events, custom plaques can commemorate life’s big moments.

Corporate: Many companies use award plaques to recognize achievements like an employee of the month or sales milestones. It’s a great way to celebrate individual successes and encourage a culture of excellence. When leadership gets recognized, it honors their efforts and also motivates the whole team to aim higher.

Academic: Schools often use plaques to honor top students or teachers who go above and beyond. Recognizing scholastic achievement with a plaque promotes hard work and dedication, and it encourages a healthy sense of competition. Teachers who get plaques for their dedication also help set a positive, engaged atmosphere for students.

Community and Volunteer: Award plaques are also a powerful way to recognize volunteers who make a difference. Honoring someone with a plaque is more than just a thank you; it is a way to inspire others to get involved and give back. Public recognition helps spread the message that community service matters.

Events and Remembrances: Custom plaques can mark important events like weddings, anniversaries or sports achievements. They are a meaningful way to remember significant moments and celebrate the people involved.

The Benefits of Award Plaques

Award plaques do more than just celebrate a moment; they inspire people to keep pushing forward. Displaying plaques in public spaces boosts morale and encourages others to strive for excellence. Plus, they are great for increasing visibility and reinforcing reputations.

Motivation and Morale: Award plaques recognize past achievements and help inspire future ones. When someone gets a plaque, it shows their effort is appreciated, which boosts their sense of pride and motivates them to keep up the good work.

Visibility and Promotion: Placing award plaques in high traffic areas like office lobbies or conference rooms can raise the profile of both individuals and organizations. It highlights a commitment to excellence and can attract attention from potential clients or partners.

Choosing the Right Award Plaque

When picking out a plaque, there are a few things to consider to make sure it fits the occasion.

Material and Design: Award plaques come in all kinds of materials, like wood, metal and acrylic. Each style has a unique look and feel, so choose the one that best matches the tone of the achievement. Personalizing a plaque with engraving makes it even more special.

Purpose: Think about what the plaque is for—whether it is to honor a major accomplishment, show appreciation or celebrate an event. Choosing the right design will make the recognition feel even more meaningful.

Budget: Keep your budget in mind. The price can vary depending on materials, customization and shipping, so make sure you are picking something that fits both your budget and needs.

Building a Culture of Recognition

Whether you are part of a big company, a school or a community group, using award plaques to recognize achievement helps create a culture of success and appreciation. These plaques are powerful symbols of dedication and hard work. They motivate people, show recognition and help set the stage for future success.

Find your perfect award plaque through our Award Plaque Guide.

4 Ways to Get the Best Name Tag

Having the right tools to identify your team helps build better communication with customers. Name tags and badges help with these challenges by building trust and improving workplace security. They also increase employee networking opportunities. Explore this product gallery to discover the best name tag or badge for your needs.

Establishing Brand Awareness

While there are many ways to establish your brand, one of the simplest is to use name tags that feature your logo. Having your employees wear Logo Name Tags boosts brand awareness and builds communication between employees and customers. This vital step will pave the way for future business growth.

UV Color: We add your logo to your material choice using ultraviolet (UV) technology. This innovative process cures the ink as it is printed, creating vibrant colors that enhance visibility and appeal.


Digital (Full Color): Experience high resolution logos, sharp text and intricate graphics on thin plastic name tags, available through advanced digital printing technology.


Engraved: The text and logo are laser engraved onto the material’s surface, resulting in two color name tags. Choose from a variety of plastic and metal color combinations.


Simple Design with a Professional Touch

Create a personal touch with Classic Name Tags to help promote communication. They also help to make customers feel more at ease when they need assistance. A well designed name tag with legible text showing the employee’s name and title can make a big difference. This simple strategy can significantly boost customer engagement and satisfaction.

Name Tags with a Custom Design give you the freedom to express your style. Choose from various colors, unique designs and classic frames to create a name tag that reflects your business needs. Plus, we keep all custom orders on file, making reordering simple.


Name Tags Using Stock Templates are the perfect solution for anyone needing to balance budget with professionalism. You benefit from no set-up fees and 13 template styles in various materials, colors and sizes. Customize a classic name tag by choosing the color, finish styles and upgrades.


Smart and Sustainable Identification

Save time and money with Reusable Name Badges. These reusable options allow you to add or change the names on your badge as you need to. Use an office printer to create paper or transparent inserts or write names directly on the badges with erasable chalk markers. Choose from various styles to find the ideal badge for your needs.

  • Mighty Badges – Professional metal badges with a clear lens cover and printable transparent inserts (with or without a UV color logo).
  • Logo Only Badges – Badges with a logo (UV color or engraved), room may be left for adding names and information as needed.
  • Chalkboard Badges – Write on these black badges using erasable chalk markers. You can choose to add an optional UV color logo.
  • Speedy Badges – Plastic badges available in multiple colors with a clear protective cover. Use the printable paper inserts to add any names or information you need.
  • Dry Erase Badges – Available in black and white materials and with or without a UV color logo. Use a marker to write names and information.
  • Clear Badges – Acrylic badges featuring a slide out design for quickly replacing paper inserts. All you need is your design, then print inserts as you need them.
  • Adhesive Badges – Self adhesive paper labels allow for easy writing or printing. These single use badges are quickly attached at any event, party or meeting.

Your Best Name Tag, Your Way.

These other available professional identification solutions serve specific purposes, giving you more choices for your team. Using alternative tags will help you enhance security, build networking opportunities at social gatherings and improve customer communication.

Photo ID Badges: Including a photo on a name tag enhances security and helps associate individuals with their name tags. Personalize them by adding a person’s photo, name, title, organization or business logo.


Custom Shaped Name Tags: Whether enhancing business meetings, celebrating holiday promotions or creating a warm and inviting atmosphere, unleash your creativity with an exciting custom shape. These playful tags will make your events, office or products stand out.


Conference Name Tags: Lamination makes these tags durable enough for multi day events. They can be printed in full color with almost any desired information. Use them for social gatherings, meetings, events and more.


Invest in Your Brand Identity with the Best Name Tag

Choosing the right name tags is essential for building connections and growing your business. Whether you prefer the vibrant look of UV color printing or the flexibility of reusable badges, investing in high quality name tags will enhance your business. These identification solutions will also help build a sense of belonging among your employees and create better communication with your customers.

Your Logo and Customer Engagement

Reaching customers, promoting a brand or service and rewarding loyalty are essential to growing a business. But how would you go about fulfilling these different tasks? The answer is to use custom products that show your logo. By displaying a company logo on various products, you can increase customer engagement and advertise different services or products.

Another way to fulfill these different tasks is to add a creative message to product packaging. This will inform potential customers about what your business or organization offers. Now that you have taken the first steps to engage the customer you can make your brand more identifiable.

Ribbon rolls, name tags, reusable badges and custom top ribbons are fantastic tools when you want to engage with customers.

Customer Engagement

Professionals wearing reusable badges (Speedy Badge) and Logo Name Tags

Recognition is crucial to everyone’s success, whether you offer a service or product. The best way to create this awareness is to get your name out and remembered. How does someone get a business name out and what will be the result? Wearing a name tag or badge with a logo and contact name will get your name out. It will also build a link between yourself and the consumer.

Benefits of Name Tags

  • Engraved or printed
  • Choice of materials and colors
  • Professional upgrades

Benefits of Reusable Badges

  • Cost efficient
  • Reusable surface
  • Various styles and sizes

Other Products for Customer Engagement

NAME PLATES: Displaying a name plate with your logo and an employee name is a perfect way to engage with your customers.

BADGE HOLDERS: Wearing a badge holder with a printable insert is a will help advertise what product or service your company offers.

BADGE RIBBONS: Add badge ribbons to name tags, badge holders and other identification to promote brand recognition.

Customer Conversations

After creating that first impression, you still need to engage the customer to get them to stay. Offer them a custom top ribbon with an attractive message and logo. Talk about what is on the ribbon to start a conversation with the customer. It will help to further your business engagement. They are fantastic for sales, promotions and building a brand. Also, use these custom ribbons with a logo and message in promotional sales for your products. This tactic can lead to creating potential growth for your business.

Examples of custom top ribbons with company logos and different finishes

Benefits of Custom Top Ribbons

  • Full color printing with bleed
  • Custom text, images or graphics
  • Various top and bottom finishes

Customer Remembrance

After connecting with your customers and building a lasting relationship, offer them a keepsake. To make it even more memorable, add a custom ribbon roll tied around it that features your logo. This small deed can have a powerful impact. It can leave a positive reminder about your brand or service with the customer. Also, tie these attractive ribbons to gift bags or boxes and place them in public view when people enter your business or office. This tactic will engage the customers’ interest and help promote your brand.

A custom ribbon roll imprinted with a company name and logo wrapped around product packaging

Benefits of Ribbon Rolls

  • Personalize with text and logos
  • Continuous and favor print, full color
  • Satin, grosgrain, organza, etc.
Using custom products will increase customer engagement

Finding new customers is vital for business growth and development. Fulfilling these different requirements can be challenging. One way to increase customer engagement is with custom products. These are great tools to engage in conversations and create brand awareness.


Finding Name Tags and Personal Identification for My Industry

In a world of many industries, each business has its unique way of being successful. But what does every industry need to be even more successful? Identification and recognition! To be more specific, every industry needs personal identification products like name tags, reusable badges and name plates to improve brand recognition, security and customer satisfaction. Recognition products, like award plaques, are also important for businesses because they award employees for their hard work, thus building up employee spirits, loyalty and performance.

Identity & Recognition Products That Improve Business Success with a man in his office with personal identification products like a name tag, name plate and award plaque

The Importance of Name Tags

Name tags are an essential tool for the growth and success of your business. They make customers feel welcome in your office or store because they immediately know who they are talking to. And they make your employees more accountable for their actions because their name is visible to everyone. As a result, nearly every business uses them! You can find name tags in many industries, including food service, hospitality, retail, event planning, etc. Each name tag tells your brand’s story to help customers and employees remember their experience.

Discover what identification and recognition products are and how you can use them in your industry. Whether your industry is customer facing, in office or anything in between, there is a product that can improve your business. Take in all the benefits that come from using these products.

Name Tags

What are they? Pieces of plastic or metal material that may include a person’s name, title, company name and logo.

Why use them? Name tags allow businesses to identify employees, communicate their availability to work and assist customers and colleagues.

Wear name tags to network easier with others in your industry. Improve brand recognition, customer service and professionalism by having your employees wear name tags.

personal identification metal name tag professional

Reusable Badges

What are they? Affordable, reusable badges, like Mighty Badges and Chalkboard Badges, are products that identify others when wearers write their name on printable insets or the badge itself.

Why use them? Businesses with a high turnover rate can use these sustainable badges for an affordable cost and ease of use for any employee. Printable inserts are ordered so a name badge can be reused as many times as possible for each employee. Employees can add a touch of personality when they write their names on badges.

Retail workers wearing personal identification product reusable badges

Name Plates

What are they? Plastic or metal name plates, desk wedges and acrylic blocks are products that display a person’s name, title, company name and logo.

Why use them? Any kind of name plate can determine a person’s place of work, like a desk, cubicle or office. Name plates can also communicate directions, warnings and information to viewers.

Insurance worker name plate

Other Personal Identification Products

You can use other personal identification products in your industry, like lanyards, badge holders, signs and award plaques, to communicate and inform others of valuable information and recognize employees for their achievements. Explore more ways your business can use identification products in your workplace.

Lanyards and Badge Holders

When lanyards and badge holders are paired together, you get the most benefits from both of them at the same time. Choose from various colors, materials, finishes and attachments for lanyards for your company. Include custom text and logos on lanyards for enhanced brand recognition.

Badge holders pair well with lanyards as they can be attached to them with mostly any fastener. Hold badges, like photo IDs, with ease when they are displayed with lanyards.

A tour guide wearing personal identification products like a lanyard holding a badge holder and a name tag
Man opening door with a conference room sign

Signs

Communicate with others using professional interior signage. Signs are versatile in that they can help navigate, warn, regulate, identify and inform everyone in the workplace about anything you need. Choose from stock signs or create custom signs with unique text, logos and graphics.

Award Plaques

Your business can improve employee engagement, morale and loyalty by recognizing employees for their outstanding performance, longevity and more. Recognition products like award plaques are great to present to employees who have put in the work. Employees benefit from receiving these awards as they can include them in their portfolios and boost motivation and satisfaction.

A worker on the phone with a consumer satisfaction award plaque on the wall

Find the perfect identification for your industry

Whether you need name tags for your employees or signs to direct others to the right place in your workplace, there is a product that your industry could use. Identification and recognition products improve security, customer service and employee satisfaction. Equip your employees with the correct name tag representing your business the best.

Learn even more ways to find what you need:

The Learning Center all products
Personalized Ribbons all ribbons