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)

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

Get Together, Share a Laugh and Make Memories

It’s summer; let’s all act like kids! From water fights to family reunions, summer is about having fun and letting go of work and school stressors. There are countless activities to do with your family, friends and neighbors. Relationships are important, so build them in your family, neighborhood and at work, all while getting together to share a laugh.

Using badge holders and badge ribbons at family and neighborhood events.

Spending time with others offers many benefits, including building personal confidence and strengthening bonds. Likewise, family time offers many benefits. These include building trust and creating a stronger emotional bond between family members. You can also improve your communication skills while bettering your performance in school and at work. Summer is about making memories while spending time with those who matter to you.

Badge Holders with Badge Ribbons and How to Share a Laugh

Badge holder with handwritten name and a colorful badge ribbon imprinted with a surname for a family get together.

Getting together with family is the best part of summer. This year, use badge holders and ribbons to define your family tree. It never fails, someone at your reunion will show up, and you won’t know how they relate to the family. So, use ribbons and badges to help everyone fit in.

Print each insert with an attendee’s name and attach a badge ribbon with their family surname. You can even color coordinate each family. These ribbons will help everyone know who fits in and where. Now Great Aunt Tabitha won’t have to wonder where you fit into her family tree. All she has to do is check out your ribbon and badge to see.

Blank Badge Ribbons and Getting Together

Lavender blank badge ribbon with a pin and a handwritten name for a child's games.

Make a memory this summer by helping everyone feel welcome with handwritten names on badge ribbons. Then you can use these badge ribbons to designate seating arrangements and more. Or give them to people to wear for a fun version of identification. Finally, everyone can pin one on and get to know each other better.

Blank badge ribbons are also great for game use. These ribbons are versatile, from writing names on them to using them as game pieces and even as designations for titles. Use the different colors for different games or organizations during the festivities. Design your game using badge ribbons and either focus on the colors or write on them with a permanent marker.

Reusable Badge Holders are Perfect for Making Memories

Reusable badge holder with printed inserts for a neighborhood treasure hunt.

Share a laugh while having a treasure hunt with friends and family, and use badge holders to help with keeping organized. Laughing together helps create fun memories and strengthens bonds within families and neighborhoods.

When your neighborhood plans a get-together, make sure that everyone can participate. When you use identification (like badge holders), you can ensure that everyone will know who is there. Remember to have fun with these printable badges. Add fun things like a treasure map or creative names and titles for game participants.

Countless activities compete for time on the calendar, such as work, school, homework, after-school activities, friends, and more. So, as the summer comes to a close, remember to get together to share a laugh and make some memories with your family and neighbors.

How To Upgrade Your Identification

A company’s brand is what they are, what they want to be and what they aim to become. So make sure you add your logo to everything, starting with your name tags. Then, upgrade your identification by pairing products like name tags and name plates with matching logos. Move on with visitor badges, branded lanyards and even office signs! No matter your choice of identification, we have ways to make it even better.

Custom signs, name tags, name plates, lanyards, badge ribbons and badge holders with matching colors and logos that show how to upgrade your identification.

Over the past 25+ years, you have learned to rely on our high-quality name tags. However, did you know that we offer things that will compliment your name tag purchase? But, no matter which product you start your order with, we guarantee to have something that will go great with any new identification.

We have put together a short list of products that go great together. From name tags to lanyards and even ribbons, let’s get your brand shinning everywhere!

Upgrade Name Tags with Name Plates

Matching name tags and name plates for your office to upgrade your identification.

Your logo already looks excellent on name tags, so put it on a name plate that matches. It’s simple to upgrade your identification with multiple material colors and printing of your logo. You can literally choose the same material for both name tags and plates so that your office matches your employees. You can also play with complimentary colors to help your logo stand out even more. But, no matter how you decide to upgrade your identification, we have what you need.

PRO TIP: Not only can you brand your name tags, but adding signs helps with branding your office.

Upgrade Photo IDs with Lanyards

Upgrade your photo ID with matching, branded lanyards.

These two products go together so well that it just makes sense to get lanyards with photo ID badges. The ability to print any insert for a badge holder is great, and pairing them with lanyards is even greater. No matter your profession, matching lanyards and photo ID badges are the perfect way to keep everyone identified. Not only does the photo identification help increase your security measures, but upgrading with a lanyard ensures instant access to those badges.

Upgrade Badge Ribbons with Badge Holders

Badge ribbons help you upgrade your identification when attached to badge holders and matching lanyards.

Even if you’re not planning an event, pairing badge holders with ribbons is a great way to upgrade your identification. Sometimes all you need to add to your brand is a brightly colored ribbon attached to your name tag.

Even though they are commonly used for title designations at conventions and conferences, badge ribbons are more versatile than you know. They are the perfect tool for advertising sales, promoting events and letting your clientele know about your business.

Add nearly any text and logos to Custom Imprinted Badge Ribbons that help you achieve your business goals. With these custom additions, you can meet all of your company branding and marketing resolutions. Your text can be slogans, logos and so much more!

Using Custom Ribbons to Upgrade Your Identification

Now that you have made your logo stand out on name tags, imagine what other custom ribbons can do for your brand. Use these branded ribbons for product packaging and even employee appreciation gifts. No matter you need, we have a ribbon to help.

Teaching Tools and Personalizing Your Classroom

Learning is more effective and stimulating when you are using teaching tools that are already in front of you. It is up to teachers and other school staff to ensure every student has the tools they need to learn. When students know what tools they have available and how each works, they are more apt to pay attention and, in the long run, learn what they need to succeed.

Personalizing Your Teaching Tools with customized products like engravable signs, name plates and badge holders for identification.

Why are customizable products great for teaching tools?

By customizing our products to meet your school and classroom needs, you can help improve your instruction time. For example, free up time in your schedule by hanging custom signs with simple instructions so they don’t need to be constantly repeated. Use name tags and name plates to show teachers’ names. And even have badges available for parent volunteers. Here are several of our most popular items that teachers use as teaching tools for their classrooms and schools.

Custom Engravable Signs

Custom engraved plastic sign with a school's bell schedule and someone from administration as teaching tools to help students.

Use our engravable custom signs in your classroom today. For example, personalize a custom sign to show your classroom schedule. Or have a sign engraved with other classroom instructions. While these signs are a great teaching tool for the classroom, they work just as well for the rest of the school.

Use them for bell schedules, No Running in the Halls signs and even more. Each engraved sign is available in multiple colors on durable plastic material. This means that you can customize the color to match your school decor or even show some school spirit. Add logos, graphics and text to make your message seen.

Personalized Name Plates

Two lines engraved into a name plate to sit on a teacher's desk as teaching tools to help students.

From teachers’ desks and doors to the counselor’s office, name plates can be used everywhere in your school. Not only are name plates great for teachers’ names, but they are also great for identifying different classrooms and other areas in the building.

One of the great parts about custom name plates is adding your logo or school mascot next to names. Or you can use icons to designate closets and other rooms throughout the building. They come in the same durable plastic material as custom signs so that you can match everything in your building.

Badge Holders and Lanyards

A badge holder that has a printed insert with a teacher's photo to be used with a color lanyard as school identification.

Step up your security with personalized badge holders and custom lanyards. With a handy photo and your school’s name printed onto replaceable inserts, badge holders just became your best friend. Using these inserts, you can instantly identify teachers, staff and even visitors quickly by printing any information you need and sliding it into a holder.

Then match the lanyard to your badge. By using colored (and maybe custom imprinted with your school logo), you help your staff and visitors keep their identification handy. Lanyards are also perfect for fundraising events, sporting meets and any other time your school gets together.

Personalizing Your School and Using Teaching Tools

From the classroom to the counseling center, we have custom products to make your school run smoothly. Use these great teaching tools to help your teaching and instruction. Do you have other ideas for our custom products? We’d love to hear them!

Here’s a fun idea: when giving out welcome gifts to your students, make sure to wrap them with fun ribbon rolls. Your students are guaranteed a great first impression when handed trinkets with personalized ribbons wrapped around them. And, maybe they will even behave a bit better as a way of saying thank you for your thoughtfulness.