Using a business card is one of the quickest and easiest ways to exchange information. They can also be used to promote your business. So, having a great one can validate the legitimacy of your business.
A business card containing the right amount of information—together with a stunning design—can grab anyone's attention, helping your business stand out. However, what information should you put on it? What design translates to 'stunning’? Those questions are quite tricky to answer—but not impossible.
There are several factors you must take into consideration when creating a business card, which is what we're going to discuss in this article.
A business card containing the right amount of information—together with a stunning design—can grab anyone's attention, helping your business stand out. However, what information should you put on it? What design translates to 'stunning’? Those questions are quite tricky to answer—but not impossible.
There are several factors you must take into consideration when creating a business card, which is what we're going to discuss in this article.
What's the ideal business card size?
Business cards need to be durable and feel good to touch. Aside from these, it should also be easy to store. They need to fit in a cardholder or wallet, which is why it's important to follow a standard size.
There are no hard and fast rules regarding the size of business cards, but the standard size followed in most of the world is 3.5 inches by 2 inches or a close approximation of 51 mm by 89 mm, which is the perfect size for wallets and cardholders. However, if you really don't want to conform and want your card to stand out, no one is stopping you. Many business card printing specialists can help you create the perfect card for your business. |
What information should you put on a business card?
Any information you write on your business card tells people a lot about you and your business. However, different people utilize their business cards differently. Some like the minimalist approach where they only include basic information, such as their business name, contact information, and location, while others choose to be more hip and trendy.
Here are some more creative and fun ideas to help get you started. |
Include your logo and tagline
Business cards need to convey the identity of your business to potential clients. So, before you start putting any information on your card, you first need to ensure that you include your logo and tagline. This will help people easily identify and recognize your brand wherever they may see your logo.
Add your basic identification details and contact information
There are many different ways to design business cards. However, it’s a good idea to always include the basics, such as the following.
- • Your name and the name of your business
- • Your contact information, like your phone number and/or email address
- • Your job title or a brief description of what you do—for example, photographer, designer, or web developer
- • Your website URL where people can look you over and see your work
Make the colors pop
Some people choose black and white for their business cards for a more somber and minimalist approach. However, that can be a little boring.
To create the most impact, don't be afraid to play with colors. It's a good way to show your personal or commercial brand, as well as your personality. You must make the colors pop on your card to elicit immediate attention and make long-lasting impression. But, here's the tricky part--you must be careful of your color palette, so you do not appear gaudy and garish.
Colorful designs can work well on any kind of business card design. Find ways how to add your logo with bright typography on white space. A card with reverse lettering is also an option. Whatever you choose, remember that your aim is to stand out.
To create the most impact, don't be afraid to play with colors. It's a good way to show your personal or commercial brand, as well as your personality. You must make the colors pop on your card to elicit immediate attention and make long-lasting impression. But, here's the tricky part--you must be careful of your color palette, so you do not appear gaudy and garish.
Colorful designs can work well on any kind of business card design. Find ways how to add your logo with bright typography on white space. A card with reverse lettering is also an option. Whatever you choose, remember that your aim is to stand out.
Add enough white space
When you say white space, the background color doesn't necessarily have to be white. It simply means that you shouldn't cram or overstuff your card with information. It's a business card; not an essay. Remember, the point of using business cards is to invite prospective clients to connect with you and not overwhelm them.
What about the back of business cards?
The back of business cards is just as important as the front side. Since it's not advisable to overcrowd the front side of the card with information, you can utilise the empty space at the back to add more information about your business.
Think of it this way. The front side is where you want to relay information, such as your name, your business' name, your title, and your contact information. While at the back, you can go more in depth. You can add a map, direct people to your social media accounts, and even leave a strong call to action. Here are some tips you can use when designing the reverse side of business cards. |
Less is more; opt for simplicity
You're probably sitting there—thinking what to put at the back part of your card. But before anything else, you must understand that the content of your card is just a snippet of you and your business. You don't have to tell your entire story on it. Finding the balance between design and emptiness can be tricky. You may even need to pause and step back a little to see if you are overdoing the design.
The key here is to get your point across as succinctly as possible, which is why simplicity is important. Too much clutter—even if it's at the back—can take your main message away.
An effective marketing strategy involves conveying your point as briefly and concisely as possible, as well as keeping away from unnecessary fluff that mutes the main message you want to convey. That's why, sometimes, less is more.
The key here is to get your point across as succinctly as possible, which is why simplicity is important. Too much clutter—even if it's at the back—can take your main message away.
An effective marketing strategy involves conveying your point as briefly and concisely as possible, as well as keeping away from unnecessary fluff that mutes the main message you want to convey. That's why, sometimes, less is more.
Blank doesn’t always mean empty white space
If you're planning to leave the back of your business card with a blank space, it doesn't mean it has to be an empty white space. Don't be afraid to add some colors and patterns on them. Just be careful with your color choices.
An original photograph is also a good way to creatively use the blank space at the back of the card without overdoing it. You can also use this opportunity to add an image that best describes what you do or what your business offers.
An original photograph is also a good way to creatively use the blank space at the back of the card without overdoing it. You can also use this opportunity to add an image that best describes what you do or what your business offers.
Direct to your social media accounts
If you are using social media as part of your marketing strategy, then the back of your business card is the perfect place to direct people to your channels. However, that doesn't mean you should list all your channels, especially if you have eight or so social media accounts. Remember, you want to connect and network with your prospects—not overwhelm them. Just list down the most popular ones or the ones where your prospects are usually found.
Make your location known with a map
Adding a cool and artistically represented map at the reverse side of the business card is another great idea. This does not just add aesthetic value to your business card. It's also functional. Customers who need to come to your office or shop can use this to guide them.
Of course, it's impossible to add a detailed map on such a small piece of paper. Your map only needs to give users a general idea where they can locate you. Instead of a detailed map, go for a striking visual that provides basic information like the city and state where you are located. You can also add in information, such as proximity to a well-known landmark.
Of course, it's impossible to add a detailed map on such a small piece of paper. Your map only needs to give users a general idea where they can locate you. Instead of a detailed map, go for a striking visual that provides basic information like the city and state where you are located. You can also add in information, such as proximity to a well-known landmark.
Share a useful tip
Aside from original images, you can also utilize the reverse side of the business card to share your expertise. You can include a useful tip at the back of the card. This way, people are less likely to throw it away as it contains information they may need later on.
For example, if you own a bakery, you can add a small chart that contains details about how much cake is needed to feed a crowd. Or, you can share a quick tip on how to repair a clogged drain if you are a plumber. When potential clients hold on to your card for the tip, they are also holding on to your contact information.
For example, if you own a bakery, you can add a small chart that contains details about how much cake is needed to feed a crowd. Or, you can share a quick tip on how to repair a clogged drain if you are a plumber. When potential clients hold on to your card for the tip, they are also holding on to your contact information.
Include a call-to-action or promo
Another way to get people to keep your business card is to turn it into a coupon. Add a promo code for discounts at its back. Or, you can share a deal that's only available for those holding your card. For example, giving them a 10% discount on their bill when they present the card at the time of the service is a great way to entice them to hold on to your card.
This is also a great way to stand out if you are in an industry where securing leads is a vital part of your business, such as sales.
This is also a great way to stand out if you are in an industry where securing leads is a vital part of your business, such as sales.
Conclusion
Business cards are not just pieces of paper. They let people know who you are and what you do. So, they are a vital part of your business. You can even use them to market your brand effectively—you just have to learn how to utilise them to their maximum potential.
When people see that you have a strong business card design, they will have a better impression of you and your business. Use only high-quality printing techniques and paper when designing your card to solidify that good impression even further.
When people see that you have a strong business card design, they will have a better impression of you and your business. Use only high-quality printing techniques and paper when designing your card to solidify that good impression even further.