Your business card has a dual purpose. It’s a tool to remind people about your business, and it’s the source of contact information that will allow customers and prospects to reach you. No matter how nice your card looks, it won’t be as effective as it should be if it’s missing important contact information.
At the very least, the contact information on your business card should include your business name, your name, title, address, phone number, website, and email address.
Homebased business owners often don’t like to include their address on their business cards. But people expect established businesses to have a physical address. If your business card is missing an address, it can make prospects question how long you’ve been in business and how long you’ll stay in business. If you work from home and don’t want to include your home address on your business card, consider getting a post office box, a business mailbox at a UPS store, or a virtual office address. If none of those options are in your budget, at least include a city and state on your business card so customers have some idea of where your company is located.
One mistake that’s common to many business cards is that they are mundane and unimpressive and soon become a faint memory. Leave someone with a card that looks great, feels great, and clearly defines what your business does — and you and your card won’t soon be forgotten.
There’s absolutely no excuse today for an unattractive or unprofessional-looking business card. Use the many software templates and examples of sample business cards that are available online to help guide your decisions about what should go on your card. Among the many places to look for free business card templates are online printing companies, Microsoft, Avery.com, and various printer manufacturers. To find templates, search online for the term “business card templates.”
An acquaintance of mine just printed up some “homemade” business cards. She spent five dollars for an Ink-Jet business card kit to print 100 business cards. I was very impressed initially with her card: great use of colors and fonts, and the layout was pleasing to the eye. Then I held the card in my hand: it was feather-light, and I could feel the perforations around the sides, which were already peeling. There was also a fine white line running through the red ink of the company name.
Lesson: Don’t skimp on money when it comes to business cards. You want good stock paper, print that doesn’t bleed from a drop of water, an attractive logo, and a card that feels substantial and pleasing to the touch.
A poor-quality card implies a business that will have poor-quality products and services. Rather than attracting business, this type of card would most likely repel prospective customers.
When someone looks at your business card, can they tell immediately what your business does and which specific business of that type you are? (That is, are you Joe’s Taxi Service or Bob’s Limo Service?) If not, you’re not likely to get many calls or referrals. To help with that identification, be sure to include your logo. If possible, the logo should have some connection to what your business does or what you’re selling. For example, UPS (United Parcel Service) for 43 years had a logo on their business cards that showed a string-wrapped parcel sitting above the carrier’s shield.
Many businesses miss the golden opportunity of utilizing their business card to its full marketing potential. Your card should state at least one very powerful reason a customer should do business with you. For example, an auto service center’s business card that reads in part, “complete automotive repairs” and “all work fully guaranteed” lets people know that the center handles all types of repairs, and builds trust by mentioning the guarantee.
The standard business card size is 3.5 by 2 inches. Common sense dictates using a traditional-sized card. Bigger business cards will not fit in wallets or most business card holders. Smaller cards stand a chance of getting lost or overlooked. Chances are an odd-sized business card will end up in the trash.
Does your business card have a font size so small that you need to hand out a magnifying glass in order for it to be read? Beware of this practice. You may be able to cram more information onto the card with a small font, but what good is it if people can’t read it? A good guideline is to use a type size no smaller than 7 or 8 points. Your name point can be a little larger, about 9 points, and the company name usually looks good at about 12 to 15 points.
An appealing business card does not contain the print content of a novella. Too much print looks busy, is difficult to read, and looks unprofessional. Simple is best. Sort out the information and keep only what’s totally necessary for someone to know your name, your company, what you do, why they should use you, and how to reach you. If you have too much information to put on the front of the card, remember you can use the backside, too. The back of a card is a good place to add a link to sign up for your email list, for instance.
Spice up your business cards with a little splash of color. You’d be surprised what a difference it makes. For example, just as restaurateurs use the color red for its appetizing quality, the judicious use of red in a business card is very visually appealing. Avoid the common mistake of grey print on a white background; it lacks contrast, and the print is difficult to read.
On the flip side, don’t make the mistake of color overload. Too many colors that don’t complement one another will make the card look busy and will detract from the content of your card.
Many people use email instead of making phone calls. And people who want more information about your business often want to learn more without a sales pitch. So, they go to your website and read about you there.
Although you could refer people to your social media pages, you don’t own the pages and don’t own the contacts. You can’t even control what gets displayed to whom unless you buy ads. So, if your email address and website are missing from your card, you’re likely to miss out on some business.
What good is having a box full of business cards if they’re just sitting there collecting dust? It would serve you and your business better to apply the old axiom, “Use it or lose it.” What can you lose? Business.
Always have a supply of your cards wherever you go. Give them out when appropriate, and while you’re at it, don’t hesitate to give out more than one. Invite people to pass the extras along to others who might need your service. You might be surprised at how often this can result in a referral.
For those times when you can’t network in person, be creative. Drop one or more business cards into the packages you ship to customers. Send out greeting cards to customers to congratulate them on their birthday, thank them for their business, or wish them well on a holiday. Drop a business card or two into the greeting card. Put a card in any printed invoices you mail to customers. While your company contact info is already on those invoices, the customer is likely to discard the invoice after they pay you. But they might save your business card or give it to a friend who needs your services.
Paige Frisone is a Colorado-based freelance writer, psychosomatic poet, and Subconscious Health Practitioner. Her writing explores the multidimensionality of human existence and can be found in Elephant Journal, The Health Journal, PicMonkey, About Boulder, Rebelle Society, and elsewhere. Alongside her passion for writing, Paige runs her beloved integrative business, Inner Realm Wellness LLC, where she aids clients in accessing their innate healing abilities.
Modern business cards play a new role in the digital world. Information is still key, but engaging and surprising design is more important than ever.
Your business card tells potential clients and future coworkers what you’re all about in just a single glance. Though smartphones and online social networking can end up dominating many in-person interactions, a memorable business card helps you cut through the digital noise and stand out.
With a great design, you can use this tiny rectangle to communicate your professionalism, work ethic, and creativity.
By adhering to business card best practices, while thinking outside of the box, you’ll have a business card that stands up to modern expectations.
Here’s how.
Contact information is still the driving force behind today’s business cards. However, the level of information has changed.
In the past, you might have included your phone number (or multiple numbers), office location, email, and more.
Background Graphics to Support the Text
License this image via ViSnezh.All of those details are no longer necessary. For most, a name, position title, phone number, and email address is enough. Depending on the type of business you run, you might eliminate the phone number completely, or swap it for your website.
You can also include your social media profiles if they’re relevant to your business—many small businesses rely on Facebook as their main online presence.
Think about how clients usually get in touch, and stick to that. If information isn’t necessary, skip it, as the more white space your card contains, the better.
Lots of people will look up a business on Google, even if they have the information in front of them, so make sure your online presence is easy to access.
Then, pair critical info against a standout textured background to make your text pop.
Symmetrical Text Placement
Make this business card your own in Create.Pair a brand logo with a simple background color, add those details, and done! While this address does include office location, the world of remote work has increased exponentially.
For that reason, if it’s not necessary to include, don’t. If it is, just make sure the rest of your design is simple enough to hold the text.
When crafting in Create, simply drag-and-drop your text for symmetrical placement. Make sure your fonts are consistent so the card doesn’t read busy.
Stark Color Frames
Make this business card your own in Create.Make any text or font stand out with two complementary (or contrasting) colors. Make a frame or rectangular shape background to let your demographic know who you are.
Make sure your colors resemble your work and prompt intrigue in your audience. Colors provoke emotion, so consider how you want folks to feel upon receiving your business card.
2. Mix Fonts to Draw Attention
How you present your information is just as important as what information you present. Your typographical choice is one of the biggest design decisions you’ll make for your card, as it’s essential to communicating your information clearly and with the desired effect.
For instance, a simple and more traditional font says you’re serious and conservative, while a trendier font might say you’re creative and approachable.
Loud and Effective
License this image via AntartStock.It might be tempting to choose a flashy font that catches someone’s eye, but remember to always prioritize readability.
A hard-to-read name or contact info won’t land you much business. Many modern business cards use just one or two fonts to convey the message.
Logo + Info
Make this business card your own in Create.When picking fonts that work together, mix traditional with playful.
For instance, stick to class serifs and sans-serifs for pertinent info, complemented by a swirling calligraphy font for your name. You can always experiment with making brand fonts and your contact info different styles.
Check out these classic fonts that always look great, and learn how to make the best font choice for your project.
Simple and Subtle
Make this business card your own in Create.These two fonts make you lean in a bit closer. Are they different? Yes! This business card sports Multiple and Comfortaa Light while maintaining a clean and subtle look.
Also, try differentiating fonts by making one all lowercase and one capitalized for another stylistic contrast.
3. Don’t Skimp on the Logo
Your logo is the visual representation of your business and can serve as a statement of your personal style. For this reason, it’s important that you not only choose or create a stunning logo, but also that you present it in a stunning way.
For instance, many of today’s more striking business cards feature textured, die-cut logos.
Texture and Color
License this image via newcorner.Even if you can’t afford a textured card with an embossed logo, you can still focus on presentation methods.
Your logo should be prominent and sized properly. Always use a vector file format when scaling your logo to keep the lines clean and prevent distortion and pixelation. Those two things will immediately make you look unprofessional.
Tropical Accents
Make this business card your own in Create.Logos are intended to spark curiosity in prospective customers. For example, why does “Sal Silva, Creative Director,” have a palm tree logo?
It’s a fine line between being creative and confusing, so make sure your logo prompts interest in a relevant way.
Floral and Sweet
Make this business card your own in Create.If you’re in an artistic field, use your work as your logo! Again, you don’t want to be too literal, but whatever relevant elements you can bring it, the better your business card will be.
Also, notice this one doesn’t have any contact info. While that’s next-level intrigue for folks—forcing you to Google this company—it’s possible to put those details on the back, as well.
Suggested reading:If you haven’t made it as far as logo design yet, check out these creative ideas for logos to get you started.
4. Try Adventurous Shapes
Gone are the days when business cards had to be rectangular. Today’s business cards are fluid in shape and can be micro-sized, oversized, square, or oval.
They can open up like miniature pamphlets or fold up accordion style. A unique shape or size can help your card stand and speak volumes about your brand.
Abstract Doodles
Make this business card your own in Create.Especially for a drawing-related company, it only makes sense to have an abstract doodle shape.
To find them in Create, simply click Graphics and then type “Doodle” or scroll until you find your favorite. Click to apply and done!
Multi-Colored Shapes
Make this business card your own in Create.Want to amplify the previous look? Go wild with abstract shapes and colors (so long as it makes sense). Visual designers have a bit more leeway to be adventurous with their designs.
Follow the previous steps to find these shapes. Click Graphics and type “Doodle” to search your favorites in Create.
Always consider the context before you make big design decisions like this. Fun formats can work particularly well in creative industries, but they might have the opposite effect in others.
Get Geometric
Make this business card your own in Create.Geometric shapes offer an interesting and clean-cut look. Pair differently sized shapes and colors against a solid color background for an interesting optical illusion-like effect.
5. Use Layout to Your Advantage
Once you have your basic information, typography, and logo, and once you’ve selected a shape, it’s time to put it all together. Pay attention to size, color, and negative space.
The text on your card, containing your information, is the most important. Therefore, it should be placed and sized prominently.
Play with the justification of the text–many opt for center alignment, but left justification might give your card a more modern flair.
License this image via Grafvish.If you’re adding other visual elements, like an image, icons, or illustrations, make sure they hold their own in such a small space. Similar to logos, make sure the images are scaled correctly to prevent distortion and pixelation.
Avoid placing text over an image, as this can make it hard to read. Many modern business cards have a visual side and an info side.
Go Vertical
Make this business card your own in Create.You heard us! Have you ever considered a vertical business card? When you’re putting everything together, you might want a bit more white space to let your message shine. If that’s the case, use one of Create’s vertical business card templates.
To find them, simply click Templates and type or scroll “Business cards” to find your favorite. Click to start customizing!
Bring Your Business (Card) to Life
Make this business card your own in Create.Make your 2D business card feel 3D with a smart concept. This gamer vertical template makes perfect sense, as it plays on a Pac Man-like feel. How can you turn your business into a lived experience? Let your design resemble your internal process.
Easy-to-read colors are important for text, but feel free to play with the other colors of your card—you might even fill the entire background with an unexpected color, like this one.
Since space is limited, it’s best to stick to a cohesive color scheme. We can help you there! Pick from these 101 color combinations to find the right one for your card.
And, if you’re stuck, before you start designing, begin by asking yourself a couple of questions:
It always helps to put yourself in other people’s shoes to cater to the user experience. Once you’ve done that, you’ll be fully equipped to envision your design on paper.
Feel free to sketch down some ideas in your notepad, then hop into Create and start designing!
Business Cards by Profession
Now, if you’re not seeing your profession in the above examples, you might need a little nudge before crafting your own.
Here are a few more ideas to get you started:
Accounting
Make this business card your own in Create.You can craft your accounting business card in two different ways: Based on how you feel when you’re at work, or based on how you want clients to feel while working with you.
Either way, this calming forest green is clean and professional for all those needing these services.
Brand Developer
Make this business card your own in Create.If you live in the marketing world, this business card’s for you. Customize this template with your company’s brand colors and fonts that make your work easily recognizable.
Also, this would be an easy layout to craft with a blank canvas. Whatever you decide, you can make an effective business card in no time.
Food and Beverage
Make this business card your own in Create.If you’re in the food and beverage industry, these Create templates let you sport your name, position, contact info, and logo against a subtle geometric background.
Again, another sweet opportunity to insert brand colors and let the world know who you are.
Tip: If you’re feeling called to throw in your business hours, go for it! You want your business cards to have a clear intent as to why you’re offering them. If it’s for more business (which is usually the case), make it as easy as possible for folks to find you.
Consulting Firms
Make this business card your own in Create.Whether you’re a financial, home, or work consultant, make sure your business card differentiates you from the rest.
For that reason, it’s smart to put a logo here to signify whether you have a private or public firm.
Fitness World
Make this business card your own in Create.If you like helping folks accomplish their fitness goals, pair your business card with fitness graphics so there’s no question as to what you do.
Whether you’re a personal trainer, fitness coach, or own a gym, you can customize this template anyway you need.
Flower Mastery
Make this business card your own in Create.If you’re into botany, botanical medicine, herbalism, or holistic health, this simple template can make it easy to capture your store or company all in the same place.
Like flowers do, you want the design of your business card to speak for itself.
Modern Real Estate Business Cards
Make this business card your own in Create.If you’re going for modern, cool business cards like this one, let your graphic be a focal point (even if it’s not centralized).
Let one design aspect inspire the rest of your colors, fonts, and placement.
Web Development
Make this business card your own in Create.In the world of web development—whether you’re a writer, SEO content creator, manager, or the like—these minimalist, modern business cards are all the hype these days. Enhance your designs with a modern take and you won’t go wrong.
Ultimately, whether you’re a home baker, a teacher, or a barber, Create has it all.
Make Your Business Cards in Create
Alright, Creators! Onto the creating. . . .
As we mentioned, you have blank canvas or customizable template options to choose from. Whichever route you take, you’ll want to follow the same quick steps.
Let’s break them down:
You’ll notice that the blank canvas option shows you the standard size, 1050 x 600 px, though you can always adjust your specs if you have a different preference.
If you need to resize your canvas as you go, simply click Canvas edits > Resize canvas and put in your new dimensions.
That’s it! Now, it’s up to you to get that design out there.
If you’re printing in bulk, feel free to consult a local print shop for cost effectiveness. If not, you’ll likely want to use a card stock paper, something more durable than your average printing paper.
We entirely believe in you. Now, get to it!
License this cover image via As Good As Possible.
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