Business cards are more than just an informational piece of paper that explains your company, they are tangible first impressions that show potential clients and customers just how professional your brand is. That's why it's super important to make a good quality business card!
In this article, we explore the key business card design elements and provide a checklist to help you create your own professional business card.
Dive in to get one step closer to creating a solid business card.
E-Business Cards vs Traditional Business Cards: Which Is Best For Your Business?
Digital business cards, or e-business cards, are a virtual alternative to physical paper business cards. They are usually scannable by QR code, allowing clients and customers to view them on their smart devices.
There are lots of reasons why businesses are choosing e-cards over classic cards.
For starters, they save you money that is otherwise spent on printing. They're also favored by eco-conscious brands because they avoid the environmental impact of deforestation that's needed to create paper. E-business cards are even more shareable than physical cards because they are completely digital, making it easier to expand your reach as a brand.
However, there are some drawbacks that might make you choose traditional paper business cards instead. For instance, some industries, such as law or finance, might deem e-business cards as less professional or even lazy, especially if paper cards are the standard choice.
E-cards are also limited when it comes to accessibility because not everyone owns a smartphone or has the technology skills needed to use them. This is a particular drawback when you're interacting with a more mature demographic who are less likely to use smart technology.
So, if your business is looking to save money, be more eco-friendly, and embrace the new age of technology, an e-business card could be the perfect match for your brand. But, if you operate within a formal and sophisticated sector and have an older client or customer base, a classic paper business card is your best bet at maintaining a professional standard.
Your Checklist for Creating The Perfect Business Card
There are lots of fine details that combine to make a solid professional business card. Choices like which fonts to use, what colors to include, which shape to decide on, and so on, all contribute to the final impression your business card gives off.
Let's explore the key design elements and steps to creating your own design...
#1 Choose The Right Size
A business card must be the right size, ensuring it conveniently slips into a purse, wallet, or pocket while also being big enough to feature all the key information about your company. Standard business card sizes in the US are usually 2.0 inches by 3.5 inches , but this can vary depending on the shape you go for.
#2 Decide on a Shape
From rounded corners to clean and sharp edges, there are lots of different shapes to choose from when designing a business card. Here's an overview of the most popular and unique types:
Rectangular Business Cards: Rectangular-shaped cards are the most common and classic style, making them perfect for traditional and sophisticated businesses, such as law or finance firms.
Square Business Cards: Square business cards are a slightly more contemporary alternative to rectangular cards. These are great for modern professionals and brands, like graphic designers and advertising/marketing agencies.
Rounded Corner Business Cards: Featuring rounded corners and smooth lines, this business card shape offers a unique twist on the classic, clean-cut rectangular business card style. They are great or traditional and modern brands alike as they strike a balance between contemporary and professional design.
Circle Business Cards: Circle business cards are the most unique shape you can get. They are perfect for laid-back and creative businesses and professionals within the art, fashion, and childcare industries.
#3 Add Your Company Name and Logo
You can't have a business card without your company name and logo!
Make your brand memorable and identifiable by adding your logo and company name to your card. Ensure its big enough to read, but not too big that it takes up all the space on your card, otherwise you won't have any room to add important details about your company.
The best place to ad your company name and logo is at the top of your business card, either on the center or left hand corner. That way, there will be lots of room below for important information, and your logo will instantly catch the eye of potential customers and clients.
#4 Create a Color Scheme That Reflects Your Brand
In addition to adding an eye-catching logo to your business cards, a unique color scheme that reflects your company will also strengthen your brand image and recognition.
Choose colors that coordinate with each other and match your logo to make your brand easily identifiable - this will also help you achieve an aesthetically pleasing and sophisticated card!
Whichever colors you go for, ensure you go for a background color that doesn't distract from the text and ensures visibility so people can easily read information about your company.
#5 Include Key Information
While a business card is a handy tool for creating a lasting, professional impression, it's also a small insight into what your company does and offers. By ensuring you include all the essential information about your business, potential clients and customers will know exactly what you do, fostering a seamless interaction between your business and its audience. Here are the main things every business card must include:
Brand Logo
Company name
Your full name
Your job title/role
Contact information
Tagline/slogan
Website URL
Business address (if relevant)
Social media handles (if relevant)
Aside from including the right information, you must also use concise language to ensure details are easy to understand and don't take up too much room. You must also opt for an easily readable business card font size, between 8 and 10 pt.
#6 Select a Finish
Your business cards should feel just as good as they look to ensure you make a winning professional impression. Here are the most popular paper stock finishes for business cards that are certainly worth considering:
Matte: A smooth, non-glossy finish that creates a sophisticated, upscale look.
Glossy: A shiny and reflective finish that brings out colors and makes designs really pop - a great choice for bright and colorful cards!
Satin: A semi-gloss finish that delivers an exceptionally premium and soft touch.
Textured: Combines different finishes to add dimension and emphasize certain details, such as a logo or text.
UV Coating: A super glossy, high-quality finish that features an extra protective layer, making cards more vivid, sleek, and durable.
Shop Wholesale Business Cards & Accessories at Buy Direct
Create the perfect, professional business card for your company with our selection of customizable business cards .
We have a huge collection of premium and cost-effective business cards ready to be printed with your company logo and information, such as the best-selling Clean Edge Business Card Value Pack by Avery which also comes with a range of free templates and designs!
You can also shop for loads of business card accessories , like the smart and organized 6-Pocket Business Card Holder by Deflecto , which allows you to present and store your business cards professionally.
Find everything you need to create a winning business card in our wholesale Business Cards collection!
FAQs:
Learn more about designing business cards below:
What Is the Standard Business Card Size?
Standard business cards are 2.0 inches by 3.5 inches . These dimensions are the perfect size for creating a pocket-sized card that's big enough to feature all the important details about your company, such as your logo, contact information, address, services, and even a catchy slogan!
Discover a huge collection of top-quality business cards ready to be customized at Buy Direct . We even offer a range of professional business card holders so you can display your cards to customers and clients!
Shop all our business cards and related accessories in bulk for super-low wholesale prices online today.
What Is Required on a Business Card?
Your business card should have all the relevant information about your business , such as your company logo, website, contact details, address, and a brief overview of your services. When adding information to your card, it's important to avoid overloading it with too much information while still ensuring there are enough clear and concise details that help potential customers and clients understand what you offer.
Where Should the Logo Go on a Business Card?
Your logo should go on the top section of your business card , either on the upper left hand corner or center. That way, potential customers and clients will be able to clearly see your logo, which will boost brand recognition, while providing you with enough space to add additional important information below.