A business card is a small card bearing the information of your business. It can be given to potential customers, other businesses, or manufacturers to share contact details.
A business card introduces the business, a company, or a person to someone formally. It can be a simple black text on a white background or made visually attractive with colors, depending on the brand’s background.
Some of the details mentioned on a business card can include, name of the business owner, business/company affiliation, the business logo, and contact information, including phone number, mailing address, email address, and website.
These days, most business cards also mention social media handles, such as Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, etc. So, if you want to design a business card to upgrade your company, then keep on reading!
Importance of Business Cards for Your Business
Having a business card is as important as having an identity card in a business fraternity. It contains all the information regarding your brand that needs to be conveyed to the clients and other businesses.
Your business card should look attractive as it represents the overall image of your brand. The font you use should be readable and catchy for the reader. One of the most important aspects is to place your information correctly, so it doesn’t cloud the overall space present.
Remember that your business card should have a logo that helps the receiver identify your brand with just one look.
Your Business Card Helps You Develop Your Personal Brand
“What you see is what you get” is what your business card does for your personal and business image. Therefore, always carry your business cards along as it indicates your professionalism.
Your business card represents your brand, so make sure the illustration does justice to you. This small card will speak volumes about you and your brand without you saying a word. It also helps you make connections with people that might prove to be beneficial for your business growth.
Step-By-Step Guide to Design A Business Card
Gone are those days when you needed heavy software and a professional graphic designer to design simple business cards. Now you can do it on your own. Here is how to design a business card in 10 easy steps:
Step 1: Look for The Perfect Card Size
To make a perfect card, it’s very important to choose a size that can fit all the business card information regarding your company’s profile. Business card dimensions should be spacious enough to add all the details without compromising on the information placement or font.
For the standard size of a business card, choose the credit card size template. Otherwise, you can spice things up a bit and play along with the shape according to your preference. While being creative with the shape and size, don’t compromise on the practicality of the card.
Step 2: Choose The Right Material and Weight
It’s very important to use the right material for your business card, even if you’re on a budget. So, to keep the integrity of your company’s brand intact, invest with an open heart in the quality of your business card paper.
The weight of your business card and material can have an impact on your brand’s overall image. If you compromise on investing in the card and opt for low-quality material, the concerned parties may get an image that you might not deliver their best interest.
Step 3: Design an Eye-Catching Layout
Be very wise while choosing the layout that will present your business card to the world; it acts as your first interaction with a potential client. Don’t forget to add a personal touch to your business card that distinguishes your business card from others.
You might feel tempted to opt for the website card design, which isn’t wrong, but your brand might come off as a basic one. If you still decide to go for online card designs, choose eye-catching business card images to make your card stand out.
Step 4: Look Out for The Cut Line
In case you don’t know what cut lines are, they are the line where your card will be cut from. It might sound vague, but it is far more important to stay vigilant about them.
Oftentimes, the printer or the machine can mess up your card either by cutting too much or too little. A simple card design can be ruined if you are not careful about the cut lines on your business card.
So whatever business card software you use to design the layout, make sure to leave some space for the cut line.
Step 5: Place The Logo and Images
The key to achieving a perfect corporate business card is the placement of logos and images. You don’t want an overly clouded business card where the information is scattered in every corner.
Most businesses opt for a simple card design which is the most effective and safe idea. Use a minimalistic style to put the necessary information in front of your business card that efficiently conveys your message.
Also, don’t waste the backside of your card, as it can serve as a perfect place for your brand’s business card logo.
Step 6: Select a Font and Add Text
As much as you’d like to choose a fancy font, go for a simple and basic one instead. It’s very important that your business card is readable and practical. Use creativity in the business card graphics and keep the typography simpler.
San serif is the most popular choice for classic business cards. Having a limited area for information ensures that the added text is to the point.
Include your name, designation, company’s name, address, phone number, and email on priority, and add the rest of the information according to the space you are left with.
Step 7: Work with A Color Theme
While working on your business card, give extra thought to the color theme. It helps set the mood of your brand. Your brand’s profile is influenced by the colors that represent it.
A bright color theme might attract attention, but it can easily be taken as flashy. Credit card-style business cards seem to be a new choice in the market due to their subtle color schemes and professional layout.
Give extra time to balance the color of the background and foreground, so they complement each other.
Step 8: Choose A Finish for Your Card
By now, the basic layout of your business card should be completed. What finishing you will use for your card will help you take it to another level of perfection. These special effects are very important to make your card stand out.
There are several techniques to turn simple card design into modern business cards. For example, you can use techniques like embossing, foil stamping, spot UV coating, and letter pressing.
They add to the luxurious appearance of your brand and leave a lasting impression. However, if you overdo it, your business card might come off as tacky.
Step 9: Analyze The End Look And Readability of The Card
Once you’ve successfully put together your business card, take a step back and then analyze the final look. Your eyes might be tired of doing it immediately, and it might end up compromising what you initially hoped to achieve. So, make sure to take a short break before you analyze your card.
With all the elements on board, reevaluate your design from the color scheme to the chosen font and see if everything sits perfectly together. Check if everything looks to be in harmony with each other. In addition, do a double check on the spelling and sizing.
Step 10: Ask for Opinion
Whether you have chosen a simple business card design or something out of the box, you need to take a second opinion. It’s always safe to have an opinion of a person who genuinely wants the best for your brand.
Sometimes we miss out on details that others can pick up on instantly. Or maybe a design might be perfect but doesn’t serve the brand’s best interest.
Learn tips about how to make a personal business card from an experienced friend or a colleague to kick start the success journey of your small business.
Now that you know how to design a business card, make a card that describes your company in the best way and visit a printing service to have them printed.
Advantages of Using a Business Card
Even though the world is turning digital, business cards still haven’t lost their importance. Here are the top 5 benefits of using a business card:
They are Cheap Way to Market Your Brand
If you own a business, you must be aware of the hefty amount required to market your product or service. After all, this is what builds your clientele and keeps your business running.
One of the cheapest ways to advertise your brand is by handing others your business card. A business card barely takes any investment but becomes a big representative of your brand. It shows how serious and professional the company is.
Next time you attend a business meeting or a seminar, make sure to hand out your business card to as many people as you meet to let them have a peek into your brand.
They Help Establish Contacts
When you hand out your business card to people, you give them a complete guide to access you and your brand whenever needed. It helps build contacts with people who can be beneficial for your company.
Most people like to keep important business cards in their wallets, which means your contact details will always stay within their hand’s reach.
Exchanging a business card is a more effective way of establishing contacts than sending emails. Since you will meet in person in order to share your business card, it will have a lasting impression.
They Remind Others of your Business
Another benefit of exchanging business cards is that your business will always stay in others’ minds. Why? Because they will constantly be seeing a small reminder of your brand in their wallet, their work desk, or even their car in the form of a card.
Go for vibrant colors and an attractive brand logo, so your card stands out from the rest. Use universal symbols to showcase social media icons to add an interesting element to your business card.
You can also add personal touches to your business card. It will give a slight insight into what the person will be dealing with while collaborating with your company.
They are Convenient and Handy
The small business card size is perfect for pockets, handbags, and small work files. You don’t need a huge storage space to keep your business cards.
You can easily travel with them, put a deck on your desk, or pin them to the soft board without worrying about extra space. There are many phone cases that allow you to keep your business card on the back with you at all times.
Whether you are on a work trip or a casual one, keep your business cards with you at all times. You might need to introduce your business in a professional way to someone at any time.
They Showcase Professionalism
Lastly, having a business card shows your work ethic and professionalism. It shows that you are forever prepared for making new contacts and expanding your business in a polished manner.
Handing out your business card at the end of the meeting shows your professional attitude and makes a lasting impression. So. make sure to exchange your card while networking to promote your brand and display your professional outlook.
Conclusion
Business cards can be useful for several reasons. It can be reconnecting with a company, remembering someone’s information, or referring the business to someone else.
It is a useful tool for businesses to reach new potential customers and stay in touch with old ones. In addition, it is a simple technique to market yourself professionally.
If you’re looking to build your business card, this article will help you master that skill. Just follow the steps mentioned above, tweak them as you like, and you’re good to go. It’s easy, convenient, and useful; what better way to market yourself than a professional business card?
