In a world dominated by digital connections, business cards remain a powerful tool to stand out. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a freelancer, a creative or corporate professional, knowing what to put on your business cards can significantly increase your networking success.
This guide will walk you through some essential elements, creative tips, and common mistakes to avoid when designing your business cards. Let’s dive into it!
FAQs: What Information Should I Include on a Business Card?
In a nutshell, a business card should clearly communicate who you are, what you do, and how to reach you. Here are the non-negotiables things you should include:
1. Your Name and Job Title
Your name should be the most prominent text on the contact information side of the card. Make sure it stands out. Don’t forget to include your job title, whether you’re a CEO, a Graphic Designer, or a Sales Consultant. Clarity here is key.
Here’s a tip: if you’re job hunting and plan to use these business cards for networking, write the job title you’re ideally aiming for, or one you’ve held before that highlights transferable skills into the role you’re looking for.
2. Company Name and Logo
Your business identity ideally should be at the center of the other side of the card. Including a logo and company name helps reinforce your brand and build trust. However, if you are going to market yourself and not a business, swap the company name and include your name instead with a unique logo.
Tip: If you’re not an expert at designing logos, consider using a free site like Canva for your design. You can also reach out to one of our designers for assistance in personalizing your card’s identity!
3. Contact Information
Include essential information where people can contact you or your business. This can be your phone number, email address, and if possible, a website. If you have a physical location, for instance, in retail, personal services, or other in-person needs, including the address is vital. This information should be easy to find, access, and read. If you’re in a creative field, consider linking to your portfolio so people can see your creative work easily.
4. Social Media Handles
Nowadays, social media is often an extension of your (or your company’s) professional identity. Showcase your most relevant social handles. Most common would be LinkedIn or Instagram but choose the platforms that best represent where your ideal audience or customer spends their time.
5. Offers or Promotions
Take your business card a step further by doubling it as a promotional tool. Do new customers typically receive a discount? Include it. Do you host events or meetups, have a welcome offer, or best sellers? Your business card is in-hand real estate for your brand. With proper spacing and design, a small card can lead to big things!
Practical Tips and Optional Information
A strong business card design can elevate your brand and make you more memorable. Here’s how to get it right:
1. Layout and White Space
A clear layout with enough space makes sure your card doesn’t feel cluttered. It also helps with readability and gives your design a professional vibe. You can go for a clean and corporate look, or something fun and modern, just make sure the style stays consistent throughout. That consistency is what will make the card feel cohesive and sleek.
2. Font Size and Typography
This is very important! Choose a legible font size, typically between 10pt and 12pt for body text. Avoid overly decorative fonts that can be hard to read. Keep in mind that consistency in typography reinforces your brand identity.
Tip: Always print a sample before you send it to print production to double-check the size and readability.
3. Color Scheme and Graphics
Choose a color palette that aligns with your brand or personal style. Use graphics to enhance, not overwhelm. Remember that when it comes to business card graphics, less is more.
4. High Quality Materials
Invest in high-quality cardstock or finishes. These tactile elements will elevate your card and might help you make a professional and lasting impression.
5. Include a Call to Action
Last, but not least, including a strong call to action, or even your company tagline/slogan will help you to strengthen your brand identity and give it a personal touch.
Going Beyond the Basics
Once you’ve nailed the essentials, it’s time to explore creative upgrades that can help you elevate your business cards from functional to unforgettable.
1. Paper Thickness and Texture
The feel of your card matters just as much as the look! TPH offers a range of thickness options:
- Original (12 pt): Lightweight and budget-friendly.
- Premium (14 pt): A popular choice for everyday use.
- Superior (16 pt): Sturdy and professional.
- Triple Thick (32 pt): Bold and luxurious, perfect for making a strong statement.
2. Specialty Finishes
Adding special finishes also play into the role of how your card looks and feels. Consider these options if you want your card to stand out:
- Metallic Foil: Adds shimmering accents.
- Emboss/Deboss: Creates raised or recessed textures that add a nice touch.
- Spot Gloss: Highlights specific design elements with a glossy shine.
- Soft-Touch Lamination: Offers a velvety feel that’s feels more luxurious.
- Matte, Gloss, or Satin Lamination: Choose these textures based on your brand’s style: sleek, subtle, or somewhere in between.
These finishes will not only level up the look of your card, but they may also improve its durability. Keep in mind that certain colors can shift slightly when specialty finishes are applied. Be sure to double-check with one of our advisors for guidance.
3. Unique Shapes and Formats
If you want to try something new and fun, break away from the standard rectangle business card and try some of these shapes:
- Square or Circular Cards: Ideal for modern brands or logos with symmetry.
- Custom Cutouts: Show your creativity with unique cutouts.
- Folded Cards: Double your space to include a story, offer, or appointment reminder.
Shape customization helps your card stand out and show your brand’s personality.
4. Small Changes, Big Impact
- Including a Photo: Try including a high-resolution image instead of a graphic. This will make your card look more unique and will enhance your brand’s identity.
- Colored Edges: Add a pop of color that complements your brand palette.
- Perforated Sections: Useful for tear-off coupons, referral codes or special offers.
These small touches can make your business cards more unique and memorable.
5. Sustainable Options
If you want to opt for something more ecofriendly, you may want to choose Enviro Cards. These are made from certified forest-friendly materials. It’s a great way to show your values while still delivering a premium product.
Industry-Specific Tips
Depending on your industry, you will want to consider adding tailored content. Here are a few examples:
- Healthcare: These business cards often include credentials, clinic name, phone/email contact. If you want to stand out, include a QR code for online booking. Aim for clean, calming designs to help reinforce trust.
- Real Estate: Common elements on these cards include a professional headshot, a brokerage logo, and direct contact info. Here, you can also consider using QR codes linking to listings or agent profiles. Premium finishes like matte or soft touch are popular to show professionalism.
- Retail & Hospitality: Whether you operate a boutique, salon, hotel, or restaurant, your business card should include essential contact details. To stand out, use bold visuals, like premium finishes or creative motifs to reflect your brand or personal aesthetic.
- Creative Professionals: These cards tend to be more unique. They may act as mini portfolios, including samples of work through a QR code, or they may have unique custom shapes or finishes like foil or embossing.
- Corporate & Finance: Corporate cards are typically more minimal and cleaner, with direct contact info, firm branding, and premium finishes like matte or satin lamination to signal credibility.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid falling flat with these mistakes and make sure your time is well spent crafting amazing business cards:
- Overcrowding the Layout: Trying to fit too much information or graphics may overwhelm the reader. Stick to the essentials and use white space strategically.
- Illegible Font Size: If your font size is too small, your card becomes difficult to read. Prioritize clarity over style.
- Low-Quality Printing: A flimsy card or poor print job can take away your professional look. Always opt for high-quality materials and printing.
- Outdated Contact Details: Make sure your contact information is current and relevant. An old phone number or inactive email can cost you opportunities! Similarly, sharing social platforms that you’re unactive on can confuse people.
- Proofreading: Importance of proofreading is crucial. Seeking external review and helping you doble-check your cards may save you the double trip to the printing house. Ask for feedback before printing, two pairs of eyes are always better than one!
Final Thoughts: Making Yourself Memorable
Your business card is more than just a networking tool. It’s an opportunity to express your brand, personality, and professionalism. By focusing on a clean layout, thoughtful business card design, and accurate contact details, you can create a card that makes you memorable.
Whether you’re using a template or designing from scratch, remember to reflect your unique value. With the right balance of creativity and clarity, your business card can open doors, spark conversations, and build lasting connections. Connect with our professional design services to learn more!