Designing a business card can be a challenge, but following these ten golden rules will help you create a card that is both professional and unique. Business cards help to spread brand awareness and name recognition. They are useful in many different professional situations, including networking events, job fairs, conferences, conventions and trade shows. In addition, by creating a memorable business card you will leave a lasting impression on your potential customers. The business card design should be simple and appealing to the eye, while still conveying the information needed for successful networking and marketing purposes.
1. Keep it simple
Designing a business card is not the same as designing a corporate brochure or an advertising campaign. The aim of a business card is to give your contact information easily and quickly, but you still want to add some style and pizazz – just keep it simple! So, just print your name, phone number and/or email on a clean white sheet of paper using a classic font such as Helvetica or Arial.
2. Customise it
Why settle for one plain piece of paper when you can customise two of them? Using two-sided printing allows you to make the front look really different from the back. You can even get creative by creating holes in one side so that the front appears to be threaded onto the back. One simple way of doing this is to print or photocopy your design twice on one sheet of paper, then carefully cut two holes (so that they line up) and feed them together through your printer (make sure you use special card for printers).
3. Use a standard size
There are a few standard sizes for business cards, so choose one that will be easy to store and transport. The two most popular sizes are 85x55mm (European) and 2.5×3.5 inches (US).
4. Use high-quality paper stock
Your business card will reflect the quality of your company, so use high-quality paper stock. It doesn’t have to be expensive, but it should look professional.
5. Be consistent
If you have different people in your company, make sure they all use the same design and font so that your cards look uniform.
6. Include contact details
Print your name, title, company name, address and phone number on the card. You could also include your email address (in one corner) and website (on the back).
7. Add some colour
Although it’s preferable to stick to a minimal colour palette of black, white and shades of grey, adding a splash of colour can make your card stand out from the crowd.
8. Use graphics sparingly
Don’t go overboard with graphics – they should only be used to support your text, not to overwhelm it.
9. Be unique
A business card is a great opportunity to showcase your company’s unique selling proposition (USP), so make sure that the card reflects your product or service.
10. Use a clear typeface
Choose a typeface that is easy to read, even from a distance. Sans serif typefaces are typically the easiest to read.
11. Use a contrasting color
Use a color that contrasts sharply with the background color. This will make your card stand out and be easier to find in a stack of cards.
12. Use graphics sparingly
Too many graphics can clutter your card and make it difficult to read. Stick to one or two simple graphics to add visual interest.
13. Be consistent with your branding
Your business card should reflect the branding of your company. Use the same fonts, colors, and graphic elements on your card as you do on your website and other marketing materials.
14. Make it unique
Your business card should be unique and stand out from the competition. Try using a different shape or unusual paper stock.
15. Use QR codes
QR codes are a great way to include extra information on your card, such as website URLs, social media links, or contact information.
16. Proofread your card
Make sure to proofread your card before printing it to avoid any spelling mistakes or typos.
Conclusion.
A well-designed business card is an important part of any company’s branding and marketing strategy. By following these simple tips, you can create a business card that will reflect the quality of your company and help you stand out from the competition.