The humble business card is an essential tool for business marketing. Their small size makes it easy to always have them available for those networking opportunities. They are easy for your contact to tuck away for future reference. There are five simple steps to a great looking business card.
1. The Size and Shape
Most business cards are a horizontal layout at 3.5 inches long and 2 inches wide. This standard is simply because it will fit snugly in most wallets or pockets and has just enough room to fight all the essential information.
Occasionally a business may choose the less traditional vertical layout which can be a great way to stand out. When determining the layout, consider the industry and how the card will be received.
There may be a reason for using a different shape like an oval or square or unique sized business card. The purpose of a business card is to introduce your business to prospective customers and it may benefit your business to use something less traditional.
2. Selecting a Design
Looking online for business card examples will help you find design elements you like. This is a great way to determine what you want and what is appropriate for your industry.
- Take note of color combinations, design elements and layout.
- Think about your logo and how it will display with your design. If it is too detailed, or has small wording the logo may be hard to read when it is scaled down to fit. It may require a simplified version of the logo to make the best presentation.
- Considering the way the card will be used. Do you need blank space to write on? Will you use the back for information too?
3. Information on the Business Card
A business card should include important information about you and your business. Include information that helps people understand who you are and how they can contact you.
- Business Information: Business name, logo and tagline.
- Your Contact Information: Your name, business title, phone number, email address
- Your Address: Physical address, internet address
- Social Media: Your social media handle
- Website: Your company website address
- Portfolio: If you do freelance or are independant, include the link to your portfolio website
4. Designing Your Business Card
Now the real magic begins. Whether you design your card or you have a professional design it, collect all the different elements; pictures of business cards you like, the colors you want to use, an example of the style of font you image on your card, a high quality digital file of your logo, and the information you want put on your card.
Knowing what you like and providing the information will make designing the card fast and efficient. Big Fat Design.com can design the perfect business card for you. The benefits of having us design and print your cards are; a partner going forward that can easily make edits or design changes and reprints of your business cards for years to come.
5. Printing the Business Card
Proofread your card! It is tragic when our customers receive their freshly printed business cards only to find a glaring misspelling. Ask your printer for a proof before the card is printed and look it over, ask someone else to look it over for possible problems.
Your card is designed and proofed. The next step is printing. The printer will show you what paper they use for business cards. If you have a special paper in mind that may have to be special ordered.
There are also different finishes that can be added, things like a glossy or matte finish laminate, a spot uv coating to create a 3D raised effect, or foil embossing. These finishes may have been incorporated into your design or they may be a great last minute addition. Some of these finishes make your business card hard to write on, so take that into consideration as well.
Remember to take and keep your business cards with you, that may be in your car, a purse or a wallet. You never know when the opportunity to pass one along may come.
