Creating an effective business card is almost an art form. Not only are you trying to convey your message, and ‘who you are’ in a few inches of space, but you’re competing for wallet and pocket space as well. It’s easy for your card to get buried in a wallet brimming with credit cards, cash, pictures, and Tim Horton’s gift cards.
You’ll need an efficient business card that incorporates a great design with an influential, memorable message to make an immediate impact before your card gets lost in the shuffle. Ideally you’d like your card to stick around so it can be referenced later, but grabbing someone’s attention is top priority. Otherwise, your card will be tossed the moment you turn your back.
Now you’re probably wondering how you can deliver your mission statement and business succinctly, with only 2 x 3.5 inches to work with?
A business card isn’t a bio of your business. Your goal is to simply present yourself and your brand in a professional manner that leaves an impression.
There are various elements that go into a good business card design. These business card tips will help you use colour, wording, and even texture to create unique business cards that people will remember, ultimately leading them to look for your card again.
1. Keep it Simple.
The old adage ‘less is more’ is a principle that absolutely applies to good business card design. Past business card models would try to stuff every inch of space with text, images, and information. That’s proven to be ineffective, as people don’t have the time to squint and decipher through your busy business card.
The modern approach to business card designs is to keep it clean and open, adding text where necessary. Some businesses go full minimalist, putting nothing more than their name, phone number, email, and twitter handle along with their business logo of course.
Effective business cards are uncluttered, visually stimulating, open designs that leave a memorable impact. Keeping it clean gives off a more professional vibe, too.
2. Make Sure People Can Read the Text.
Make your text large enough to be easy to read. Don’t assume that smaller is better. Nobody wants to squint to see your contact details.
The text should be at least 8pt. There’s no need for anything smaller. We recommend a 12pt or higher. If you have the space, and the design can incorporate it, go ahead and bump that up a point or two. Anything smaller may look okay on your computer, but it’ll look like fine print when it’s brought to life.
Another design element to keep in mind is the type of font you’re using. Some fonts may look really cool to you, something you claim no one has ever used! Maybe there’s a good reason for that. Unique fonts, perhaps a typeface that’s in cursive, can be more difficult to read, resulting in your brand’s message becoming lost in translation. Choose fonts that are clean and reflect your overall brand image.
3. Try Non-Traditional Shapes.
Who says a business card has to be rigid? If you work in a creative industry that allows for a little flair, think outside the 2 x 3.5-inch box and try a non-traditional shape for your business card.
Don’t get carried away with a complicated shape, however, especially if you decide to employ a die-cut process into the design. That can make your business card flimsy, and it’ll get crushed in someone’s pocket or wallet, putting that original card shape to waste.
For a party planner business, a balloon-shaped card could help you stand out from competitors. A landscaping company could use a simple leaf-shape design. Any unusual shape that still maintains a large surface area for your information can be considered. Sometimes just rounding the edges of a typical card, gives it that special small touch that makes it different enough to get noticed.
4. One Logo, Two Colours.
Of all the information included on your business card, the most vital is your company logo. Yes, it takes precedent over your contact information, and even your name. Your logo is the key to your brand, so if the card holder needs to remember anything, it’s that logo. It goes without saying this needs to be the largest element on your business card.
In regards to an eye-catching colour scheme for your business card designs, remember the first principle of good business card design: less is more. Stick to one or two colours, and use complementary colours to avoid clashing. A rainbow-like card not only looks horrendous, but the hodge-podge of colours will distract people from your logo and text.
Stick to the colour scheme of your brand to keep your business card consistent with your overall marketing image.
5. Try These Unorthodox Business Card Ideas.
The following features aren’t for every business, but for the right one, they can provide impact to a business card. These are a little more unconventional; hopefully they can inspire some creativity of your own.
- Thermography: Adding raised or shiny print can be effective in creating unique business card designs. If it somehow can relate to your business, all the better.
- Add a QR Code: Almost all phones have a QR scanner, which can be a cheap, economically-sized call-to-action for your business.
- Textured Paper: Playing one of the five senses that gets ignored in business, a different feel to your card can literally give it that special touch.
- Use Humour: This a high-risk, high-reward play. Humour is a great way to break the ice for a new company, and a solid conversation starter. You’re looking to be remembered – people remember funny. Keep it tasteful.
The professionals at Print Three can help bring your unique business card designs to life. We can create stunning, custom business card designs, or print business cards you’ve created yourself. Find a Print Three location near you to design and print your unique business cards!