Whether you’re starting a new business or a new job search, you’ve probably been told that you need to get good business cards. But what makes a good business card? We’ll discuss the key features of a good business card as well as what you should leave off the business card.
Your Contact Information
What key information should be on your business card? Your name is a given. Your business name should be there, as well, though you may need to include refer to yourself as a freelancer or self-employed tradesperson if you don’t work for a company. If you own the business, go ahead and refer to yourself as the owner. It gives you extra gravitas when you’re giving the business card to suppliers or customers.
Every business card should include the same information someone would see in the phone book or business directory website. This includes your physical address, phone number and business contact email. Use the same format as the phone book and business directories, so that there is an immediate match if someone does an internet search of the scanned business card info.
What about website URLs and social media links? It is easy to go overboard here. Only include the essential URL or two necessary for them to contact you. For example, a small business should include their website address. Your corporate social media accounts are irrelevant in this case. If you’re a social media influencer, then include the top three or so URLs assuming they have short, easy to copy addresses. If you’re selling things online, whether you’re selling scented candles, makeup or handmade items, then you can include your store URL.
A Great Visual Tie-In
When you’re designing a business card, don’t underestimate the power of the visual. One way to tap into this is by having your logo on the top of your business card. If the key to your success is being recognized by the public, then you may want to put a high-quality head shot on your business card. This is a good idea for realtors, lawyers and others who want to be recognized by their clients. You can also take advantage of this knowledge by incorporating images related to your line of business into the business card. For example, landscaping services may want to put lawnmowers on their business card, while a hair stylist may evoke thoughts of braids and perms by the waves of hair decorating the side of the business card. If you are a graphic designer or photographer, you might put a photo-realistic image on the back of the business card as a sample of your work.
Quality Material
When you’re working with an online business card printer, it is easy to get caught up in the design of the business card while forgetting the fundamentals like the way the business card will be used. For example, use high quality card stock instead of cheaper, lighter weight paper. Choose a business card size that easily fits into the average wallet or business card holder.
Readability
Readability is one of the most important design aspects of a business card, but it is all too often overlooked. Your business card must be easily read by the average person. It shouldn’t have difficult to decipher fonts. It shouldn’t have text so small that people need to break out their reading glasses or a magnifying glass to read your address or website URL.