How to Design Your Business Cards for Maximum Impact

First impressions are everything, a fact proven over and over again by countless scientific studies.  It is this basic facet of human nature that necessitates having a high quality, professional business card. 

Because your business card is often the very first “marketing piece” given to your clients, it is critical that it represents you and your company in the best possible light.  Whether you’re looking for silk business cards, glossy business cards, plastic business cards, or even metal business cards, follow the tips below for maximum positive impact.

Design Tip #1: Include Relevant Contact Details but Avoid Clutter

At a minimum, your business card should include your name, title, phone number, fax number, email address, and your company’s name, address and logo.  In addition, it’s a good idea to include a memorable and descriptive tag line that explains your position or what your company does.  However, do not put so much information on your card that your message gets lost in a sea of clutter. 

Design Tip #2: Consider Ways to Stand Out from the Crowd

There are many ways to make your business card jump out.  For example, you could print your cards on premium cardstock – silk business cards, glossy business cards, metal business cards, or even plastic business cards definitely stand out from the crowd.

Also, unique features like rounded corners, foil stamping, embossing, or spot UV are all terrific ways to differentiate your business card.  One of the most creative examples I've seen is from an interior designer, who used a hologram to show a room before and after a redesign.

Design Tip #3: Keep Your Layout Simple

Always try to use a clean layout – “white space” is your friend because it facilitates easy reading.  After your logo, your name should be the largest piece of information on your card, but make sure that all the information is printed in a large enough typeface to be easily readable. 

Design Tip #4: Synergize with Your Company or Professional Image

Since your business card is an important part of branding, it should follow the same graphics standards as the rest of your marketing materials.  Additionally, its look & feel should synergize with whatever image you are trying to portray.

For example, if you are an artist or designer, it is OK to use hip colors and non-traditional cardstocks such as metal business cards or plastic business cards.  If you are a banker, a less flamboyant color scheme (blues, grays), and traditional cardstocks such as silk business cards or glossy business cards, will work better. 

Design Tip #5: Have Them Professionally Printed