What Does Your Business Card Design Say About You?
In the world we live in, any businessperson should have a business card. If you do not have one yet, it is time to create one. With so many guides about professional business cards, how do you even know which one to follow? It is a huge challenge and designing it is even harder. Unfortunately for many people, they tend to overlook business cards. We have seen it all happen. They contact a printing company and have copies of a standard design delivered straight to their mail.
However, these cards are a huge representation of who you are and what your business is. It is significant that you choose the right design that will perfectly sum up how you would like other people to view you.
Why are Business Cards Necessary?
After a long conversation with a potential client or business partner, you hand him or her the card that has your name and contact information. When the other party leaves, your identity remains in their hands on that piece of paper. Needless to say, this particular card is your representative. It states details about you, including your name, what you do, your company, and phone number among others.
How to Create the Perfect Business Card Design
Before you design your card, the first thing that you need to do is to know the qualities that you would like to impart to other people. For instance, you wish to communicate that you are a warm and caring person. You also want the receiving party to feel that you are dedicated and hardworking. This way, they will look at your card, thinking that they should keep in touch with you.
There are actually several things that you can convey just by giving a person your business card. Once you have determined what you would like to express with this piece of paper, it is time to move on to other areas of creating professional business cards.
Here are some factors to consider:
Color of the Card
Some people just take their favorite colors and use them on the paper. If you are lucky, the color you choose could help enhance your message. The standard is white, which is a safe choice most of the time. While it is a blank canvas in which you can add what you think is appropriate, using lighter colors can make your business image look less serious.
Black is also popular but can still make you stand out, especially with the right color combinations. Adding gold or silver can make it look elegant.
What Type of Paper to Use
There are different kinds of papers to choose from, including:
- 14-point (thick)
- 16-point (thicker)
- Gloss cover (thin)
A 100-lb. gloss cover is used mainly because it is cheaper than the other types. It is, however, thinner and less dense. Many printing companies accept the job because it is easier for them to print on this paper. If you want something more professional looking with a corporate feel, choose either 14 or 16-point.
Font Style
Typography also represents who you are and how you would like to be viewed as. Fonts should be carefully chosen but make sure each letter and number is readable.
The Content of the Card
A business card is useless if it does not contain the information that the reader needs. It is the most important element to consider and it goes beyond layout choice. Your focus should be on your contact details, which is why this part of the card should be legible.
It may seem logical to use the card as a way to advertise yourself. However, you may want to resist this marketing method. Instead, you should only use the space to give your valuable contacts the detail they need to reach you.
Other Factors
The standard size of a business card is 2”x3.5” but it does not mean that you should follow this measurement. You can choose to go with a larger (such as 4”x7”) or even a smaller card, as long as it is readable and contains all the essential information.
The layout, which can either be vertical or horizontal, can also be a design consideration. Often, it is up to you since both are appropriate selections. To determine the better option, think about the elements that you would like to add to your card, including your contact info, logo, your name, and even the personality of your brand.
The Best Way to Have a Professional-Looking Business Card
In the end, what matters about your business card design is that it represents you and your company properly. You can come up with a bold style that speaks volumes about your brand and you may be happy about it. However, if none of those whom you have handed it to has called you, there may be something wrong and the card may be one of the culprits.
The truth is that it is difficult to come up with a good design that will work. Nothing is set in stone and it is not wrong when creating a card that appeals to you. Nevertheless, you should understand that you are not trying to impress yourself, but the other people who will receive and look at this piece of paper. Over the years, business cards have changed from their styling to the information they contain. A decade ago or more, you would see fax numbers but now you will read the social media accounts and email addresses instead.
To be sure that you have the right tool that will help you come up with a business card that speaks about you, we invite you to contact us. We will share additional perspectives that will take your business representation to a whole new level. Our expert graphic designers will give you the marketing material you need to create a business card that will convert spectators into clients. We help you achieve this goal without resorting to unpleasant and aggressive marketing. Instead, you will find a card that appeals to the senses while staying informative and professional.
LISTEN. BRAINSTORM. DESIGN. DELIVER. IMPLEMENT.
Great graphic design can set your company apart from your competitors. Let Performance Driven Marketing help you create a successful concept from start to finish.