What is a business card?

A business card is a small document that provides someone with basic contact information for an individual or company. Business cards are important because they play a role in marketing your business or services to the public.

How to design a business card and what to include

Here’s how to design your own business cards and what to include to create the ideal business card for your company:

1. Select the size and shape of your business card

The size and shape of your business card can help distinguish your business. You can choose the classic horizontal shape, go vertical or create a business card in the shape of an object. For example, a coffee shop may create coffee cup-shaped business cards. Then think about sizing. If you’re using the horizontal or vertical rectangle format, the North American Standard is 3.5 × 2 in.

2. Include your logo, color scheme and other graphics

Place your logo on your business card along with creative graphics and colors to promote your brand through your business card.

3. Include the company or individual’s name

If you don’t include your company name in your logo, consider listing it on your business card. If your business card is for you as an individual, include your name followed by your job title and the name of your company. For example:

Jordan Smith

Creative Director

Clawson Marketing

4. Include contact details

Include the following details for customers or partners to contact you:

• Business address
• Phone number
• Email address

5. Include social media handles and website information

It’s also a good idea to include your social media handles and website address for people to connect with you online. For example:

• [Instagram icon] – @companyusername
• [Twitter icon] –@comapnyusername
• www.companywebsite.com

How to choose the right paper for business cards

Here’s a guided list of steps to help you choose the right paper for your business card:

1. Identify your price range

Before you decide anything else, you need to establish a price range. Your budget will ultimately determine the type of paper you choose for your business cards. The cheapest option for business cards is 100 Ib gloss cover, which is a type of cardstock. 14-point cardstock is the more standard option for business cards and allows for a more professional look. If you have a higher budget, you might consider 16-point card stock, which is thicker than 14-point.

2. Decide the look you want

Knowing your budget, you can also determine the type of look you want your business card to have. You could choose 14-point card stock as it is the most common option for businesses or you could add a gloss finish or UV coating.

3. Think about where you will store them

When choosing the right business card paper, think about how you’ll store and transport your business cards. While 16-point cardstock may seem more official due to its thickness, if you want to maximize the number you carry with you, you may want to go with 14-point cardstock.

4. Consider the type of quality you want to present

Overall, the type of paper you go with will be determined by the type of quality you want to present to your customers and business partners. By investing in quality business cards with a sleek finish, unique colors and thickness, you can project the type of business you want to be within your industry.

Tips for preparing business cards

Here are some tips to help you prepare your business cards:

• Make sure they’re readable.Because your business card could be a tool for helping people remember and contact your business, you need to make sure that the font and font size you use is legible and large enough to read.
• Include visual images.Make sure your business card stands out among the others that customers incur over time. The right graphics or design components can give you the competitive edge you need.
• Match colors to your brand.Make your business card even more noticeable by incorporating the color scheme of your logo or overall company brand.
• Think about your audience. Another important way to prepare your business cards is to think about the desired audience for your business card. Maybe creating a customer-focused business card with service-driven language and contact details for customer service would be beneficial for your customer while a different business card would be beneficial for partners and suppliers.
• Use a finish to enhance credibility.A gloss finish could take your professionalism to the next level and keep your business cards from getting bent or crumpled once given to your customers.
• Ask someone to proofread it. Before you spend money to print your business cards, have one or more individuals review the design. They might be able to point out odd design elements or errors in your contact details that you can revise before sending it to the printer.

Business card FAQs

How do I print my own business cards?

To print your own business cards, there are a few methods you can use. First, make sure the software program you use has a business card option. Then, make sure you buy cardstock or a gloss cardstock especially made for business cards. When printing, do a test run with one sheet to see how it turns out. Allow your business cards time to dry before carefully removing the lining around each one.

Where can I print out business cards?

There are several places you can get your business cards printed out if you don’t have the means to do so yourself. Often you can send your finished business card to your local office supply store where they can print them out for you to pick up or receive in the mail. There are also a variety of online printing companies that can send you a set amount of your business cards via mail.

How much does it cost to print business cards?

The cost to print business cards typically depends on the amount you’re printing, the type of paper you’re using and the company you buy from. For example, Staplestypically sells 500 business cards for a price starting at $14.99 whereas VistaPrint offers 100 business cards starting at $15.00.