Any business that utilizes business cards needs to ensure they are of the highest quality. People receive business cards often, but it is less common to find a card that truly stands out. There is more to creating a memorable business card than simply using an interesting shape or bright colors. Business cards will need to reflect a company’s brand and tone while still standing out enough that a potential customer remembers it.
It can be hard to strike the right balance between memorability and style. For some businesses, it may help to hire a professional designer rather than using cheap boilerplate templates that can be found online. The key is for the card to stand out among the masses of business cards that customers regularly receive.
QR Code
An excellent way to make a business card stand out is with the use of a QR code. Business cards can only hold so much information, so including a QR code allows customers to learn more once the card has captured their interest. The QR code should be placed naturally within the design of the card, with simple instructions to encourage customers to scan it. Businesses should consider where they want their QR code to lead, with the landing page for a website or a link to download an app being the most popular choices. Businesses can use online QR code tools to get started.
Consistency
A business card should be a miniature reflection of the business itself. It should be consistent with the overall branding, tone and history of the company. It is best to use the business color scheme and include the logo and tagline if applicable. For instance, a business that specializes in selling high-end fashion pieces should use a simple, elegant design, while a children’s toy company could use bright, playful colors.
Simplicity
When designing a business card, it is often best to choose simplicity over more complex designs. A business card isn’t supposed to tell a possible customer everything about the business. Business cards are designed to provide bare-bones details to allow customers to follow up with a company at their leisure. The design is more important to capture the attention and motivate a possible customer to follow through and learn more about the business. It is always best to avoid the temptation to over-complicate a design: less is almost always more when it comes to business cards.
Font
Fonts can be a bit of a headache for many businesses. There are so many fonts to choose from, and finding the right one to match a business’s tone can be tough. It is a good idea to try out different fonts and styles to find the one that matches a company’s branding and tone. Businesses can also get help from professional business card designers who will be able to match a suitable font. It is best to choose simplicity over a complicated font, as this ensures readability and a classic appearance.
Paper
Generally, businesses should use the most expensive paper they can afford for their business cards. The quality of the paper used can tell a customer a lot about the company and the quality of service or product that they provide. Business cards should also be sturdy – they are often put into wallets or handbags, so any flimsy material will quickly become damaged or crumpled. Choosing a textured material for the cards can also be beneficial as it will cover any imperfections.
Accents
Adding some simple but powerful accents to a business card can be an excellent way to help it stand out. Metallic accents can be some of the most eye-catching, but it is crucial to use them sparingly, or the card may appear gaudy rather than elegant and timeless. Businesses could also consider accents of bright colors, glitter or embossing to help their cards stand out.
Information
First and foremost, a business card is used to provide information to prospective customers. The information should be provided on the card clearly and simply to ensure that customers can easily find the things they need. It is also crucial to avoid cluttering up the business card, as this can instantly put off a customer. Include the basic information such as name, phone number, email address and social media handles.
Summary
Business cards can be a valuable asset for any company, but it is crucial that business leaders get them right. Careful thought should be put into every element of the business card, ensuring that the information is easy to read and remember. Prioritizing simplicity can be the best option, as a cluttered business card can be off-putting. To stand out among the masses of business cards produced every day, it is vital to choose the best quality materials, as well as colors and fonts that match the brand’s tone.
