March 9, 2022

How to Create a Business Card

Business cards are a must-have for any professional. Ideal for networking, this small piece of cardstock contains your name and contact information and neatly tucks into wallets for future reference.

Follow these steps to create a business card design that helps you convert leads into loyal clients.

Designing a business card

Customize your business card in a way that reflects what you want to accomplish during potential client interactions.

Step 1: Put your goal front and center

The main purpose of business cards is to encourage leads to contact you when they need assistance. At a bare minimum, your business card design should contain the following:

  • Your name
  • Job title
  • Phone number
  • Company name and address
  • Website

Some companies like to incorporate add-ons to boost client engagement. You could use the back side of your business card to add additional value with one of these ideas:

  • Appointment card
  • Punch card
  • Coupon

Step 2: Keep it on brand

Your business card should reflect your brand. This will make your brand more memorable overall, and help you make a more professional impression.

In addition to your company’s logo, choose a font and color scheme that’s consistent with your brand’s aesthetic. Whether it’s traditional, casual, or quirky, the design should stand out from your competitors’.

Step 3: Focus on legibility

Although business cards need graphic elements, your contact information should always come first. Don’t get too carried away with colors, fonts and images to the point where they distract from your primary goal! The customer’s eye should jump straight to your name and contact information. Graphic elements are there to support the content — not to become the focal point.

Step 4: Create a card for each team player

Every member of your team needs their own business card. Tailor the information to each specific person, but keep the branding consistent. All that should change from one business card to the next is your colleague’s name, job title, phone number, and email address.

Step 5: Work with a graphic designer

Graphic design services near you can bring your business card ideas to life. A professional team of designers will arrange your logo, style preferences, and content into a card that leads will remember. They can also provide a card template, allowing you to quickly and easily create business cards for new team members as you grow.

Examples of business cards

Printing a business card

Printing services will place your carefully crafted designs right in the palm of your hand. Here are 5 steps that you should consider when printing your business card.

Step 1: Choose the paper thickness

Standard printer paper is too flimsy for business cards. You need durable cardstock that will hold its shape for a long time. Fortunately, there are many options to choose from.

  • 13-15 pt: This is a standard paper weight for business cards. It’s also the best option for companies on a budget.
  • 16 pt: This weight is thicker, making it a premium among business cards. 16-point stock is more durable and will give your cards a higher-quality feel.
  • 18 pt or greater: Business cards printed on 18-point stock are extra thick, offering the highest level durability. They really stand out and elevate your company’s professionalism. It’s about as thick as you can go while still allowing your recipient to easily fit your card into their wallet.

Step 2: Select the paper type

The paper type you choose should reflect your brand. For example, choose a recycled blend if eco-friendliness is one of your company’s top values. A matte finish is casual, while glossy looks more sophisticated.

Also, consider whether you need a paper type that’s easy to write on if you want space for notes or appointment reminders. A glossy coating looks great, but it’s difficult to write on. Luckily, you can choose to apply gloss on only one side, leaving the other side uncoated for writing.

Step 3: Consider premium accents

Premium accents can make business cards stand out even more. Consider adding one or more of these embellishments to your card design:

  • Raised text
  • Spot gloss
  • Embossing (imprinted images)
  • Foil (metallic, reflective accent)
  • Die cut shapes

Step 4: Try a unique shape

Not all business cards have to be rectangles! Some companies favor the aesthetic of rounded edges because it helps to set their brand apart. You could even substitute the rectangle altogether with a different shape. Just make sure the business card can still fit in a client’s wallet.

Step 5: Work with a local print shop

Before choosing print options, you’ll want to see them in person. A printing service near you can provide samples of paper weights, types, and finishes to help you make an informed decision. With your selections finalized, a professional printer will produce high-quality business cards with premium colors, images and accents.

Stop by your nearest PostNet location for access to professional design and printing services! We create business cards that leave a lasting impression on prospective clients.

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