You’re at a new business or a social event.
You look around in the sea of business people and wonder how to make the best first impression. Then you look down at your hand, holding your business card.
What do you feel next?
Are you excited to show off your business card and how it represents you? Or do you fear they will underestimate you based on your card?
Here are ten tips on creating a memorable business card that shouts, “Work with me!”
10 Tips for a Memorable Business Card
1. Make sure your design represents your business.
If you are a fun, quirky business that dabbles in creativity, make sure your business card reflects that mood. On the other hand, if you are a serious, no-nonsense business, make sure your business card is sleek, simple, and uncluttered.
2. Choose the right font and size.
Do not go smaller than 8 point type on your card.
Try to enlarge the name of your business, so it is clear who you represent. If you have a website, try to match some fonts to create consistency.
3. Pick the right shape.
You don’t need to stick with the basic rectangle anymore.
Try a square or add rounded corners to make your card stand out in a pile of collected business cards. Not only will it stand out physically, but it will also create a mental note that you are up-and-coming and not the ordinary business.
4. Create the right images.
Use new printing techniques to make your logo or image pop off the page.
Try spot UV coating to make it shine or foil accents that add a touch of sophisticated shine. Or try embossed gloss to create a raised, glossy coating, giving your cards a hard-to-forget 3D feel.
5. Organize your information.
This sounds simple, but many people try to put too much information on their business cards.
Keep it simple.
Put your name prominently on the card. Then add your contact information in a place that’s easy to find: phone, email, and website.
6. Use the back of the card.
Go the extra mile and put something useful on the back of the card.
If you own a restaurant, add a drink mix on the back. If you take appointments, add an appointment reminder. If you offer many customized services, list them here. But try to direct them to your website if at all possible.
7. Be deliberate.
Use the same colors your other marketing materials and website use.
Be different by using the front of the business card to solely have your logo, with contact information on the back.
8. Make sure there is enough white space.
Don’t clutter your card with information. Just add the basics. They can contact you for the rest of the information.
9. Choose papers wisely.
Extra-thick paper adds an instant luxurious touch, and recycled kraft paper tends to have an organic feel. Think carefully about what you are trying to convey.
10. Include a call to action.
This isn’t a game-breaker if you have used up all your space. But if you have room, add a QR code or an invitation to contact you.
No matter what steps you take, rely on print communication experts to ensure that the finished product will be what you anticipated and something you can be proud of.