Believe it or not, business cards still have a place in the digital age. With millions of professionals now networking through various web platforms, there is increased pressure to create a memorable business card.
Business cards are often the first piece of business stationery to be exchanged and still play a crucial part of face-to-face networking, once we get into the physical world. But how can a small, maybe 9 by 5 centimetre card persuade someone to explore an individual or business further? What’s going to drive their curiosity or instil confidence? Bowden Print Group is here to share some tips on how to design the perfect business card.
Before we discuss what to include in your cards, we need to discuss what NOT to do.
Avoid boring
Too often, when printing business cards in Adelaide, we see business cards with plain text and no colour, plus a layout that offers too much information. Aim for simple yet elegant. Use both sides of the business card to your advantage and spread the information, making it easier to retain.
Avoid confusion
Do not include items that have no place on this business card, especially if they are unrelated to your business. Please don’t use a different font for each line of text because it’s hard to read and loses the information hierarchy. Stick to only the necessary information, which then gives you more space if you want to be creative.
Appropriate visuals
Including photos in business cards is common, and it’s great for a stranger to remember who you are, like if you are a real estate agent. That said, make sure you have a professional photograph. A photo from your Facebook or Instagram page may be quirky or funny to you, but without context, your professionalism can soon be questioned. These photos are meant for something other than a business card. Use a professional headshot for your business card, as it helps give that professional first impression.
What to include on your business cards in Adelaide
Let’s discuss what to include in your business card. The most important aspect is your content. So, what information should you include in your car? The basics include:
- Your name.
- Your company’s name.
- Your title.
- Your logo.
- The best email and phone number to reach you.
- A website URL.
- Any social media profiles that you want to push
If you want to differentiate yourself, try these ideas:
- a QR code for people to scan,
- a professional photo of you,
- a call to action,
- a discount code as a type of reward for meeting you,
- or even a short quote.
Try to decide which of these you feel are most important. Using all of them would make for a very cluttered business card, so only try to pick out a select few that you think will make the biggest impact.
What to do when it comes to designing your business card
Creating a good first impression
How long do you look when you receive someone else’s business card, maybe two seconds? That’s how long you have to make a solid first impression. It’s even more important to impress someone if you didn’t have the chance to do so in conversation, so make your cards memorable.
You can do this with the shape of your card, diverting away from these standard rectangle cards. Or, if that doesn’t fit your style, there are a few other options. The feel of your card can make it unique in itself. Printing with texture is a great way for cards to stand out. For example, you can have a card with a spot UV effect, which makes the design pop off the paper. It’s everything that boring card isn’t.
Could you clean it up?
Clutter is always a problem. This card is another example; there are five different pictures, multiple colours, and an entire paragraph of information. That’s not okay. The vitals of a business card are your name, title company, and a way to reach you. All the extra stuff is just visual noise and should be carefully considered before adding it to your business card. Use a card with a more straightforward and simplistic approach as we’ve discussed above: name, title, address, phone number, and a colourful image on the other side to make it memorable. Channel your inner minimalist so you don’t get too fancy.
Keep it balanced
Each element in a card should be strategically placed to maintain balance. The balance is very easily visible to the viewer, as each piece of text or image is properly aligned. Try using a grid to help your alignment when designing, or engage our design team at Bowden Print Group to design one for you.
Find your uniqueness
It’s time to think about what makes you, you. Or what makes your company unique compared to other competitors. Then, bring that to life in your business card. Get creative, and don’t think that any idea is too far-fetched. This designer made mini yoga mats and even rolled them up to sell their yoga services.
If you’re a photographer, create a see-through card that resembles a lens. If you work in beer, create a card that doubles as a bottle opener. You can take it as far as you want. There’s no limit to being creative with your business cards. Business card designing can be fun, but if you want some help with your designs, check out our Buzz feed in the menu above for inspiration.
Business card printing in adelaide with Bowden
If you have an idea of what you want, and even if you don’t, all you need to do is bring it all together. Bowden Print Group have the tools to help. With many templates available to use right now, you only have to give us your information, and we can make it work with your brand.
We have templates for one or two sides, depending on your requirements. A two-sided card is great for an uncluttered business card, using one side for design and the other for information. Once you have a few ideas you like, show them to your co-workers, family, or friends to obtain feedback from those you trust the most. But if you don’t think they’ll provide an unbiased opinion, try asking strangers. After all, that’s who you’ll likely give the cards to anyway!
When it comes to printing, your best option is a local printer. Supporting local businesses is important while reassuring you that your card will look and feel good. Bowden Print Group has many options of cardstock in different thicknesses and a variety of finishes to help your card pop. If you already have a business card design on file, you can supply the artwork as a PDF file, and we can run a proof for you before starting production.
Our helpful sales executives can outline the costs for different products so you can decide what matches your brand and style and fits within your budget. Printing hundreds of business cards is nothing to take lightly, so take the Bowden Print Group advantage and get in touch today.