People may think that since digital media is getting so much attention, business cards are now obsolete or soon will be. Personal business cards are still highly vital, as everyone in the company or the sales profession well knows. Crafting a business card that people want to keep is the aim these days.
The most crucial action you need to do is to find a reliable printing business to give you the best result after you layout your design. Even the best-designed graphic is useless if it is poorly produced.
So, to make the best first impression, keep reading to know great tips for effective business card printing.
Explore the Top Business Cards From Different Industries
Evaluating effective business cards from many industries is one of the best ways to craft your own. Make an effort to gather as many business cards as you can. Then, jot down your impression, including what you find appealing and what’s not.
Then, pay attention to your competitors’ business cards. Do they share any similar characteristics? Which cards do you think stand out the most? Which ones piqued your interest?
There may be qualities in business cards that you’ve observed and found to be successful or that stick out. Remember that you want to keep certain features that will set your company apart from competitors rather than copying their business cards.
Use Simple Layout
Design rookies often believe that simplicity equates to dullness, yet this isn’t entirely the case. The best thing about creating more space on your card is that it allows vital information to catch the eye of whoever sees it.
Edit Thoroughly
Nothing is more unpleasant than ruining a potential business connection because your business card has inaccurate contact information or misspelt words. So, make sure you proofread it well and have others do it for you.
Ensure all your contact information is readable, and everything is vivid and legible.
Pick the Right Size and Shape
There is no requirement that your business cards need to be in horizontal rectangular shapes even though it’s the basic style.
Your business card can have different forms, from organic to geometric, depending on your business. It also depends on the branding and your target audience. You should also consider the size and shape that best symbolises your brand.
Even if you follow what’s traditional, you might want to level up the shape and go for rectangular vertical cards. They are underrated and might help you stand out more against your competitors.
Don’t Forget Your Contact Information
Every business card must include basic contact information so receivers can quickly contact you. Although it will vary depending on the business and individual, the following data is often included in effective business cards:
- Your name
- Company name
- Position
- Contact details which include a phone number, email or social media accounts
Whilst all the above details are shown on specific companies’ business cards, others might only have the name, title and phone number.
Design Business Cards That Complement Other Brand Materials
Choose your brand’s logo, font, and colour scheme first before you begin designing your business cards. They should be evident in the design and format of your card. In addition, they should be coherent through your other marketing materials and website.
Don’t Forget the Basic Design Principles
A good business card design should follow the basics of paper-based principles. To ensure the most outstanding quality reproduction, you must design in CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow and Key) and work at 300 dpi (dots per inch).
Moreover, using a grid is ideal to ensure proper business card layout across all elements. This allows you to achieve a fair informational hierarchy and that all essential details are well aligned.
Take Note of Positioning Alignment
An effective positioning statement distinguishes you from your competitors by clearly defining your brand and its core values. One of the best strategies to stand out, be remembered and build a strong relationship with potential customers is to develop an engaging positioning statement on your business card.
Think About Custom Finishes
As you are near the finish line, it’s time to start thinking about printers and what they can do to your business card. Some printers have unique finishes which can leave a lasting impression on your clients.
-
Embossing
It is similar to spot UV coating, wherein you can use it to draw attention to certain parts of your card. It also produces three-dimensional reliefs, making your business card pop out from a visual standpoint.
-
Foil stamping
You may stamp all or just a portion of your card to create a gloss image like tin foil. If you’ve selected a bold typeface, it will also work for highlighting text.
-
Spot UV protection
A smooth varnish is used on several cards to give them a gloss and seamless look. The same procedure is done when using spot UV coating only in certain areas.
This implies that you can only gloss a portion of your logo or even a single word or phrase. Use it to draw attention to certain areas whilst minimising the effect on the rest of your business card’s composition.
-
Letterpress
Letterpress printing pushes the paper down while inking instead of lifting it. It has an engravement-like result and is often printed with special ink to draw more attention. This type is ideal for letters as it gives texts more gravity.
Key Takeaway
As a company owner, your business card reflects you and your brand and serves as a means of communication. It’s important that your card represents you in a favourable light and should stand out.
Just remember that when making one, don’t skimp. Find a talented designer to transform your concept into a reality after spending enough time developing the ideal design.
