09 Jun Business Card Basics
How to Make a Professional Business Card: Template, Size, Design & Print
A business card is an essential tool for a small business. As a business owner or marketer, a business card is an invaluable tool. It keeps your brand visible long after your face is forgotten. A professionally done business card that has a good visual appeal speaks volumes about your professionalism. It will be taken more seriously than a bland looking business card without ‘personality.’ There are some basics to muster for perfect business cards and business card design.
Start Off With The Right Template
If you are not the artistic kind, using a template allows you to make a professional looking business card basing your design on work that has already been done. A template cuts down the time you spend on design. The good thing is that there are thousands of templates you can experiment with for the perfect look. Use one that matches your kind of business.
Consider The Size
Most of the people you give your card to will put it in a wallet. Some have card holders. The standard size of business cards is 88.9mm x 50.8mm (3.5in x 2in). Making your card larger than this will make it inconvenient to keep and risks getting thrown away when the potential client is clearing his/her pockets. A smaller card is appropriate but may not hold all the information you need on it. Remember to allow for a “bleed” of 6.35mm (0.25in) on all edges when using your own templates to allow you to cut the card properly.
Only Relevant Information
Essential information on your card includes your name, position, the name of the business, contacts including email, website, and social media links. Do not be tempted to add offers and other promotion information on the card.
Visually Attractive Colors & Fonts
If your business has a logo and trademarked colors be sure to use them to maintain brand identity. Otherwise, experiment with a combination you think identifies your business best. Use typography that is legible, like sizes 10-12 for name and position than 7-8 for contact info. Use a maximum of 3 font types. It is a good idea to use font colors that will contrast with the background. Remember to base your design on the material you intend to print on.
Creative Add-Ons
Make your business card unique by experimenting with different materials like magnetic, plastic, or rubber. Get creative in your finishing with different finishes like spot UV, foil bloquing, embossing and debossing. Print on a material that will last.
Before printing the business cards, it is always a good idea to show the final design to 2-3 people and get their reactions. Business card printing combines art with function, at PrintHoud we design and print quality business cards in a variety of styles and stocks.