How to Make Business Cards - 4 Small Tips That Make a Big Impact
The use of business cards remains relevant despite the prevalence of online communications. Not only are they a tangible way to share contact information, but they also enhance face-to-face interactions and bridge the gap between digital and physical worlds.
Business cards can be more than just a tangible tool for sharing contact information. They can also serve as loyalty cards, event tickets, coupons, appointment reminders, and maps to business locations.
If you want your business card to make a big impact, follow these tips that cover the design fundamentals.
1. Decide on the size, shape, material, and finish
Business cards come in a wide range of options for materials, shapes, sizes, and finishes. This way, you can create unique and memorable cards that reflect your brand identity and convey the right message.
Sizes
If you want your cards to fit neatly into most wallets, choose the standard 2" x 3.5" business card size, which is similar to a credit card or a driver's license.
You may also consider using mini business cards (their usual sizes are 1.75" x 3.5" and 2" x 2") if you're a new business or you need your first set of cards.
Larger cards (3" x 3"), meanwhile, are an excellent choice if you need to include a lot of information or you want them to resemble a mini resume or a menu of services. You’d be surprised that business cards have several creative uses — not just for sharing contact information.
Shapes
Most people are familiar with rectangular business cards with a horizontal layout that fit nicely into wallets and purses. Nevertheless, the use of unconventional shapes, such as half-circle, oval, round, and leaf, has its own merit, especially in industries where creativity and uniqueness are greatly valued.
The use of uniquely shaped business cards is also ideal if you want to incorporate the distinct shape of your logo or product into the design.
Materials
Most business cards are made of 14 pt. 16 pt., 17 pt. cardstock. "Pt." stands for "points," a unit of measurement for paper thickness, with one point being equivalent to 1/1000th of an inch. Higher point values indicate thicker and more durable cardstock.
The 14 pt. cardstock offers a good balance of durability and affordability, making it suitable for most businesses. Meanwhile, 16 pt. is slightly thicker, creating a more substantial feel without being overly thick.
Thicker options like 18 pt. offer a more premium feel, making it suitable for high-end brands that want to make a strong impression.
If the goal is to stand out, business cards made of metal steel might be a great option, especially for brands that want to convey quality and longevity. This durable material also suits industries where design, technology, and innovation take center stage.
Finishes or Laminations
These are the different types of business card laminations: matte, gloss, high gloss, uncoated, Spot UV, Silk, and Velvet Soft Touch. The ideal choice depends on the desired look and feel, as well as the card's durability needs.
| Business Card Laminations | Features | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Matte | Flat and non-reflective surface; resistant to smudges | Understated sophistication and minimalist designs |
| Gloss | Shiny and reflective surface | Sleek and modern design |
| High Gloss | Near-mirror like finish that maximizes color vibrancy | Image-focused design |
| Uncoated | Natural and textured feel with a writable surface | Appointment reminder cards |
| Spot UV | Glossy, raised finish applied to specific areas of the card | Luxurious designs |
| Silk | Semi-gloss finish with a satin-like texture | High-end brands |
| Velvet Soft Touch | Smooth and velvety feel; added durability | Lifestyle and beauty brands |
2. Choose the right font style
If your business uses a specific font for its branded assets, digital platforms, and printed materials, it is highly recommended to incorporate it into your business card design. With consistent font usage, it's easier to convey and reinforce your brand's identity and personality.
It's also crucial to choose a font (or font combination or pairing) that offers excellent legibility and readability even at smaller sizes. You can test print a sample to ensure that the text is easy on the eye.
If readability is your top priority, sans-serif fonts (e.g., Arial, Helvetica, Verdana, Open Sans, and Lato) are usually considered the best options for business cards. They are characterized by clean lines, open counters, and a lack of strokes at the ends of each letter.
However, you can incorporate cursive or decorative fonts into your design if they convey your brand identity. A good rule of thumb is to limit their use (1-2 words or a very short phrase) to maintain the readability of your business card.
Also, avoid using more than two font styles on your business card.
3. Use color to convey your brand identity
Follow the same color palette your business uses for branded elements, especially the logo. Make sure to also check your printed marketing materials, website, and other online assets for consistency.
You can incorporate color psychology to convey your brand identity and message. Here are some popular color associations:
- Pink - Nurturing and softness
- Red - Strength and excitement
- White - Simplicity and cleanliness
- Yellow - Happiness and friendliness
- Black - Power and sophistication
- Blue - Trust and efficiency
- Orange - Energy and excitement
- Green - Nature and health
- Brown - Ruggedness and nature
4. Use a template
Although you can create business cards from scratch, using templates can help save time and ensure a professional look and correct formatting, especially if you are new to design.
NextDayFlyers offers free business card templates with correct margins and spacing to prevent common errors, such as cut-off text or graphics and unbalanced design elements. To find the one that you need, visit the template gallery and select your preferred card size, industry (e.g., real estate, automotive, food and beverage), and style (e.g., basic, corporate, floral, photographic, etc.).
We hope these four design tips can help you create business cards that reflect your brand, offer excellent clarity and readability, and most importantly, deliver a lasting impression.
To ensure that the final design meets your expectations and requirements, and to avoid costly errors, NextDayFlyers offers free design proofs that require your approval before production.
One thing to remember is to use high-quality artwork with at least a resolution of 300 dpi, so your design will have better color accuracy, sharper image details, and a more professional look. Check out this guide on how to print business cards to learn more.