Business Card Do's & Don’ts

While many interactions and introductions are increasingly being made online today, there are also still many scenarios in which exchanging your business card with acquaintances is recommended. However, creating effective business cards involves a balance between conveying essential information and making a memorable impression, so it’s worth paying attention to some guidelines before jumping in with designing and printing. Here are some do's and don'ts to keep in mind:

Keeping it simple - Avoid cluttering your card with too much information. Cards that have an overly detailed design, too many images, or an excessive message are off putting. Remember that subconscious decisions are made at the point of first impressions so this can be particularly important if you are sharing information about your business. Stick to the essentials like your name, job title, contact information, and company name/logo.

Using high-quality materials - Cheap looking or feeling business cards can translate the message that your business is unprofessional. Invest in good quality cardstock and printing to ensure your card promotes perceived value, promoting the message that your business is high quality. If it’s brand-appropriate, investing in unique printing techniques or card materials can help your card stand out.

Making it readable -Choose a clear, legible font and make sure the text is easy to read. Avoid using fonts that are too fancy or small. It can be tempting to go to town on decorative or elaborate designs with your font but simple is more modern and readable.

Including your logo -It may sound obvious, but your logo is a visual representation of your brand. Make sure it's prominently displayed on your card for brand recognition.

Adding a call to action - Encourage recipients to act by adding a call to action, such as visiting your website or contacting you for more information. QR codes are a modern and easy way for recipients to interact with your brand.

Double-sided printing - Following on neatly from the above point, additional information such as a QR code or a brief list of services should be included on the back of your card. Using both sides means you maximise the available space to convey your message.

Keeping it consistent - Ensure that your business cards align with your brand identity, including colours, fonts, and overall design. This goes back to the font and text choice - don’t be tempted to stray as it will look unprofessional.

Using low-quality images - Blurry or pixelated images will make your card look unprofessional. Use high-resolution images for the best results. If you don’t have clear images, avoid using them altogether. Simple white would look better than a low-quality image.

Forgetting about proofreading - Typos and grammatical errors can make a negative impression and look unprofessional. Always proofread your card before printing or ask someone else to cast their eye over it instead.

Choosing inappropriate designs - Your card should closely reflect your industry and target audience. Avoid designs that may be seen as unprofessional or irrelevant.

Neglecting the importance of whitespace - As we touched on above, keeping your design simple is important. Whitespace is essential for readability and visual appeal. But even if you keep the information minimal, it’s possible to make all your elements too big. Avoid overcrowding the elements on your business card.

Using outdated information - Make sure all the information on your card is up to date, including your contact details and job title. If any of your information leads to a dead end, prospects may not persevere to find the correct ones.

Ignoring the importance of paper quality - The quality of your cardstock reflects the quality of your business. Choose a sturdy paper stock that feels substantial in hand.

Print People - Business Card Printing in Birmingham

By following these do's and don'ts, you can create business cards that effectively represent your brand and leave a lasting impression on potential clients and contacts. If you need advice about high-quality business card printing, we are here to help. With a graphic design team on hand and printing expertise, you’re in good hands.