While times and the way we communicate has changed, your business card still plays an important role in making a lasting impression on both potential new clients and networking contacts. Ensure your business card represents you and your company well by following these fundamentals.
Paper stock
Before you start considering the design and content on your business card, consider the materials. If your card uses a thick, sturdy stock, it creates the impression that you’re committed to quality and can make you seem larger and more successful than you really are. These thicker card stocks can be extremely affordable too. That means settling for a flimsy business card is completely unnecessary.
Creativity
Of course your business card should include your company logo, but there’s room to be creative with it. Consider adding some eye-catching color to it, creating an abstract, but still recognizable version, or using it in tandem with other imagery. The creativity on your business card can then extend to the content. Come up with a slogan for your company. Depending on your industry, there may be room to inject some humor or fun into your card with the slogan you choose. These touches make you more memorable and keep your card from being discarded.
Color
There are plenty of black and white cards out there, but none of them create the type of impact a card with an intelligent use of color will. Your card shouldn’t be so colorful that it looks unprofessional, but it should attract the viewer’s eyes. Remember to keep warm colors and cool colors separate. You may just need a hint of color or an accent to take your card from boring to eye-catching.
Use the space
Business cards are all similar in size, so there’s a limited amount of content that will fit on yours. Be sure to take full advantage of the space available. That means using the front and back of the card. It shouldn’t look crowded, but there also shouldn’t be awkward blank spaces. If you regularly need to write on the back of your cards, leaving it blank it acceptable, but in most cases it’s another chance to include your logo or a persuasive graphic.