In an increasingly digitized world, it’s important to remember the role of the business card in representing your brand. Especially while networking at social and business events, business cards come out to be a true business saver as a quick reminder of your brand and what your company can offer. You have probably received a bunch of business cards during an event or a meeting, but how does one really stand out?
We all forget about those small details that can add a spark to the business card. Understandable/crisp text, beautiful graphics, and a professional look are the few factors that contribute to the success and failure of a business card. Let’s take a quick look at some of the dos and don’ts of business card design:
Dos
Go for a Professional Design
A business card is the reflection of your company or brand. Remember to maintain professionalism with the design to display preparedness and your passionate drive for continued work. Match the overall design and branding of your other promotional products with your business card design to maintain a consistent message with all potential clients and colleagues.
Utilize the Back Space
Don’t forget about the valuable space on the back-side of the business card! This can be used for showcasing your company logo and contact information. Alternately, if your business takes you internationally, print the same information in the other language on opposite sides. Your foreign business colleagues will appreciate and remember the thoughtful gesture.
Focus on Readability over Creativity
Choose your creative fonts wisely. Avoid decorative fonts like Comic Sans, Viner Hand, Lucida Handwriting, Monotype Corsiva, and Gill Sans etc. A legible business card is more memorable and a follow-up is more likely when the contact information can be read with ease. Remember to keep the fonts large enough so they don’t need to pull out the reading glasses to dial your phone number!
Don’ts
Avoid Overcrowding
Don’t send mixed messages. Remove anything that doesn’t directly represent your brand. Reach for simplicity for your visual choice and keep only the necessary text related to your company and contact information on the card. Present it as a reminder tool to direct client’s to your website or to contact you for any follow up information.
Outdated Business Cards
As your company information changes, remember to print new business cards each time. Avoid making changes in pen or pencil as this reflects your overall image of professionalism and may confuse the client when attempting to contact you. Business cards are the most inexpensive way of marketing-don’t cheap out and make sure to get them replaced!
