How to Make a Business Card That Fits Your Business

By Olivia Jennings

Did you know that business cards date back to 15th century China? Not only did the Middle Kingdom come up with paper, but they perfected their creation by making it a useful instrument for trading business information.

As of today, business cards are real deal makers for your business. About 72% of potential customers form their idea of a company based on the quality and style of their business card.

Conversely, 57% of business owners believe that their business cards boosted their sales. So, if you have just started your company, or are still stuck with the classic rectangle or square business cards, it may be time for you to twist things up and design something a little less traditional.

What to Put on a Business Card?

The first thing to consider when you make business cards is that they need to have all the necessary information to help customers find you because otherwise, what’s the point?

You want to create a custom business card where all the information is easy to read at first glance. Here is a list of things that every business card should have:

• Company name
• Logo
• Tagline
• Your name
• Job title
• Website address
• Contact details (email and phone number)

While it’s important to have all this information on a card, remember to space it all out in a way that’s not crowded or with font that is too small to read. Remember, this is not a ‘terms and conditions’ document that usually has very fine print. You actually want your clients to see what’s on your card so make it legible at a quick glance.

How to Design Your Business Card?

Now that you know what to put on your business card and how to organize the layout of the content, it is time to think about the design! We know most businesses go for the usual rectangular business card, with a colored front and a blank back. But you are not “most businesses”, and we can tell you that this is not the best way to stand out.

With over 80% of business cards ending up in a waste bin in less than a week, allow us to share some ideas to help yours escape the trash can.

1. Be creative with shapes

Remember that business cards are a marketing tool that tells people what your business is about. Why not use modern printing technologies to your advantage, and make a statement with any shape die-cut business cards?

For instance, if your company sells business attire, you could have business cards in the shape of a bow-tie. If your business has to do with music, the silhouette of a cassette tape would convey a classy and nostalgic look.

2. Use the right colors

Business cards that make use of relevant colors are 10 times more likely to gain the attention of customers. The color of your choosing, of course, depends on the effect you are going for. Want to look trustworthy? Then shades of blue are for you. You want your business to look young and uplifting? The best choice is yellow!

At this point, you may ask: What about clear plastic business cards? Fantastic idea! Plastic business cards, in fact, make up for the partial loss of color with their futuristic design and their increased durability. We particularly recommend them for business sectors where a polished, sober look is a must.

3. Let the logo have the spotlight

Images are easier to remember than names or email addresses. For this reason, you want to give the spotlight to your logo, together with the company name.

If you still have doubts, or feel overwhelmed by all the options available, consider using 4OVER4’s easy to use design tool to create your ideal business card.

Basically, professional graphic designers have made the job much easier for you by creating hundreds of templates for you to choose from and edit to your liking. Alternatively, you could design your card from scratch with their tool and save the design or send it to print with the click of a button.

Make a Business Card that Fits Your Business

The final recommendation that we want to share with you before you order business cards is to make them truly yours. The style of the business card has to mirror the vision and purpose of your company.

For example, if your business produces natural cosmetic products, limit the use of futuristic abstract shapes, geometrical shapes and straight lines.

Consider something more reassuring and soft to the eyes. On the contrary, if you work in IT, definitely go for the techy-looking colors and defined shapes.

All in all, your objective is to make very clear to your potential clients, in the blink of an eye, what exactly your company does and what service it can provide to them. And when you are done deciding what style you want to go for, consider a trusted printer like 4OVER4 with two decades experience to print business cards that will make your brand persona come alive!

So, are you ready to make a change in your marketing strategy and spice up your business cards?