Whether you’re at an exhibition, networking event or client meeting, one certainty is assured; business cards will be exchanged, with so many vying for our attention, cards will inevitably get lost in the shuffle.

Six steps to designing your business card

Prospective customers and clients likely receive numerous cards, so is imperative that your card makes an impact, and following these 6 steps will make the decision making process easier:

1. Shape
2. Size
3. Artwork
4. Wording
5. Font
6. Colour

1. The shape of your card

Traditionally, all business cards were a standard size. In recent times, there’s now a range of options to choose from.

Traditional business cards continue to have a place in the market. They’re ideal for those working in industries where a formal, professional approach is expected. However, should you wish to stand out, experimenting with different options is now possible.

With square cards, rounded edges and folded business cards now available, there’s a much greater choice to express yourself with. Folded cards are an especially quirky option. Multi-sided, there’s more space to include information and imagery.

2. Business card size matters

Much like shape, there’s now a wide selection of business card sizes to choose from. There are numerous sizes available:

• Standard: 85 x 55mm
• Mini: 85 x 25mm
• Square: 55 x 55mm
• American: 89 x 51mm
• Alternative: 88 x 55mm
• Long: 90 x 55mm
• Small: 80 x 50mm

When deciding on a size, first consider your artwork, how much information you’re including, font and spacing. That way you’ll have the correct amount of room to include everything you want.

Standard sizes work well as a business card, mainly as they fit perfectly into a wallet. But, you can opt for something different, particularly if you operate in sectors where being alternative or creative is key to making an impact. For example, if you work in a more relaxed, less formal industry, a fun option might be to choose a colourful mini business card.

3. Choosing the artwork

The design of your business card is your chance to express yourself and portray an image of your brand.

First and foremost, as with any artwork, making your logo the cornerstone is important. Your logo is the part of your business card – alongside your name and contact details – that you want people to remember. Build everything else around it.

Choose a business card design that best represents your brand and will also catch the eye of people receiving it. If you’re working for a company which already has set brand guidelines, then restrictions will of course apply, but it’s worth considering different artwork designs to help you stand out.

4. Wording your business card

Keep it simple – less is always more. Business cards don’t need to include reams of text to impress. There’s nothing wrong with keeping to the essentials, as that’s what a business card is designed to give.

As a rule of thumb, always include:

• Your title, name and company name
• Company address
• Contact details (email, phone, website, social media)

These details will give prospective clients all the information they need to get in touch and learn more about you and your company.

5. Choosing the right font

Considering different business card fonts is a good way to emphasise the text on your card.

Again, it’s very industry-dependent on what fonts are suitable for use on your business card. If you’re in a creative industry, experimenting with alternative fonts can set your card out from the rest.

Fonts can also represent the personality of not only yourself but the business you’re representing. Clean, sharp serif fonts are usually the go-to for the formal card, but more playful options are suitable for certain industries such as party planning.

One thing to remember when you’re choosing a font is that it must be legible to make an impact. Be imaginative, but don’t compromise on readability.

6. Picking a colour for your business card

A flourish of colour is an effective way to catch the eye of someone receiving a business card. When choosing shades, make sure they align with the artwork on your business card, as a uniform style will look more impressive. Keeping your colours on-brand is important too, as you want to make an impression and represent your company.

Bold colours are striking and will make your business card look distinct. But a more refined colour palette also works if you’re going for an understated style.

Essentially, when thinking about how to design business cards with impact, you’re looking for a marriage of all six aspects we’ve discussed above. Getting the combination right will create a business card which reflects well on you and your company.

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