Give a good first impression to your potential customers and partners! We spend hours choosing a great business suit, suitable tie and hairstyle to look perfect and impress others. We all know that the first impression is a crucial one and may influence the success of the business. Then why are we quite often forgetting about the look of our business cards? I don’t say that you don’t spend hours choosing the design of your business card. But the final result of our efforts looks usually quite similar to myriads of other business cards. How to make you business card stand out from the crowd? How to make it unique and remarkable? Let’s discuss the main elements of the business card and ways they can make your business card look unique.
Obviously, you should not forget that business card should represent your brand and name and convey the overall image of your business in the right way. You can’t expect your business card to tell the whole story about your company but it should present a remarkable professional image in as less as 2 by 3.5 inches space. Challenging, but possible!
First of all, check all business cards you receive and select those you like. Analyze which elements of the selected business cards you find appealing: color, typography, layout, texture of the card, etc. Think of the elements that may fit your brand, i.e. will look suitable for your business card.
Color
Who said that simple white background is the only one option? For sure not! For example, it is quite trendy nowadays to use pictures on a bright color background. That makes your business card look eye-catchy and stylish. It would be perfect for creative businesses or businesses that sell positive emotions (e.g. kids products, party planning services, etc.).
Also, you can use not just a single color, but a whole color range. However, don’t make your business card look too much like a rainbow and stick with 2 – maximum 3 colors and their gradients.
In contrary, if you are a financial institution or law agency your business card should convey professionalism and reliability. In that case, a minimalistic design would be a right choice. Only one color and creative use of white space featured on the front of a card is a brilliant way to make a stylish though professional looking business card. For example, black & white is simple, elegant and never outmoded design.
Typography
Typography is as important as color choice and is worth pay attention to. It can be difficult to find a corresponding font, but with an always growing range of choices you won’t be ending up without the right one.
However, while choosing a font, make sure the typeface is easily readable. Also don’t use more than 2 fonts, one for titles and one for normal text. If you still need to highlight some particular words, use the same font in bold bigger font size – that will be a better solution than implementing an extra font.
Texture
Your business card is not just how people see it but also how they feel it when touching. For example, special eco paper with embossing aka letter press effects will definitely impress everybody. Thermography and shiny print will give additional visual appeal and bring more interest to your card.
Plastic “see-thru” business card will be a great option for those who want to convey idea of transparency. Additionally, those business cards are more durable and have higher retention value than standard paper business cards.
Even though these types of business cards are more costly, the impression your unique, nice-to-touch business card can make it worth it.
Layout and Unusual Shapes
But why should we limit ourselves with one-side standard shape business cards? Use both sides of it. Also you can use 4-inch-by-7-inch cards that fold over (like a mini brochure). It is not only unique but will allow you more space to convey your message.
Cards in nontraditional shapes get higher attention. Try a teddy bear shape for a day-care service or flower shape for a floristic boutique. However, be aware that along with impressing your client or partner more, its uncommon shapes might make people throw your business card away simply because they can’t fit it in their pockets. So keep an optimal balance between unique shape and possibility to fit it in the purse.
QR Code
If your company’s logo is a common and central element of any business card, QR codes is a new trend, especially for businesses whose target audience is heavy users of smartphones. QR code is a modern tool which allows you to bridge the gap between a business card and your online work. Your potential client or partner will simply need to scan it with a smartphone and will be immediately redirected to your website, online portfolio or resume. Moreover, nicely designed QR code will be an additional décor element in your business card.
Last but not least, here is the list of essential information each and every business card should include:
- company logo
- your name
- company name
- address
- phone, mobile and fax numbers
- email and website addresses
So now you have learned main secrets of making your business card unique and remarkable and can start designing a one for yourself. However, we would suggest to rely on professionals who will turn your theoretical knowledge and wishes into a stunning business card. Be sure this investment will help your business prosper. Stay stylish, stay unique!
Order a Custom Business Card or Graphic Design to Enhance Your Brand
No matter what type of personal brand, business or organization you are running, having a great first impression means everything. One of the best ways to deliver a lasting impression is through the use of a high-quality business card and professional images and designs throughout all of your products and branding.
Choose the right stationery and make your company stand out. We can bring your business on the right track. Want to see that happen? Contact our design team right away!
