How to Design a Business Card That Works

Your business card is one of the most important marketing tools you'll ever create. You give your business card to prospects and customers so they have your contact information.

But no matter how you use your business card, it won't be the marketing workhorse it should be unless it looks professional, is easy to read, and helps customers and prospects remember what you sell and why they should buy it from you.

Use a logo
Have a professional designer create your business logo. If you provide products or services that can be represented with a symbol (ie, house painter, home builder, restaurant, dog grooming service), the logo should symbolize that product or service in some way. It should also be scalable for use on business cards, letterhead, brochures, your website and signs.

Develop a one-line slogan
If what you do isn't immediately apparent from your business name, create a one-line slogan that will help people remember what you sell. Include the slogan on your business card.

Include all contact information indcluding your website address and email address
Customers and prospects will want to know your website address and your email address.

 

Make your card readable
Use (or insist your designer uses) font sizes that are big enough to be easily readable without using a magnifying glass. You may be able to cram more information onto the card with a small font, but what good is it if people can't read it? Since 95 percent of the population aged 35 or older need reading glasses, a good guideline is to use a type size no smaller than 7-8 point. Your name point can be a little larger; i.e., 9 point, and the company name usually looks good at about 12-15 point.
Be sure the type color stands out against the background of the card, too. Light gray type on a white card makes it hard to distinguish letters and numbers. Remember, your goal isn't to produce a work of art. It's to produce a business card that clearly communicates what you do and how to reach you.

Make your card stand out from the rest of the pack
Yes, your business card may wind up stuffed in a desk drawer with a stack of other business cards. Make it stand out from the rest by using bright colors, including your photo on the card, or using high gloss card stock.

Reference:

Janet Attard