What To Put on a Business Card: Designing a Memorable Professional Introduction
Forget online connections—business cards offer a personal touch that leaves a lasting impression.
Today's cards are sophisticated, featuring QR codes to online portfolios in sleek, eco-friendly designs. This new era of networking demands high-tech, personalised cards.
Wondering what to include? This guide covers essential contact details to unique design elements, ensuring your card mirrors your brand identity.
With Avery's templates and printing services, you can network confidently, thanks to a standout business card.
Business Card Basics
Every impactful business card follows a basic recipe.
Here are the fundamental elements to start with:
- Your Name and Title: This is your professional introduction, so make it clear and easy to read.
- Contact Information: Include your phone number, email address, and website.
- Company Logo (if applicable): This instantly connects your card to your brand identity.
Now that you know the basics of what to put on a business card, it's time to bring it to life.
Making Contact Information Count
Your contact details are the bridge to connection, so ensure they're clear and easy to find.
Make your business card shine by incorporating the following:
- Phone Number: Include your mobile number unless you prefer calls directed to a landline. Use a well-formatted, easy-to-read font.
- Email Address: Opt for a professional business email address for a polished look.
- Website: Direct them to your professional website or a relevant landing page showcasing your work.
- Social Media Handles: Include handles you actively manage and keep updated, especially those relevant to your industry (e.g., LinkedIn for professionals, Instagram for creatives).
By prioritising these contact details on your business card, you're not just sharing your information but inviting future collaborations, opportunities, and connections to flourish.
Brand Identity and Your Business Card
Your business card is a mini billboard for your brand, offering a chance to leave a lasting visual impression. It should be instantly recognisable, capturing the essence of your company or personal brand while aligning brand identity with readability.
Here’s how to hit that balance:
Logo: Let your logo shine without taking over. Place it prominently, but ensure it complements rather than overwhelms the design.
Colour Coordination: Use brand colours wisely, as accents or background elements to create a cohesive look that ties back to your brand.
Font Focus: Choose fonts that reflect your brand’s personality and complement your logo. Style is good, but readability is key.
Go for a clean design and clear layout. Overloading this small space can dilute your brand message. A well-thought-out card design makes a lasting, positive impact.
The Role of Personal Branding
For freelancers and entrepreneurs, their business cards are more than a company representation; they showcase their personal brand. This is crucial since they are the face of their business.
So, how do you leverage personal branding on your business card?
Consider these tips:
- Highlight Your Expertise: Go beyond just your title. Briefly mention your area of specialisation or a key skill you possess. This instantly positions you as an authority in your field.
- Showcase Your Personality: A touch of personality can make your card more memorable. This could be a tagline that reflects your work style or a brief statement about your values.
- Choose Wisely: While personalisation is important, maintain a professional tone. Avoid anything that might come across as unprofessional or irrelevant to your industry.
Use personal branding strategically to make your card a powerful tool for attracting clients.
Creative Additions
Your business card has the potential to be more than just a static exchange of information.
Add a touch of creativity and functionality by including:
QR Codes: These little black and white squares can pack a big punch. Link them to your online portfolio, social media profiles, or even a digital business card for a modern twist.
Slogans and Calls to Action: A catchy tagline or clear call to action can spark interest, leading the recipient to visit your website or schedule a consultation.
The Power of the Back: Don't leave the backside bare! Utilise it for additional information, a captivating image showcasing your work, or even a calendar highlighting upcoming events.
Make sure any additions enhance your brand message and remain clear and easy to understand.
Material and Design Considerations
While what information to put on a business card is important, the material and design choices go beyond aesthetics – they speak volumes about your brand.
Design Decisions:
- Minimalist: A clean, uncluttered design with ample white space exudes professionalism and sophistication.
- Bold and Playful: For creative fields, a more vibrant design with bold colours and playful fonts can showcase your personality.
- Finish it Off: Consider a glossy, satin, or matte finish based on your desired aesthetic. Glossy finishes create a modern look, while matte finishes offer a more subdued elegance.
Take the guesswork out of material and design selection with Avery's user-friendly Design & Print software.
Pre-designed templates make it easy to find a look that complements your brand identity and resonates with your target audience. The software even helps you visualise how material and design choices work together, ensuring your card achieves a cohesive and impactful look.
Digital Business Cards
Today’s digital world has introduced the digital business card. These electronic cards make sharing your details via email, text, or social media easy and are growing in popularity for their convenience and eco-friendliness.
However, physical cards aren't outdated yet! You can combine traditional and digital by adding digital elements to your physical cards.
Here's how:
- QR Codes: Link your physical card to your digital presence. Scanning the code can give instant access to your online portfolio, social media, or a digital card platform.
- NFC Chips: For a tech-forward approach, embed an NFC chip in your card. A tap with a smartphone can share your contact info or direct someone to your website.
By adding these digital features, you create a versatile business card experience that suits traditional networking and the digital age.
Leave a Lasting Impression With a Well-Crafted Business Card
Your business card is a powerful tool, acting as a mini billboard for your brand and fostering lasting connections. In this guide, we've outlined the essentials for creating the perfect card, from must-have contact info to unique features that make you stand out.
Now, it's time to unleash your creativity and design a business card that truly represents you and your brand.
With Avery's wide selection of design templates and high-end custom printing services, you can go to your next meeting with confidence. Whether single or double-sided, you'll ooze professionalism with our wide range of classy finishes.
Visit our website today and start crafting the perfect card to represent you and propel your professional journey!
FAQs About What to Put on Business Cards
When it comes to what to put on a business card, the most common information includes your name, job title, company name, logo, and contact details such as phone number, email address, and physical address. You may also include your social media handles or website.
A good company message on a business card is one that accurately represents your brand and leaves a lasting impression. It can be a catchy tagline, a mission statement, or even just a brief description of your services or products.
Yes, you should include your role on your business card. The title you choose, whether "Owner" for small businesses or "CEO" for larger organisations, should accurately represent your role within the company.