1. Make the design to fit with your brand

A business card has many different uses. Ensure the colours and basic design elements used on your business card are consistent with your website and other stationery and marketing used within your business.
If your business is selling a luxury product you will need elements that give the impression of luxury in the design and the tangible feel of the business card. However, if your business is a trade such as plumbing or electrical work then the design may need to reflect reliability or time management.
Also consider the reason people will pick up and use your business card and ensure the features on the front reflect that usage. Some examples of this would be;

• A one time use card can be printed on more basic paper stock
• A business that has many repeat customers may want a heavy stock that is cello glazed to keep the cards integrity over time
• A business that is used less often but is of high quality eg architects will want to showcase their business through their business card in both the finish and design elements.

2. Use a Standard business card size

Although you want to stand out from everyone else – do not use the size of your business card to achieve this. Your business card is will be stored, looked at and used over many years and storage will either be in a card holder, wallet or possibly scanned electronically. If your card is not the standard size of  business cards it will not be saved in a wallet or card holder and is more likely to be discarded.

3. Keep it simple and easy to read

The old adage of Keep it Simple Stupid works well when designing a business card. The key things you want a customer or potential customer to see on the card are

• Know your business name and have some idea of what your business is about
• Who you are
• Be able to contact you

If these things are clear and easy to find you will not go too far wrong. Ensure the font used is clean and simple and make sure it is large enough for people to read. (If you have an older aged customer base it could be even larger!!)

4. Use the back of the card for additional information

The back of a business card is a great place for specific information on your business. Its best use depends on the type of business you have. Below are some examples

• Businesses that have people booking appointments is has the additional purpose of being able to record an appointment date and time
• Listing the types of work/jobs you carry out can spark an idea in a potential customer’s mind
• Providing a brand statement may set you apart from your competition

5. Proof read and check details

This part is often overlooked and it is never clear whose responsibility this is. If it is your business, it is always your responsibility as incorrect information affects the image of your business as well as can affect the ability of people getting in contact with you.
Always take time to proof read every detail on the card and check that all phone numbers and email addresses actually reach the intended person. It is all too easy to read what you think is there, so having a second set of eyes check the details will assist you never having reprint a business card due to a typing error.