So you need new business card ideas? While they may seem fairly old-school when compared to digital marketing methodologies, handing out business cards is a great way to promote your brand. Whether you’re handing them out to potential clients and customers. Perhaps at a networking event with industry leaders. Still they are a great way to get your name out there and generate additional sales or conversions.
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Why are business cards important?
As outlined above, there are many reasons why you should be handing out business cards in 2024. After all, they are one of the most effective ways to improve brand awareness. In turn, this can help improve sales and conversions. In fact, a recent study found that business cards have a 12% conversion rate. Amazingly, “more than 5 times the conversion rate of your average website (2.35%).
In addition to this, a further study found that “a firm’s overall sales see an increase of 25% on every 2000 business cards handed out.” As a result, it is hardly surprising that 57% of business owners consider business cards to be critical to the success of their marketing efforts. Especially, when meeting face-to-face.
Hand Business Cards Out At Every Occassion!
Another major benefit associated with designing business cards is that there are numerous occasions upon which you can hand them out. For example, you could hand them over to new clients or customers during your first face-to-face meeting. For instance, put together a pile of business cards at your till or storefront, or even mail them out with orders. They can also be handed over at networking events. Therefore, allowing you to forge meaningful industry connections.
However, in order to fully capitalize upon the benefits of business cards, you need to ensure that your card looks good, too. This way, potential clients and connections are more likely to keep hold of your card and refer to it in the future. As opposed to simply disregarding it the next day (or as soon as you finish talking to them).
If you are unsure where to start, this guide will help you discover some of the best business card design ideas! This will help you to create some of the best-looking business cards of 2024. Taking your business from strength to strength while doing so.
Innovative Business Card Ideas
When brainstorming name card ideas, it’s important to remember that innovation is key. After all, you have to make sure that your business cards stand out from the crowd. In and addition to also giving the recipient some insight into your brand. Fortunately, there are many ways in which you can achieve this goal, such as by:
- Designing a custom logo
- Thinking about the color scheme
- Knowing what information to include
- Choosing the right font or typeface
- Adding a QR code or other interactive elements
Design a custom logo
If you do not already have a custom-designed logo for your brand, this should be the first thing you do when designing a business card. After all, your logo forms an essential part of your overall branding. Crucially, allowing you to set yourself apart from your competitors and make a name for yourself, even within a competitive industry.
Working with a logo design agency is crucial at this stage, as they can help you design an eye-catching logo that not only aligns with your brand or business but also stands out from the crowd. They will also be able to ensure that your logo looks great in a variety of formats. Whether it’s featured on your business cards, website, or even employee uniforms.
Remember, your logo is often the first thing customers or clients will see when looking at your business card. As such, it’s crucial that you make a positive first impression!
Think about the color scheme
As mentioned previously, the best business cards are those that capture your attention. This in fact, means you should think carefully about the color scheme when designing your new business card. While black-and-white design works for some businesses, a recent study reported that recipients are 10 times more likely to hold onto a colorful business card than they are a black-and-white business card.
Ideally, you should ensure that your color scheme aligns with your brand colors (i.e., those featured within your logo or website). This will allow for more cohesivity throughout your marketing efforts, allowing you to build a strong and consistent brand identity.
Know what information to include
Knowing what information to include on your business card is also crucial. After all, space is limited, which means that you need to be somewhat picky when it comes to the information presented. Generally speaking, you should ensure that the following information is included:
- Your company name and logo
- Your own name and job title (if a personal card)
- Contact details (mobile number/email address)
- Website address
More recently, business owners have also started to add their social media handles to their business cards. This is because many people use social media channels as research tools to learn more about businesses than ever before! For example, 76% of consumers check out a brand’s social media presence before committing to a purchase.
Choose the right font
Choosing the right font is also crucial when designing your business card. After all, you have to ensure that your business card is easy to read. Otherwise, the recipient may not be able to follow up with your initial conversation and reach out, as the information presented on the card is illegible. For this reason, it’s generally advised that you stay away from cursive fonts, as they can be harder to read on business cards, given that the font size is relatively short.
Again, you should ideally refer back to your branding guidelines when choosing a font for your business card. Using the same fonts throughout your marketing efforts once again helps to build a stronger brand identity. More so, can also change the way in which your brand is perceived by customers/network connections. For example, the fonts used on your business card should be the same as those that feature on your marketing campaigns, social media pages and website.
Consider adding a QR Code.
There are many benefits associated with adding a QR code to your business card. Firstly, it can save space while still directing users towards your website or social media profiles. Furthermore, given that we rarely go anywhere without our phones in our hands. Furthermore, it could also make the information presented within your card more accessible!
Adding a QR code is also beneficial, as you can update the information on the linked page(s) without having to print out new business cards. Given how quickly things can change in the business world, this can be incredibly beneficial. For example, you may change your website address, or your job title may change.
Unique business card design ideas
If you’re looking to make your business card a little more unique, then you may want to experiment a little more during the design process. For example, you could choose a unique shape for your card. As opposed to using a generic rectangular design. This is perfect for companies that take a more playful approach to marketing, especially if you choose a shape that aligns with your brand. For example, if your company or job is built around selling make-up, you could hand out a business card in the shape of a beauty product or pouting lips.
Another way in which you could make your business card a little more unique is by printing it on a non-conventional material. For example, while most business cards are made from paper or card, a plastic business card will not only look and feel more professional, but it’s also likely to stand the test of time. This is because it cannot get bent, broken, or water-damaged, meaning that the recipient will always have your information to hand when they need it. Generally speaking, however, it’s crucial that you choose sustainable materials when coming up with ideas for your business card design!
Exploring Different Business Card Layout Ideas
When designing your business card, you should also think carefully about the way in which the information is presented on the card (i.e., the layout). Not only is this important from an aesthetic perspective but also when it comes to ensuring your business card is easy to read and digest.
As business cards are double-sided, a good rule of thumb is to divide information equally between the two sides. For example, one side could feature your business name, logo, name, and job title. Whereas the other contains your contact details. This is the most common business card layout for a reason. It’s simple yet effective
Alternatively, you may want to keep one side of your business card a little more simple. Featuring just your logo, or your logo and relevant, accompanying image. This can go a long way toward designing a chic and stylish business card.
However, feel free to experiment with a range of different styles and layouts, such as:
- Vertical Layouts. Place a twist on the classic business card design (landscape) by presenting the information vertically. This is a great way to make your business card stand out, as it is rather unconventional when compared to a more traditional business card layout.
- Folded Business Cards. You could also try designing business cards that are folded or in a particular shape or style. Again, this is a great tactic when it comes to standing out, especially if you’re attending an event where numerous business cards will be handed out at once.
What are the most popular business cards ideas 2024?
Staying up to date with the latest business card trends is also crucial when it comes to designing a business card that has a real impact on your audience. Hence also brings forth positive results. After all, if your business card is tired or outdated in appearance, it could sour the recipient’s perception of your brand as opposed to encouraging them to find out more about your business.
Business Card Trends
As such, you may want to familiarize yourself with the current business card trends so that you can adapt your design accordingly!
- Minimalism. They say that less is more – and that is definitely the case when it comes to designing impactful business cards. While you should ensure the core information is present within your card, avoid designing cards that are text-heavy. Instead, opt for simple, minimalist designs.
- Simplistic color schemes. Simplistic color schemes are also en-vogue right now, especially for high-end brands. This is because choosing one or two colors to feature within your business card (as opposed to the entire rainbow), allows for a more sophisticated finish while still remaining eye-catching.
- Interactive cards. Due to technological advancements, interactive business cards (such as those featuring QR codes) are also becoming more popular. If you don’t want to direct traffic directly towards your website on your business card, you could instead direct the QR code to a short video that introduces customers to your brand and encourages them to find out more.
- Eco-Friendly Business Cards. Right now, consumers and businesses alike are attempting to be more eco-friendly in their day-to-day lives. As a result, you should endevor to design eco-friendly business cards. For example, you could ensure that they are printed on recycled paper and card or that they can be recycled after use. This reduces the chances of a discarded business card being sent to landfil!
What mistakes should I avoid when designing business cards?
Whether you are designing a business card for personal use (networking) or to promote your business to a wider audience, it is important to avoid common business card design mistakes. This will ensure you leave the best possible impression on the recipient!
Common business car mistakes include:
- Using a font that is difficult to read. Choose a simple, easy-to-read font and avoid cursive typesets where possible. Fonts such as Arial, Times New Roman, and Helvetica are considered to be some of the easiest to read.
- Choosing a font size that is too small. Generally speaking, font sizes on a business card should be between 8pt and 10pt. Any smaller than this and many recipients will struggle to read all of the information present.
- Including too much text. As mentioned above, text-heavy business cards rarely perform well. Be selective about the information you include in your business card.
- Spelling and grammar mistakes. You’d be surprised about the number of people who do not realize they’ve made a spelling or grammar mistake when designing their business card until they’ve already had 100 cards printed – or worse, a customer points this out to them! You should also double-check that all numbers and contact details are written down correctly. After all, you’re unlikely to get an excellent ROI if you’ve included the wrong number!
- Failing to choose complementary colors. When it comes to designing a stunning business card, you should ensure that you choose colors that complement each other. Otherwise, the overall design will appear unprofessional.
Remember that the process of designing a business card is one of trial and error. Draw up a range of business card mockups before deciding on the final format, as this reduces the chance of you making a mistake that you would later regret.
Turning Business Card Designs into Reality
Now that you’ve gathered your business card design ideas, it’s time to get started on the “fun” task of putting together your card. In short, bringing your vision to life. When doing so, remember to take your time. It’s important that you get your business card right the first time around if you want to make a positive impression on the recipient. Furthermore, taking your time means that you can:
- Experiment with a range of different designs, layouts, fonts, and color schemes.
- Double and triple text any text for spelling and grammatical errors.
- Ask for feedback on your design.
- Reduce the need to reprint your business cards due to making mistakes or not liking the final product.
Where possible, you should ask for a mock business card to be printed before you commit to printing an entire batch. This way, you can ensure that you feel 100% confident that you’ve designed the best possible business card!
Fortunately, as outlined above, the process of designing a business card is relatively straightforward; you simply need to:
- Ensure your company’s logo features prominently on the business card by working with a professional logo design company to create an eye-catching logo.
- Decide upon a colour scheme and font/typeface, ensuring that it aligns with your branding guidelines and is easy to read.
- Experiment with a wide range of layouts until you find a business card layout that looks right.
- Choose a material to print your business card on.
Once you’ve designed and printed your cards, it’s time to put them to good use as you continue to promote your brand.