Business cards are often put under more scrutiny than any other printed communications. They are handed person to person during business conversation, and are expected to impress right then and there.
You want your business cards to look good, feel good, be accurate (no mistakes) and memorable. First of all you need a good quality logo. If you are having a new card design it might be worthwhile to look at your logo and update it or tidy it up, if there’s the smallest chance it might adversely affect the new business card design.
Good quality printing on good quality paper is as important as the design. Paper weight needs to be thickish, 350gsm to 400gsm is the most popular as it gives you a rigid but still flexible card that’s not too thick for putting in a wallet.
The front of the card usually contains the company logo, person’s name and contact details. The back of your business card is a great opportunity to put more information about your business. For example, the contact details of other offices, a short product introduction or a short description of your business.
To make your card that little bit extra special, go for a special finish. Matt or gloss laminate adds a protective quality and luxurious feel, foil blocking with gold or silver gives it an exclusive quality, and embossing is understated timeless elegance.
To save money, print as many different named business cards together at one time. The more cards you print the lower the unit cost becomes, so it’s worthwhile getting as much as you can printed at once.
When you get your business card proof back from your designer or printer, check, check and check again. Dial the phone numbers by reading them off the proof to make sure they’re correct. Ask each person in the organisation to check the details on his or her own card. They’re more likely to spot a mistake on their own card.