One question seems to be among those many businesses and entrepreneurs ask themselves these days. In these modern times, we have good advertising copy, and other promotional activities, particularly online. So, who needs business cards anymore? The answer though is – everybody. And taking a good look at business card examples can be that tip on the scales that make a difference. Why?
Networking seems to be the buzzword these days. Doing business these days involves even better and closer connections. And it seems that the key elements there are email addresses and social media handles. But, what happens if you don’t want to share your personal pages? Or, what about meeting people that, as Venngage, puts it, you meet people who still have a traditional approach to connecting in your industry? For example, the exchange of business cards is still an essential part of business etiquette in Japan.
Then, there is an even more important element. Connecting with a potential business connection online is one thing. But, meeting somebody in person and making yourself stand out and be memorable is another. Skype or Zoom included no matter.
Essentially, everyone still uses business cards. They still have valid importance and having a business card set that stands out in any way can often do more than any well-financed promotional campaign. That is why choosing the right design and information for a business card is so important. And that is exactly where looking at good business card examples comes into play.
Where does the importance of business cards lie?
- They give the first impression of you and your business;
- They give others options on how to get in touch;
- They showcase your brand;
- They offer you and your business more credibility.
The importance of a good design
So, business cards still have their importance and place in doing business. But just having a ‘standard,’ run-of-the-mill business card will often not cut it. To get it right, you would need to precisely answer two pertinent questions. What information should you include and what should be the design of your business card?
As one of the companies involved in design points out, even in a digital age, a business card is a popular–and necessary networking and communication tool. Having a great business card provides legitimacy to your or your business, it’s a quick and easy way to exchange information, and can provide ways to help promote your work. “What you put on your business card says a lot to others.”
Business Tuts+ adds that handing a potential client your business card helps them to remember you after a meeting. “Well-designed modern business cards show what your company stands for. They reinforce your professionalism and that increases your credibility.”
So what would be the key elements that any good business cards should include? Design Shack (above) looks at it this way:
- Including identification and contact information – There are certain basics that each and every business card should include. These are name and business name (if there is one), basic contact information (email, phone), type of professional work (contractor, designer, etc.), and a website with a portfolio of products.
- An image that showcases what you do – A photo or standout image takes a business card to another level. It should be an image “that’s sharp and easy to understand at a small size.”
- It should include a location map – “If your clientele needs to come to you, a cool, funky or artistically represented map could be a great reverse side of your business card.”
More on business card design
- A business card should have plenty of colors – The so-called high color designs can work for any part of the business card design. “Look for ways to incorporate logo with a bright logo or typography on a white card or consider a color card with reverse lettering.” Also, one of the best tricks to make sure your card stands out is to use thick paper with a color edge.
- Include textured effects – A business card is a physical medium. You should make the most of it with something that users can see and feel. “While these effects are some of the most costly in this list, there are ways to avoid breaking the budget. Print two types of business cards – one is a more standard design at a lower price point (use these in mailing and non-contact marketing touches), then have a second card with a premium design for top clients and meetings that you hand out in person. “
- Excellent typography – “With something as small as a business card, typography is vital to creating a design that people can understand. A common flaw in business card design is typography that’s too small.” Essentially, you should use clean, easy-to-read typography.
- Leave plenty of white space – A good business card should not be crammed with too much stuff. Give the card recipient a chance to make notes. There, “ consider a matte or flat finish so that taking notes directly on the card is easy and so that ink does not smear.”
- Promo or call to action – You should, possibly, include a call to action or promo code for a product or service to help measure who is looking at and engaging with your card after a meeting.
How to look out for unique business cards
Another design company presents a solid guide on how to be on the lookout for good business card examples.
- A lot of companies use mascots as logos, showcases for their brands. Creating a corporate mascot takes a lot of time and effort, and a business card is a good opportunity to use it. “Your mascot is a completely unique representation of you and who you are as a business—and because it’s totally, 100% you, there’s no chance that the people you’re handing your business card to have ever seen it anywhere else.”
- Taking ‘color rules’ to another dimension. You or your designer should be creative with color combinations. “Using the same old colors (we’re looking at you, blue) and color combinations isn’t going to do much in terms of setting your business apart from the pack.”
- Business cards that abandon rectangle shape – Designing a circle, square, oval, octagon, or any other shape is a way to stand out from the crowd. “This design strategy is perfect if you want to show you’re comfortable thinking outside of the box and putting your own spin on business traditions.”
- Adding another dimension – “Incorporating 3D elements, like a raised logo or architectural features, directly into your business card design is a great way to create a one-of-a-kind business card experience that your clients, colleagues, and customers are sure to remember.”
- Business cards with cutting-edge logo design – “A unique logo tells your potential clients and customers that you’re a unique business. And because your logo is often the first thing people associate with your brand—and the most prominent feature on your business card—it’s a great opportunity to set yourself apart from the competition and showcase who you are.”
You don’t just want to get your name out there
So, by just listing all the above information, some might get the impression that looking at business card examples can be a tedious and time-consuming task. But, as the above source notes, the main purpose of a business card is to get you—and your company’s—name out there into the universe. But if you really want to stand out, try designing your business cards so they serve a purpose bigger than self-promotion.
That is why giving a detailed and meticulous look at business cards examples has a purpose and can actually represent a solid investment if your business card does the job it is supposed to.
There, 99designs (above) points to functional business cards. These are cards that function as another object. “The key to success with functional business cards is to make sure the function your business card serves is somehow tied to your business. “
For some, this might be a pricey option, but along with standing apart from any competition, you also provide actual value to anyone you hand out the card.
Business cards are not going away, yet
Talking about functional business card examples that also present another object the recipient can use, only indicates that business cards as such are not going away yet. Actually, they seem to get another shape and form that goes along with the times in which they exist. One thing remains the same though. And that is presenting you, your business, and/or work to a real live person who can benefit you at some point or other. Considering this, it becomes quite obvious that business cards will continue to serve their purpose.
But getting a good idea from business card examples is one thing. Designing and producing them properly is another. It is quite obvious that, if you are not a professional designer yourself, you should be on the lookout for a good in-house designer, or if that is not possible an inventive and effective freelance professional.
It so happens that BunnyStudio has an extensive list of highly qualified design freelancers for such a job. As is the case with all the freelancers specializing in other jobs like writing or translation, our list of designers is comprised only of those freelancers that have passed our detailed criteria. If you engage one or more of them, they will be also able to present you with a number of business card examples you can choose from. This will make your choice of the right design much easier. You may also contact BunnyStudio for any other task related to the creation of your business cards.