Tips and Tricks for Creating a High Impact Business Card
Over the years, the humble business card has been somewhat overshadowed by the development of digital networking tools. It is no longer the cool kid on the block or even the simplest way to introduce a new client to your brand. What it is, however, is an underrated marketing tool. While the business card may be old fashioned, it still works. And, it can help your business make an impact, stand out from the crowd, and build some major exposure.
In fact, millennials and young entrepreneurs are currently enjoying a business card revival. Start-ups and SMEs are thinking outside the box and creating calling cards that are bold, vibrant, and innovative. This is because they know that direct contact is everything when it comes to networking. If you combine a great business card with an engaging greeting, you’ve got all of the ingredients for a memorable first impression.
This guide to creating a high impact business card will help you put together a design that brings clients right to your door.
Work with a Reputable Printer
The first step is choosing a printer that you can trust. It is always better to collect two or three different quotes for your print run, so that you know what the going market rate is. That way, you can choose a reputable printer that understands your needs and is committed to the project. Make sure that the provider can meet your deadline and quality specifications before you finalise any agreements.
Choose the Right Dimensions
Following this, you’ve got to decide how big you want the business card to be. While there is a lot of freedom when it comes to things like colour, design, and even the material, you are strongly advised to be conventional in this regard. The vast majority of business cards are 84x55mm, precisely because this is the perfect size for slipping into a wallet.
Only Print in CMYK Colours
Print materials can be created in one of two colour modes; CMYK (cyan, magenta, yellow, and black) or RGB (red, green, and blue). If you are putting together a business card, CMYK is always the best choice. It masks tones printed on a white or light coloured background, so the content is never overly difficult to read. It also stops the material from reflecting too much light.
Consider Bleed Requirements
If your business card design doesn’t have a white background, you’ll need to make accommodations for the bleed area. This is something that your printer should be able to explain and help you out with if you’re not quite sure. Essentially, the bleed area is a thin border around your design which is the same shade as the background. That way, if any of the ink over-spills the borders of the design, you won’t be able to see it.
Try To Avoid Distinct Borders
The problem with bordered designs is that they leave no room for error. Even though modern printing methods are very precise, it isn’t always possible to prevent minor mistakes. If you insist on a border and the cards are cut just the slightest bit thinner on one side, it will be noticeable. This is why borders are discouraged; a block background hides all manner of sins and ensures that your design will come out looking flawless.
Use Complementary Colours
When it comes to the actual design of the business card, you need to choose colours that fit smoothly together. Fortunately, the basic colour wheel can help you with this. For instance, orange and blue are complimentary tones, because they sit opposite one another on the wheel. So do red and green and yellow and purple. There is a scientific basis to this, so it is worth thinking about how best to match up your chosen shades.
Never Forget to Proofread
This might sound like an obvious piece of advice, but you’d be surprised at just how many businesses don’t proofread their designs before giving a printer the go ahead. Once the run has started, you don’t get another shot. It is your responsibility to make sure that there are no spelling mistakes or typos. It takes mere seconds to check and it could end up saving you the cost of a wasted job.
How to Make the Right Business Card Choices
If you want to end up with a beautiful business card that is guaranteed to make an impact, you need to make the right decisions. This means avoiding the temptation to rush the design and printing process. Ask questions, consider your design from every angle, and take the time to check all of your specifications. Every year, print runs are wasted and money is lost, because teams don’t proofread and scrutinise their designs before they give the go ahead.