The world is currently going through its digital era. And even amidst such a technologically advanced time, business cards still play a pivotal role in the market. It is a crucial marketing strategy as it satisfies several fundamental needs of a professional such as advertising, recognition of the brand portfolio, appeal, and mainly contact details.
The features and overall appearance of a business or visiting card are critical, as it technically represents a company or business. If adequately styled, these pocket-sized billboards can turn mere strangers into life-long customers/partners. Their significance is often undervalued, and its absence would mean a lost opportunity. For example, merely earning a business card from companies like Telstra or Commonwealth Bank is a big deal in Australia.
Essential Tips to Remember While Printing Business Cards
Shape & Type of Card
With advancements in printing techniques and the increasing popularity of dice-cutting, one can either stick to the traditional rectangular shape or get creative and adopt unique designs. All this play an essential role in deciding on a variety, which includes:
- Techniques including unique typography.
- Minimalist and Maximalist designs.
- 3D incorporated designs.
- Compositions containing a business-related picture.
Size
This feature of business cards is significant, and one can choose to follow the standard size of the country or know them if you want to get creative with the shape.
For example:
- In Australia, the dimensions followed are 90 x 55 mm.
- In European countries, the dimensions followed are 85 x 55 mm.
Besides these proportions, one needs to keep the information at least 5 mm from the edge to prevent mishaps during cutting. This distance is called the ‘safety line’, and beyond this lies the trim line (a marking line for cutting) and bleed area (extra part of the card most likely to be removed)
Logo & Graphics
One feature that stands out in any form of presentation is the graphics, and with the technological advancements in graphic designing, using it to showcase your brand would be a wise choice.
The logo of the brand/company should be the standout of the layout, and though it is usually present on the front of the card, you can choose to add it to the back (in an artistic manner) too. Besides, trying out different colours to grab the viewer’s attention is unnecessary; simple and minimal text and graphics are also widely popular.
Composition & Typography
The information on the card should be brief and readable. Moreover, the portrayal of your business and the font should be colour-coordinated with the background, as this provides the viewer with a cute card to look at. Also, contact details should always be mentioned, without which the purpose of the card is thrown away.
Special Finishes (Optional)
Different techniques that provide your business card with that extra effect, though entirely optional, are worth investing in. A few of these techniques include embossing, spot UV coating, letter pressing, and foil stamping.
Finalising the Design & Picking a Designer
The choice of hiring a qualified designer is a personal decision to be made based on your financial ability. However, putting in extra effort and spending time with a designer to let them know your requirements will surely pay off.
Apart from these essentials, some go the extra mile and get their cards designed with scented inks or additional layers based on a theme. Besides, folded cards and transparent cards are also in trend nowadays.
A business card is the visual representation of your company or brand that one should prepare with their best effort. Nevertheless, these business tools are still an integral part of trade despite the emergence of platforms like LinkedIn, and they can be the factor that changes one’s dream or vision into reality.
