Why Business Cards Are Still Relevant
We live in a technical world where most interactions are instant, and people go about their day with their heads down, looking at a phone. Yet there is still something to be said about a physical leave behind that will offer a more lasting impression. A window can be closed, and an email deleted, but a business card, if nicely designed, might end up staying in a potential customer’s wallet.
What makes for a great business card? Make an indelible impression!
Use high quality paper stock. If your card feels thin and flimsy, with perforations around the sides, or there are thin white lines running through your text (curse you, inkjet printer), you’re probably not instilling confidence in your prospective clients. Remember, first impressions count.
Make it unique. Separate yourself from your competitors. Make your card visually interesting with creative flair. Add raised lettering, or an embossed logo to the design.
Attractive design. Whether you use a free business template, like Avery, or have your card professionally designed, the look should be uncluttered, feature your logo, and be unified with the use of no more than 2 font families.
Your logo serves as your brand. Does it accurately represent your company? Anyone looking at your business card, should immediately know the type of services that you offer, or what you are selling.
One of our designers, Nong Vang created a dynamic logo for the company
Ankle Swagger, a cool site that offers subscription packages for the hottest looks in socks, at below retail prices with the subscription.
Size matters. Not too big – If you don’t want your card to be relegated to the trash or recycle bin, go with a standard size card of 3.5″ x 2″ for your business card. Larger cards won’t fit into a wallet or most business card holders. Not too small – Watch your font size. You might think that if you use a smaller font size, you’ll be able to provide more information, but if a customer can’t read it, without a magnifying glass, it is information that won’t register or be retained. Considering that most adults over the age of 35 use reading glasses, you limit your audience when your type size is smaller than 7 point. Your key information, such as your name, will read well at 9 points, and your company name will be golden between 12- 15 points.
Color makes it pop. Using color, although sparingly in your design, will give it that extra WOW factor. Think about two black and white business cards, placed side by side. Great design, clean layout with all of the relevant information, yet add a line, symbol, or word in red, and your eye will be drawn to the card with color and extra contrast. Also, stay away from light gray text on a white background, and dark lettering on a black background. It might look cool, but it isn’t kind to the eye when it comes to reading.
WWHC ( Who – What – How – Contact) All the relevant information that you need to list: WHO = Company Name? WHAT = What do you do? HOW = Your approach. CONTACT = Your name, phone, fax #, and don’t forget your Website Address!
Border7 Studios is excited to share our new business cards that were designed by our Creative Director, Ken Tran.
Our card answers all of the WWHC questions. WHO – We are Border7 Design and Development, WHAT – our logo and company name are on the front, while on the back of the card, we tell you exactly WHAT we do, “We Build Great Websites.” The HOW is answered when you see the wonderful platforms that we partner with, to offer you the best solution for your website needs. CONTACT information is found on the back, along with a white box to write in our name, or make a note, and is another great way for a company to share one unifying design with all of their employees.
Get the right business card, and who knows, you might actually have an answer for the CapitalOne credit card pitchman, when referring to a potential customer: “What’s in THEIR wallet?” Your business card, of course!
If you need your business card designed for you, or want to know more about what Border7 can do for your business, please contact us. We’d love to hear from you!
