When it comes to marketing yourself or your business, a business card is still one of the most important tools you have at your disposal. It’s a succinct and straightforward way to introduce yourself to a prospective client. There’s a strength in handing over a physical object that is hard to ignore.
It’s not enough to have any business cards, though. To make business cards work for you as a marketing tool, you need to consider every element of their design. Unique business cards will make you stand out against your competition. The more memorable you are, the better.
If you’re lost as to what to put on the back of a business card or what to put on a business card for networking yourself, read on.
Below, we’re sharing nine creative business card ideas guaranteed to stand out and generate more business.
1. Leave Some Info Off
When you’re considering what information to put on your business cards, what you leave off is as important as what you include. You want to have your basic contact information, but you don’t want to have so much text that it looks cluttered and busy.
A good way to save space is to leave off your company’s physical address. It’s rare that anyone’s first means of contact with you would be through physical mail, so this information isn’t necessary for a business card.
As long as you have your name, company name, website, and email, you should be fine.
2. Choose an Appropriate Font
Once you’ve decided what to put on the back of a business card, it’s time to decide how you’re going to display that information. The font you choose could make your cards stand out in all the right ways.
Think about the personality of your business or brand, and choose a font that reflects that. If you’re in a more creative industry, choose a more playful font. If your company is more formal, choose a font that communicates that to your potential clients.
No matter what font you choose, make sure it’s readable at the smaller size you’ll likely be using on your cards.
3. Incorporate Color
Plain white business cards can be forgettable because there is nothing about them that stands out. Color, on the other hand, makes for unique business cards that are hard to ignore.
Incorporating color into your business cards can be tricky, though. You don’t want to overdo it and create something that is tricky or hard to look at. Keep it simple instead.
If you’re using color as the background of your card, keep the text color neutral. If you’re using color for the text on a white background, choose one color for all the writing.
Using color strategically will make your business cards feel modern, without being overwhelming.
4. Design Elements
If your company has a creative or well-designed logo, you should find a way to incorporate it into your business cards. To create unique business cards, you may want to include other design elements that will represent the nature of your company.
A whimsical design, creative pattern, or even an austere border can communicate a lot about your company and the way you do business. Think of the message you want to send first, and add a design element that supports that.
5. Make It Interactive
Thinking of creative business card ideas that are a little outside the box can be the best way to ensure that your card doesn’t get lost in the shuffle. There are many ways that you can make your card interactive and give it a purpose beyond promoting your business.
A QR code that clients can scan for more information on your company is a fun and functional interactive element.
6. Try Different Materials
You want your card to stand out to someone from the moment you put it in their hand. Creating unique business cards using different materials will accomplish that goal.
Suede and silk, for example, are a far cry from the typical card stock most companies use. A card that feels new and different in someone’s hand is going to demand their attention. They’re drawn to look beyond the design, and your unique style could compel them to reach out.
7. Include a Promotion
Clever business cards should provide a value for you–the person giving it out–and for the potential client who is receiving it. If you include a promotion on your business cards, you could be more likely to get a second interaction with that person.
The promotion can be a simple discount on their first purchase or service. Make sure that your business cards include a code or phrase they can reference, and you’ll be on your way to securing their business for good.
8. Make It Personal
White space can be powerful on a business card if you know how to use it. Most business cards are blank on the back, but clever business cards take advantage of that space.
Before you hand out a card to a potential client or a possible employer, take the time to write a handwritten note in that blank space. Mention how nice it was to meet that person at the place of your introduction.
That kind of personal attention is becoming rare, so even a line or two will make you stand out.
9. Include a Picture
Graphic design elements are great, but if you can include an actual picture on your business cards, that could be even better. Pictures are a great way to provide proof of the quality service that you’re promising.
Keep it to one picture that becomes the entire background of your card, or two small photos placed strategically. You want the pictures to enhance the overall look, not clutter the important information.
Ready to Make Your New Business Card?
To get the best results from your business cards, you need to take your time designing them. It’s not enough to put your name and phone number on a blank card. The more thoughtful you are, the more business you’ll see.
To get started with creating your perfect business card, please contact us today.