Welcome back! In our previous blog we talked about some basic pieces of a business card that you will need to design the basic factors, such as name, business, logo, and address. Once you have established these pieces, you are able to get into the more detailed aspects of your business which you would like to showcase.
Designing Business Cards Cont.
Tagline
After you have decided the business logo, general contact information, and title you would like to have, the next step is a tagline. While giving a description of your position in your company is helpful, a tagline is used to draw the recipient in, convincing them to take the last step in further looking into your company. Explained another way, the tagline is the why of what you do. For example, if you were an interior designer you could use the tagline, “Making a house, your home”, or “Making your home as unique as you are.” It provides a unique opportunity for you to express a bit of your personality and passion behind what you do, as well as attempts to connect with the recipient in an effort to stand out.
Another option to a tagline is creating an incentive for them to visit your site or contact the company. This could mean anything from a promotional offer, or a simple encouragement to check out your business, such as “Call today to schedule a free consultation!” Feel free to get creative with this approach. To incentivise your potential clientele, consider marketing a special offer exclusively available with the possession of your business card, or a code located on it. If you choose to go this route, make the rest of the business card brief and simple. The recipient is more likely to respond to a straightforward call to action than a business card with a busy design.
Picturesque
One of the best ways to personalize, or get creative, with a business card is adding a picture – either as a backdrop, or by dedicating a portion of the card to the picture itself. In this case, it’s helpful to choose based on your industry type. For realtors, having a face to connect with a name is extremely helpful. However, if you’re selling clothes at a boutique, you probably want to steer clear of a portrait and gear more towards an artistic flair. Illustrations are also an option that can provide a unique flair. Anything from a cartoon mascot of the company, to a simple drawing of a few key indicators of your industry (e.g. as an interior designer, this could be drapes/curtains on the ends of the card) can be a fun option to consider. Whichever route you choose, this personal touch can add dynamic and personality to your car and set you apart from other competitors out there.
Never Sacrifice Quality
In the list of top priorities for designing a business card is the making sure the material you choose is quality. Cardstock is the best route to go for material, but don’t immediately reach for lowest quality/cheapest option. There is a wide variety of options in the cardstock world and it’s important to understand that you are representing your company as a whole. Compromising on a first impression, when it comes to a professional interaction, is never a wise move. To get a better understanding for what the material will look/feel like, try ordering some samples of different types of paper before making your decision.
Side note: If your business is focused around being eco-friendly, or if you really value being less wasteful, consider looking into a recycled material for your business cards. As stated in our previous blog, 88% of business cards are thrown out within the first week. This accumulates to more than 9 million business cards annually. Printing on recycled paper is a great way to clear your conscience and may be a great way to connect with the recipients of your card.
Other Materials
So standard cardstock doesn’t fit your style, no problem! There are multiple materials you can choose from to promote your business and yourself. Here are just a few additional options:
Imprinting
Whichever imprinting method you choose will pivot around the material you have chosen for your business card. Imprinting gives your card some dimension as well as a focal point. You can choose to imprint your logo, or your business name if you decide. From here there are a few imprinting methods to choose from:
Metal
Let’s say you have a business in the brewery industry. Though expensive, printing on metal is an option. Making your card double as, let’s say, a bottle opener would give purpose for the recipient to make use of it. As a result, they are more likely to hang on to it, and seek you or your business down the road. Again, making these pieces simple is the best route to take. Including your name, contact information, and company name is all you really need.
Wood
Even paper that is designed to look like wood, with varying textures, will stand out against the rest. In niche businesses or specific industries, like a leather making company, using the material you work with as a specialty can be a great option for business cards. Giving your potential clientele a tangible experience of your business by simply handing them a card is often all they need to have their interest sparked. Being unique and intentional is the name of the game in this case.
Food
For the exuberant butcher out there, did you know you could print your card on meat? While it may be weird, it’s one of the most unique directions to go! Plus, what better way to set yourself apart from competitors than making your business card an edible one? If you own and operate a candy store, you can look into printing on chocolate, or even the wrapper of a signature treat. Any type of food that doesn’t spoil quickly is an option!
Card Finish
Depending on the material chosen for your business card, you will want to look into a finish to help increase it’s durability or help it stand out a bit more. Let’s look at a few options you have for the finish:
Embossing
Embossing logos or words can give an elegant, yet bold texture to your card. Debossing is also an option (pressed in instead of raised up). This points out another crucial rule of business cards: Adding texture of any sort to your card often means you will need to increase your font size. When in doubt, always step the size up a notch and make it a bit more bold. While it may look good on a screen or sketch, having it imprinted on a card will often cause legibility issues.
Color & Foil
A classic choice for stamping is using a metallic foil. Adding shine and dimension, it’s the perfect option for a high-class industry that’s looking to go the extra mile. If you are drawn to the stamping approach, but aren’t looking for a bold statement like metallic, there are colors to choose from as well. Selecting a flat white against a colored card, for example, is a great way to add creativity without making a more prominent statement.
There are other options for imprinting on your business cards, including more generic approaches for simple cards. Doing a bit more research can help you determine which approach is right for you, or contact House of Printing today for our professional recommendations!
No matter the style, font, or finish you choose, House of Printing is here to meet all your needs! In the industry for over four decades, we have helped print a wide variety of posters, holiday cards, and business cards alike. We even offer overnight printing if you find yourself in a hurry, or if you find you’re down to the last few cards. To learn more about how you can design and print your business card, check back with us! At House of Printing, we meet all your printing needs under one roof.
Iridescent
For the really artistic individuals, this option can give the flair that is as unique as you are. Use it in specific places or sections on your card to bounce light and draw attention. Sheen is always a safe bet for catching eyes.
Laminating
While you’ll have to shovel out a bit more money for this option, laminating your cards adds durability and a subtle shine to them. Because business cards are often shoved in pockets, wallets, and purses, laminating them helps add a layer of protection against typical wear and tear.
Aqueous
Back to the eco-friendly individuals, aqueous is an eco-friendly option finish for business cards and is water-based. Giving the card a very subtle sheen with a stark base, this finish also provides versatility by offering different levels of coating. If you’d like, you can choose to opt for a higher sheen, or matte finish (no sheen) as well.