How to design a business card

On any given day, around 27 million business cards are printed. This is why now, more than ever, learning how to design a business card that stands out from the pack is vital to increasing your company’s success. The problem is that many business owners don’t know where to begin with this process, while others don’t realize just how important these pocket-sized cards are for their growth.

Business cards provide a first impression of your business, showcase your brand, provide your contact details, and offer your business more credibility — all within a single card that can be held in the palm of your hand.

We’ve written this beginner’s guide on how to design a business card, so you’ll know in advance what are the most important parts you should include within your business card design and tell your designer what you exactly want.

How to design a business card in 9 steps

Step 1. Decide what information to add

The first step is to plan exactly what information will be included. Generally, every business card should contain the following elements:

  • Logo
  • Company name
  • Tagline
  • Your name
  • Job title
  • Website
  • Contact details

Here is what you should include on the front of your card

On a standard, two-sided business card, the front is no doubt extremely important as it is often the first thing a recipient will see. Imagine the front of your card as a mini shopfront, which should portray vital, eye-catching, and memorable information such as your business’s logo, company name, and tagline.

  • Logo. Your logo is a single visual representation of your company. Therefore, it should signify who your company is, including what it does and what it stands for.
  • Your company name. The name of your company should be the largest text on your business card. This is because it’s the piece of information that is not only the most important but also that you want to remain the most memorable to potential clients. Along with its large size, your company name should also have plenty of whitespace around it to ensure it stands out and doesn’t look cramped within the space.
  • A tagline. Think about how you can summarize who your company is and what you do within just six words or less. This is what your tagline is, and it will further enhance your brand identity and allow your business card to stand out.

Here is what you should include on the back of your card

The back of your card focuses on important contact details which allow others to connect with your products or services on a deeper level.

  • Your name. Adding your first and last name to the back of your business card gives it a personal touch. Not only does it assist the card’s recipient to remember your name, but it also establishes a deeper and more ‘human’ connection with your business. Your name should be the most prominent feature on the back of your card design.
  • Your job title. Showcase your area of expertise, and therefore how you can assist people, by publishing your job title either next to or below your name. It also serves as a great way to jog their memory should they require your specific services.
  • Logo. While your logo takes pride in its position on the front of your business card, it should also be featured on the back of the card, although in a smaller and less eye-catching way. Doing so reinforces your brand and maintains the card’s professional design. This is where a monochromatic or black and white version of your logo comes in handy too, as you may choose to only use attention-grabbing color on the front of the company business card.
  • Website address. Your company’s website is another vital piece of information that should be included in your business card design, as it encourages further engagement from the recipient. Keep in mind that a visit to your website will be a potential next step when viewing your business card. Therefore, you’ll want to ensure both your card and website have similarities in design, including the color scheme and typography.
  • Contact details (email, phone number, address). Your business card should also encourage the recipient to interact further with your brand by contacting you. This is why you should also include your main contact details, including your email address, phone number, and company address (if you have a physical office or store).

Step 2. Choose your size

The standard size of a business card varies slightly, depending on region, but can be measured as the following:

  • North American: 3.5 × 2 inches (88.9 × 50.8 mm)
  • European: 3.346 × 2.165 inches (85 × 55 mm)
  • Oceania: 3.54 × 2.165 inches (90 × 55 mm)

There’s a good reason behind this standard size too. Generally, business cards are made to be the same size as a credit card or license, thus allowing them to fit into the card slots of a purse or wallet more smoothly.

Despite being the most common dimensions for a business card, that doesn’t mean other sizes don’t exist. Here are just some of the other popular business card sizes printers can offer:

  • Square business cards, which measure 2.5 x 2.5 inches
  • Rounded corner business cards, which measure 3.5 x 2 inches with quarter-inch rounded corners
  • Mini cards, which measure 1.1 x 2.75 inches and offer a slimline design

There are also multiple other important measurements to take into account when designing a business card. These include the bleed area, trim line, and safety line.

These areas and their measurements will vary depending on the size of the card and the individual printer’s requirements, however.

Bleed area

The bleed area is the outermost part of the card that is likely to be cut off during the printing phase. Designers use this area to extend the card’s background color or pattern beyond the actual size of the card. This means once the card is cut down to its correct size, you won’t be left with any unsightly white borders.

For a standard-sized business card measuring 3.5 x 2 inches, the bleed area would measure 3.61 x 2.11 inches.

Trim line

The trim line is the line along which the business card is cut. This line helps a printer to ensure all card designs are evenly distributed and perfectly straight. It also guarantees each business card adheres to the same desired measurements.

Generally, the trim line is set at 0.125 inches (3 mm) from the edge of the bleed area. The trim area simply measures the same as the desired dimensions of the card.

Safety line

The safety line marks out the safe printing area, which is the space where you place your important information and design elements. To guarantee nothing gets cut off, keep everything inside this area, rather than the trim or bleed areas.

On a standard business card, the safe printing area measures 3.36 x 1.86 inches.

Business card in pixels

We’ve used inches to describe business card sizing however when being created, a designer will refer to pixels as the form of business card measurement. This is because the business card will be designed digitally using computer software, and pixels are the measurement of digital image files.

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In this setting, the actual size of a standard business card is 1050 x 600 pixels. Additionally, the full bleed size is 1083 x 633 pixels, and the safe printing area is 1008 x 558 pixels.

Step 3. Choose your shape

Although the majority of business cards you see are rectangular, that doesn’t mean you have to adhere to this shape if you don’t want to. Many businesses aim to think outside of the box with their business card design and opt for a unique shape. The process that achieves these unique business card shapes is known as die-cutting.

Die-cut business cards

Just like the printing process, die-cutting is a mechanized operation. It allows multiple pieces of the same shape to be created in a fast and effective manner.

In printing, a die refers to a thin, razor-sharp steel blade that has been formed into a specific shape or pattern. Printing companies usually have many of these pre-made shapes already on hand however, those seeking a custom shape will have to have a specialized die created.

There are many advantages to opting for a die-cut business card design, instead of a standard rectangle. Uniquely shaped business cards are more memorable, and impactful, and can creatively be matched to suit your logo or branding.

Just some of the common, readily available sizes and shapes for die-cut business cards include:

  • Rounded corners, measuring 2 x 3.5 inches, 2 x 2 inches, and 1.75 x 3.5 inches
  • Leaf shape, measuring 2 x 3.5 inches
  • Single rounded corner, measuring 2 x 3.5 inches
  • Half-circle, measuring 2 x 3.5 inches
  • Oval, measuring 2 x 3.5 inches
  • Circle, measuring 2.5 inches

When contemplating a unique shape for your business cards, there are some things you’ll want to consider. First, how easy is the card to store, especially in a wallet or cardholder? Second, a special shape might seem unique and fun, but it can potentially harm your credibility within formal industries.

A die can also cut out a shape from within the center of a business card. This allows a company to get creative with the design of their business card, yet still, conform to the standard rectangular shape and size.

Step 4. Choose the paper and stock type

Once you’ve got the size and shape of your business cards sorted, it’s time to determine what paper and stock type you will use. There are numerous different types of paper and stock to consider for your design, so let’s take an in-depth look at each one below.

100 lb gloss cover cards

Due to its lightweight, low production cost, and wide availability, business cards printed on 100 lb gloss cover cardstock are quite popular. Although they offer plenty of benefits, they are known as a cheaper and flimsier option because they’re thinner than other business card stock types, and therefore, more bendable. If you’re a business that frequently hands out business cards in large numbers (such as at events or trade shows) and doesn’t mind the less-durable material, then 100 lb gloss cover cardstock may meet your needs.

14/16-point cardstock

Both 14- and 16-point cardstock paper options give a luxury appearance with a durable feel, making them less prone to wear and tear. The 14-point cardstock is a high-quality paper option, while the denser 16-point cardstock is considered to be extra-thick for those wanting a long-lasting, robust business card that makes a lasting first impression.

This cardstock’s thickness also makes it suitable for special finishing options or coatings such as embossing, debossing, letter pressing, and more.

Thick and uncoated cardstock

If you’re considering a cardstock that’s thicker, more durable, and more textured than the 14/16-point cardstock discussed previously, then thick, uncoated, 24-point, or 32-point cardstock might be the answer.

This type of cardstock is uncoated, unlike the more common semi-gloss paper finish. This allows the cardstock to have more of a natural paper feel and texture, plus completely minimizes any glare, as the surface isn’t reflective. Additionally, uncoated paper is the easiest paper type to write on with a pen or pencil without smudging.

Kraft cardstock

Some printing companies also offer luxury cardstock such as Kraft cardstock, which gives business cards an eco-friendly, recycled paper look. The cardstock’s natural brown color also makes it the only paper type available for white ink printing. Additionally, Kraft paper is used in 18-point thickness, meaning that it is both thick and durable.

Linen cardstock

Linen business cards are printed on lightweight, 100 lb cardstock, and they contain a cross-hatched texture that gives them a luxurious feel when compared to other paper types. Because the linen cardstock is ultra-white, it also helps colored design elements to stand out.

Pearl cardstock

Pearl cardstock has a pearlescent and metallic effect, allowing business cards to shimmer when light bounces off the paper’s surface. They are often available in 14-point cardstock thickness, making them less bendable than linen cardstock, yet still relatively lightweight in design.

Triple-layer business cards

Triple-layer business cards, also known as sandwich business cards or trifecta business cards, include a colored middle layer sandwiched between two layers of white cardstock. They’re extremely thick and sturdy at 32-point thickness, and also allow you to add another dimension of branding to your business card through an additional color. Triple-layer business cards can also include a variety of finishings, whether it be gloss, matte, or soft-touch lamination.

Step 5. Choose your typeface

As we delve deeper into how to design a business card, you will have learned by now that a successful business card isn’t just about the information you include, but also how you present it.

This is why the next step, choosing your business card typeface, is crucial to your business card design. The font you choose should capture attention, be easily readable, and represent your brand. Therefore, if you’ve already been using a specific font on your website or within your marketing materials, ensure it carries over to your business card design too.

If you need to choose a typeface completely from scratch, however, don’t fret. We’ll talk about each of the common typefaces below, as well as how you can use them correctly.

Serif

A serif font has decorative strokes or “feet” on each letter, known as serifs. Serif fonts are some of the oldest known fonts to date, and therefore give brands a traditional, well-established, and authoritative look. Because of our heavy exposure to serif fonts, many believe this type of font improves readability. Additionally, the decorative strokes on each letter assist our eyes to move across the text quickly and easily. They are therefore commonly used in sub-text, such as in a business’s slogan or contact details.

Some of the most commonly used serif fonts include Times New Roman, Garamond, Baskerville, Georgia, and Courier New.

Sans-serif

A sans-serif font is one whose letters do not contain the decorative stroke or serif. They are more modern than their sans-serif counterparts and convey simplicity and minimalism. This restraint lends itself well to business names or headings on a business card, as sans-serif fonts are easy to read from a distance. They are also popularly used for digital display text, making them a good font choice to use across both digital and print branding.

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Some widely used sans-serif fonts include Helvetica, Avant-Garde, Arial, and Geneva.

Script

A script font mimics the fluid strokes and cursive style of handwriting. The letters are usually rounded and slanted to the right, creating a sense of elegance, creativity, or fun. This makes script fonts great for capturing attention; however, because they’re not as easily legible as serif and sans-serif fonts, you should avoid using them for long sections of text. They can, however, be effective when used on the second-tier text on a business card, such as a tagline or sub-heading that is appropriately sized for easy reading.

How to combine fonts on your business card

To design a successful business card, we recommend using just two different fonts for cohesion. You should avoid pairing fonts that look similar, so a good rule of thumb is to pair a serif with a sans-serif or a script with a sans-serif.

Create a visual hierarchy and decide which information should be most prominent on your business card. This would include your company name, followed by your slogan, as well as your name. Other information, such as contact details, can appear in smaller font sizes.

If you do have to include small print, use a sans-serif font for optimal legibility. Additionally, try not to use a font size smaller than 8pt. Prominent information such as your company name or full name, however, should be between 10pt-16pt, depending on how much space is available.

You can also use different font weights, such as bold, regular, or italic, of the same font to create contrast between headings, sub-headings, and text.

Step 6. Consider special finishing options and coatings

One of the final pieces in the puzzle when creating a business card is to determine what finishing or coating your card will have. There are several to choose from, each with its advantages and disadvantages, so let’s look at these in detail below.

Matte

Matte coatings are one of the most common finishes for a business card. Matte paper has a light coating that provides a contrast boost to images, but reflects no light, therefore resulting in less glare than other coatings. Business cards with a matte finish are also quite durable and are far less likely to fade or wear when compared to non-coated business cards.

Matte finishes can also be used in combination with other different finishes, allowing you to easily create a unique focal point within your design. You might combine it with a spot UV embossed logo, for example, which makes the logo pop out and look shiny compared to the rest of the card.

Matte business cards do have some downsides, however. Their non-glossy appearance means dirt, oil, and fingerprints are particularly noticeable once they get onto the surface, while the coating also prevents ink from being applied to it.

Gloss / semi-gloss

Gloss or semi-gloss business cards have a shiny and smooth finish, which reflects the light. This finish highlights the contrast and helps colors look more vibrant. Additionally, the glossy coating provides additional protection against wear and tear.

Due to their shiny and reflective finish, gloss and semi-gloss business cards can be difficult to read under light. Plus, although they work well for business cards featuring photographs, the gloss and semi-gloss style is often thought to be a little outdated when compared to matte and velvet lamination finishes.

Velvet lamination

While a matte coating generally just feels like normal paper, velvet lamination appeals to a person’s sense of touch with its smooth, velvety soft feel. It’s also fingerprint resistant, as well as protection against scratches and scruffs. The premium, rubber-like feel also gives the business card better grip and stability.

One thing to keep in mind with this finish, however, is that the design’s original colors will appear duller once printed. This is due to its ultra-matte coating.

Spot UV / Varnish

A spot UV, or varnish, finish makes a section of your business card pop out slightly so it’s raised from the rest of the card. This gives the section a textured look and allows people to run their fingers over your logo, therefore adding a 3D effect to your business card.

Unlike embossing, a section that has been spot UV-finished doesn’t have the recessed effect on the other side of the card. Additionally, a spot UV finish applies a shine to the raised element, whereas embossing maintains a uniform coating, but just raises a single element.

Embossed / Debossed / Letterpressed

Embossing, debossing, and letter pressing have many similarities, yet it’s important to point out how they differ from one another:

  • Embossed: raised, giving an element on the card a pop-out effect
  • Debossed: recessed, giving an element an indented look and feel
  • Letterpressed: a slight debossing effect that produces less of a recessed effect on the other side of the card

If you want to make a single element stand out, using these processes to either raise or recess that element from the rest of your business card can do so effectively. However, keep in mind that the other side of the card will also be impacted.

Foil Stamped

Foil stamping is another eye-catching finish you can have applied to elements of your business card. It involves heat pressing a thin layer of foil to the card, so the area is metallic and slightly recessed. Popular foil colors include gold and silver, which add an elegant look, however other colors such as black, copper, rose gold, and more are often available. Furthermore, this effect can be used on both matte-laminate and gloss-laminated cards.

As you might imagine, this effect can be more expensive than the other business card finishings, so is often used in moderation or small print runs.

Edge colors

Also referred to as border colors, edge colors allow you to add color to the edges of your card, further giving them another design element that ties in with your branding. This is one of the least-known business card finishes, yet it produces an eye-catching and stunning result.

Step 7. Think of creative ways to make your business card stand out

If you’re looking for even more creative ways to make your business card stand out from the pack, then we’ve got you covered. From plastic and square-shaped cards to metal business cards — the following fun ideas are certainly worth considering.

Transparent business cards

Think outside of the box and position your company as innovative and modern with a unique, plastic business card. There are three types of plastic cards available, clear, frosted, and white. Let’s look at each of these below, as well as why you might consider this style for your business card.

1. Clear

Clear business cards are completely transparent on both sides, allowing viewers to see through them. They are particularly suited to clean, minimalistic designs that draw attention to the company logo and basic information. Due to their transparent nature, elements should only be printed on one side.

2. Frosted

Frosted business cards have a similar effect to a frosted glass window, allowing the card to be semi-transparent. This allows the colors and text to pop against the frosted background giving it a sleek and modern appearance.

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3. White

Unlike the clear and frosted options, a white plastic business card allows you to print your design on a completely opaque, white plastic background. This gives your business card the smoothness, thickness, and durability of a credit card or license. It also allows you to maximize your card’s space by printing on both sides, as the information won’t be visible from the other side.

Reasons to use plastic business cards

  • Durability: They have a longer life than traditional, paper business cards due to their thickness and inability to be folded, scrunched up, or torn.
  • Waterproof: They prevent your important business details from being washed away by an accidental spill.
  • Memorable: In a stack of traditional, paper-based cards, a plastic business card will stand out and allow your business to remain memorable.
  • Unique: Because plastic cards aren’t the norm, they often take people by surprise.
  • Perceived value: Due to their similarity to important cards such as credit cards and licenses, recipients will associate your company with a heightened worth.

Square business cards

Square business cards take inspiration from their traditional, rectangular counterparts, but are unique and creative enough to stand out from the pack. The alternative shape and size feel unfamiliar in a recipient’s hand, and instantly receives attention. This alone can make a square-shaped business card a better marketing tool, as it is distinct without being jarring.

Some other advantages of a square business card include:

  • Extra space for the content which gives you additional opportunities to market your brand
  • A convenient shape that still easily fits into a pocket or wallet
  • A contemporary design that highlights your business’s ability to think outside of the square (pun intended)
  • Affordability, as they are not as complex to produce as other die-cut shapes

Metal business cards

Another emerging trend in business card design is metal cards, which provide the wow factor many companies desire. They’re available in stainless steel, gold metal, black metal, copper metal, and more, allowing companies to achieve a luxurious look and feel.

Metal business cards also offer the following benefits:

  • Great first impression, as recipients won’t be able to put the card away without glancing over it first
  • Enhanced brand image, as the exceptionally high-quality material and design translates to your company values
  • Durability, as metal is a more robust material than paper or plastic
  • Waterproof, preventing spills from ruining your business card or its content
  • Higher perceived value, as recipients will assume the card was expensive to produce and will feel respected for having received one
  • Conversation starters, as recipients will likely have never seen a metal business card before and ask how it was designed

Step 8. Find a designer

The next exciting step in the process of creating a business card is to find a great designer. This is often the part a business finds daunting, as they don’t know where to look, however, Fiverr has a large selection of freelance business card designers for hire.

When searching, make sure you use the filters located at the top, left-hand side of the page to narrow down your choices. You can select the seller level and language, as well as budget, desired delivery time, and special delivery options such as image file format or source file, for example.

When you find an appropriate designer, do some additional research to ensure they meet your needs. Check out their portfolio to see their recent projects and make sure you pay attention to their gig’s description and reviews to see exactly what they have to offer.

There are many reasons why you should hire a professional business card designer rather than work with someone with little to no experience, or try to design the card yourself.

1. Depth of skill

Designing a successful business card requires a depth of skill that only a qualified and experienced designer has. This includes an ability to apply creativity through conceptual thought, technical execution, and knowledge and application of design principles.

2. Experience

Designers can specialize in a wide range of artistic pursuits, but a business card designer has the knowledge and practical experience to design a business card that looks great and helps to convert recipients into customers.

3. Professionalism

A professional designer will understand the importance of adhering to deadlines, having excellent communication skills, and responsiveness. Therefore, you’re likely to have a more positive experience than if you were working with someone who isn’t a professional in this field.

4. Investment

Business cards are an investment in the future success of your company, so this task shouldn’t be taken lightly. They’re a useful marketing tool that acts like a mini-billboard in your pocket and has the potential to increase your business reach and profit. Because they create such high potential value for you and your company, their design should only be left to the advanced skills that professional designers can provide.

Step 9. Evaluate your delivery

The final step is to evaluate the business card design to determine if it meets the brief and assists your brand with putting its best foot forward. To do this, examine your delivered design and ask yourself the following questions:

  • Does it contain the most vital business information? This includes your logo, company name, tagline, your name, job title, website, and contact details (including phone number, email address, and location).
  • Is it easy to read the information at a single glance? Your design shouldn’t be too crowded, and each element should have appropriate whitespace around it to ensure legibility.
  • Does the design reflect your branding and personality? It should communicate what consumers can expect from your company, whether it’s professionalism, humor, or simplicity.
  • Do the typefaces used to represent your brand? The themes conveyed through these fonts should convey who you are and what you do. They should also be cohesive with your other marketing materials, such as your website.
  • Can the card be repurposed and provide extra value to the recipient? Think about using the reverse side of the card as a blank space for appointment reminders or other notes. Alternatively, consider turning your business card into a magnet so it works twice as hard for you.
  • Is the logo front and center? Or do other elements take pride in place?
  • Does the card include a call to action? This provides the recipient with instructions on what they should do next, such as calling to schedule a meeting or visiting your website.

Boost your success with a business card

Remember, business cards don’t just look great. They also provide the first impression of your business, showcase your brand, provide your contact details, and offer your business more credibility – all within a single card.

As you’ve learned in this guide, creating a successful business card doesn’t have to be a difficult, expensive, or tedious task. Thanks to this new knowledge, as well as the help of a business card designer, you too can reap the endless advantages that having a well-designed business card provides.