Best visiting card/business card ideas for small business owners

A visiting card or a business card is a ready reminder of your contact details. Someone wishing to reach you can have the necessary information, phone number, or email address handy.

A business card beyond the primary purpose shows off your personality; it leaves an impression on the people you meet, more than any handshake or a smile.

A well-designed card speaks of your creativity and your business's status (company you represent or own set-up). The card acts as a silent and soft promo material reminding your customers and associates of your personality. How you design your card can make a difference to your professional image.

In the commercial world, promotion plays a significant role. Promoting a product, service, or establishment is a specialised and critical job. A small business owner faces challenges of many kinds, and one of them is finding funds for promotion. The business card can extend adequate support – an attractively designed card will convey a good impression of the individual along with regular contact information.

An idea means a thought or a suggestion- some interesting thoughts on business card designs are shared in this article so that it can spark some creativity in you!

Essential components of a business card

1. Name of the person

It is the most prominent text of a business card. However, some small organisations use the name of the business (or the organisation) instead of any individual. For large companies, names usually indicate the specific contact person to the recipient (of the business card).

2. Job title

For a small business owner or an entrepreneur, the title is optional. In the case of the employees of a large company, it is necessary to indicate the level or category of employment( like Officer, Manager, President)

3. Name of the organisation

An essential piece of information (even if the individual's name is left out, a card must have the organisation’s name).

4. Logo

It is the visual identity of an organisation. Along with the name, the logo helps in building image, association and adds recall value.

5. Address

A physical or a mailing address is a specific part of a business card. The growth of the internet has changed the face of communication, and today it is impossible to think of a card without an email address. (It will convey a poor impression on the business if that happens). Some individuals and organisations prefer to include the web page address as well.

6. Phone numbers

Basic requirement. The decision to include/exclude specific numbers like Home, alternative mobile phone, is entirely on the individual.

7. Product range or list of services

Many small firms typically add details of their products. Business details help in the recall by customers and additional revenue generation. You should avoid a long list as it clutters up the card. It is not uncommon to find cards with two-sided print or folded design to enhance the card's usefulness.

8. Graphic Images

Used to improve the decorative value of the card and make it more attractive. Graphics provide uniqueness to business cards, and many companies use creativity to the maximum so that the card stands out.

The design basics: adding value to your card

1. Typography

The choice of typography (font) for the card's text is an important decision since the reader (recipient of your card) engages with the letters. Along with the primary objective of information sharing, the typography is integral to create an impression and express your approach.

A card with clear, bold traditional lettering conveys a serious, business-like approach. In contrast, a coloured card with artistic lettering will communicate a light-hearted, fun-loving image. The business card of a studio owner or a fashion designer will be well suited with a cheerful personality.

2. Layout

Business cards have a limitation of space, thus offering little room for a creative layout. Colour, blank space, proportion, and matching typography are the different elements available to the card designer. The company logo, too (in case there is one), forms part of the design layout.

3. Paper

The paper's quality plays a vital role in creating an overall impression (by the business card). Paper can improve the perceived value in business cards in the same way as in packaging ( A well-crafted box conveys the impression that the sweets inside are also okay; it may not be in reality). Compromising on the paper's quality on cost considerations can undo the advantages of a well-designed business card.

Some of the common varieties of paper used for cards are glossy, matte, non-tearable, velvet touch eco-friendly.

4. Shape

A business card's symmetrical shape is essential for conveying a clear, straight forward impression about you. Standard or classic designs define the symmetrical shape. A typical size is 55mm by 85mm.

Some may have the corners rounded of a standard card for a new look. People try odd shapes (oversized, square, triangular) to be unique in design to stand out in many cards. Such an experiment with design may suit some particular business owners ( in entertainment, photography, or similar businesses). Still, for the majority of business people, the regular symmetrical shape will convey the right message.

Conclusion

A sound business card is among the initial steps for attracting the customers' attention and creating a lasting impression about you / your business. Having understood the utility of a business card, get one for yourself, combining the idea with utility.

Online options for business cards provide a ready solution to small businesses owners for an influential designer for a tastefully designed card. Several e-commerce ventures offer pre-designed Card templates as well as fully printed ones.

Also read:
Print-on-Demand: Business idea to Sell Custom Merchandise
Best Tips for Customer Retention for a Small Business
Social Media Ideas For Business.
10 Best Ways to Promote Your Small Business

FAQs

Q. How can I get an attractive business card for my supply business? I live in a small town.

Ans: In your type of business cards are a daily requirement. A well-designed card will convey a good impression of you and your business. Remember the design guidelines at the time of ordering your next pack of cards.

Select a bold font, use a clean layout without cluttering the card with too much information on your business. Highlight the contact details (phone/email/business hours if you follow one). Ensure all your text copy is at least 5 mm from the card's edge for proper readability and focus. Use colour and graphics if you are comfortable.

If you are unable to find a printer who can handle design (of the card) as per your requirements, try online sources in a small town. Vistaprint is one such supplier.

Q. Can I get ideas for my business card on the internet?

Ans: The internet is a rich source of information and service. From idea to ready cards, everything is available for you to search.

Canva is a design resource where you can get selections for your business card, free of cost. There are several other websites too, where you will get a similar service. Printshop, IndiaMART offers design ideas and printed cards also.

Q. I run my family business with my brother. Can we have two names on our business card?

Ans: A business card provides personal contact information. Using a graphic design, bold fonts, or an attractive layout adds value to the card, and it becomes a first-line promotional medium.

Two names in one card may create clutter and are not recommended. Too much text (two names, phone numbers) will jumble up the design of the card. It may also confuse the recipient.

An option could be getting the card done in your business firm's name, highlighting the same. You can add both names in small print below the title if you cannot avoid mentioning them.

Q. What paper is best for business cards, and what is the cost of making cards for my business?

Ans: The most popular and commonly used paper for making visiting cards in India is 14/16 point cardstock. The 16 pt extra thick variety can convey a unique impression (of the individual). A thinner type is the 100 lb gloss cover, which is a little cheaper than cardstock.

An indicative cost per card for a print order of 1000 cards is as follows:

Standard type, the plain variety, rate per piece: a) on 300 gsm art Rs.2.90; b) on texture paper Rs. 3.20 d) on metallic paper 3.80 e) on laminated art paper Rs.3.50.

Q. Should I add a logo to my business card? I own a small catering company.

Ans: A logo helps you to connect with your customer. It gives you a unique identity and separates your business from similar ones.

You must get a logo professionally designed and start using it in all your communications, starting with your business card. Using the design elements (typography, layout, paper, and logo) in the right proportion will make a business card more effective as a medium of expression.