How to create the perfect business card

First off what should you even include on a business card? Well of course you need the business name/ logo on it and also some contact information whether this is for you personally as a representative of the business, the businesses main contact information. But how you display this information is the most important part. A business card is small so it is important you use the space on both the front and the back of the card. However do not over crowd the space, having white space around the type will not make it look empty but purposeful and professional.

What to put on the front

The front of the business card is where your logo, business name and tagline will sit. This should be larger than the information on the back. The hierarchy of text size is important here. The business name should always be bigger than the tagline. The logo, business name and tagline should always stick together imagine it like a sticker you can put the sticker in the middle or to one side but do not split the sticker into sections. You will still need a margin you don’t want the branding sticker to be cut off during printing. Have at least a 5mm margin all the way around the card to avoid this in the case of misprinting. For the front of the card the bigger the better this will be the only information on the front so use the space accordingly, if the logo is wide but not so tall use most of the width, if the logo is taller than wide use most of the height of the business card. Ensure there is enough space around the logo, business name and tagline to let it breathe and not be falling off the page but not so small that it looks awkward. Every logo will be different so this will have to be a decision on what looks best visually. If you are unsure ask a friend, family member or colleague for their honest opinion remember these business cards are not for you they are for other people so others need to think they look good!

The back

The back is arguably more important than the front, the front will make people pick one up but the back is how you get business so legibility and readability are very important. As already discussed the business card is a small area so having the point size of the type a readable size is important. Generally any size over 8pt will work and be readable however if you think it looks too small it is. Type often looks bigger on a screen than it is printed out so if you are unsure print it out on any piece of paper at 100% size and see how readable it is.

As for the information that goes on the back as previously mentioned this should be contact details. Always include an email address! Most people will email over speaking to someone on the phone this will be the main way people contact you, however you should also always include a phone number. A phone number will reassure clients that if something is urgent they can call and speak to you. A website url is also something to include if it is beneficial to the client for example if you have a portfolio on a website or that is how purchases are made. Similarly an address could be useful if there is a physical shop that clients may need to visit. If your name is not part of the logo you need to include your name and position in the business. The information you choose to include should depend on what your clients will need to know.