Creating a Business Card that Leaves a Lasting Impression

Even with today’s digitized networking and communications, the paper business card remains an effective professional asset. A great business card helps remind people who you are and why someone might want to get in touch with you. That little card is an opportunity for you to market yourself and your business to a target audience. The more memorable the card is, the more memorable the contact is.  The best designs are those that intrigue and engage the audience, but also clearly communicate the message or intended purpose. Below are a few key considerations when designing your next business card.

1. Have a clear positioning statement
Your business card should include a statement that defines your value and sets you apart from your competitors. Determine what you want someone to take away from your brand and communicate that on your business card. Give your card a purpose, and be sure that purpose is understood by your audience.

2. Include the right amount of content
Edit your business card down to concise and relevant information you need your audience to know about you. Be sure to cover all bases though, you don’t want leave out something that could be valuable to your intended audience. Ask yourself whether the details are clear and relevant? What makes you different than the competition? Are you including contact information so you are easily reached (social media, email, phone, fax)? Does your message have a call to action or inspire conversation?

3. Establish an effective layout
Your audience must be able to quickly read your card and locate information. Leave enough space and avoid clutter. Consider also that many people will write a note to themselves on your card. Be sure to utilize all space available on the card, including the back of it. This will allow you to clearly display all of the important information along with a creative element related to your business.

4. Make it memorable
A business card could be the first impression you make on a prospective client, and you want to be sure you will be remembered. A professional design will display a higher sense of credibility. Your audience will form an opinion about you and your business based on visual attributes on your card such as paper finish and thickness, use of typography and color selection. Functionality is the most important goal of a business card, but a creative design that compliments the message can help you stand out.

Creating a business card is both a challenge and opportunity to differentiate yourself and your business. Make your card memorable and functional for a lasting impression on your audience.