In a world of intangible digital info flying through the air from smartphone to tablet to computer and back, it’s nice to know that a small, physical object you can see and touch is still important: the business card.
Business cards haven’t yet been replaced by technology. They’re still the currency of face-to-face meetings, which ultimately drive more business than emails or phone calls ever can.
Of course, in a wallet full of business cards, you want yours to stand out.
Here are three tips you should use to make the best business cards designed to leave a great first impression.
Use Color – and Use It Well
Often, people turn to good ol’ black and white for their cards because:
• They don’t see the importance of a really nice-looking business card
• They want to make a card on the cheap
• They don’t know any better
Black and white is less expensive, but it doesn’t do much to stand out. Color is key to use because it catches the eye and keeps their attention (and also makes it easier to find later when they want to contact you).
But, you have to use color well. To use color well:
• Try not to use one solid color; if you do, make sure the color is bold, not washed out or muted
• Use your brand’s colors for brand consistency
• Black is a great color to use to highlight or accent your main color and works best with lighter shades of blue and green plus reds, yellows, and oranges
• Make sure you are designing in CMYK; RGB can mislead you into thinking your card will look differently than it actually will
• Don’t go overboard with color; too many bold colors will overwhelm the eye. The bolder the color, the fewer you should use
• Spot UV and raised varnish or foil stamping adds additional flare that leaves an impression
• Use Premium Paper for a Unique Feel.
Touch is an underrated sense, especially in today’s digital world. If you want a business card to really stand out, go beyond flimsy cards stock and pick something better.
The basic standard is firm card stock. Firm card stock gives weight to your card, which comes across as more professional. Typical thicknesses range from 8 to 14 points; try to pick at least 12-point thickness for your card stock.
You can also apply a finish to the card, ranging from glossy finishes that apply a nice shine (and even metallic touches) to a matte finish that provides a lighter shine and tends to make colors a bit brighter.
Adding texture to a card – or embossing certain parts of your card – can also create a unique experience that gives your recipient a tactile reminder of who you are and what you do.
Consider Die-Cut Business Cards
For truly unique cards, try die-cutting.
Die-cutting a card basically shapes and contours a card to make it into whatever shape you want. You can keep the standard rectangular shape, for example, but cut out a design in the paper.
Or, you can go even further and shape your card into something very different, like a circle, a triangle, or a square. People have even shaped their cards into shapes that resemble what they do, like a dog groomer having a card shaped like a dog.
We think you can take it too far, though; a card that is an irregular shape and is hard to store and keep might not get kept. Having a card with stylish and modern designs cut into it, however, is a great way to make it look and feel different.
For your business cards, be creative. Go outside the standard and invest in premium options for your cards. After all, they represent your business – and you.
Let DMS create your next business cards and see the difference in having a professional digital printing companyon your team. Contact us today to get started.