While the design of a business card is largely dependent on the creator, there are some guidelines you should follow. Ideally, your card will serve as a versatile marketing tool and a versatile call-to-action. Many details can make a big difference, such as the placement of your logo and the card stock you choose. If you’re feeling stuck, consider the advice of an American Psycho character, who obsesses over his colleague’s business card.
Consider your audience
When designing your business card, keep in mind the audience. You want to give your customers a first impression, so make sure your design speaks to that. The design should be clean, to the point, and convey your message to the cardholder. The standard size of a business card is 3.5″ by 2″.
Avoid unique fancy fonts
Using a unique font can be an appealing way to stand out from the crowd. While unique fonts are a great idea for some design projects, they may not be legible to everyone. It is also important to use a legible font, since business cards are usually printed on small handheld cards. In addition to using a legible font, business cards should also be of a decent size. If you can’t decide on a typeface, you can use a PDF business card template.
Pre-existing brand color scheme
You should carry your brand’s color scheme throughout all your marketing materials to maintain consistency. Professional designers have an eye for detail and know that color comes into play only after other design considerations are addressed. Considering your pre-existing brand’s color scheme is the easiest way to avoid confusing your customers. Listed below are a few colors to avoid. In addition to avoiding colors that are commonly associated with your competitors, you should also avoid using too many colors on your card.
Avoid borders
When you design your business cards, you may want to use a border for aesthetic purposes. However, borders can make your design look unprofessional. To avoid this, use the guidelines above. Creating a border with a logo is a mistake that should be avoided. A logo helps customers to remember your brand. A small border can distract them from the message. Instead, integrate the logo into the design of your cards. If your logo is not easily identifiable, you may want to consider removing the border altogether.
Avoid die-cutting
When designing business cards, die-cutting is the most common mistake. While the result is an eye-catching design, die-cutting can be awkward to hold. Instead, use creative shapes to add to your design. However, if your business is not very formal, special shapes can have a negative effect. Also, remember to consider the size and shape of your card before you make a final decision.
Test design with audience
Regardless of your personal preferences, it’s important to test your business card design with your target audience before deciding on what’s the best one for you. If you are unsure of what your target audience will like, you can use mockups made by Placeit. These free mockups are easy to use and you can use them to advertise your latest design. After you’ve created mockups, you can download them and use them as a guide to determine what your target audience will like.
