You’ve got 85mm x 90mm of space. It’s a personal introduction to yourself and your business. It’s an advert, a communication document and a reminder of who you are as well as how to get in touch.
It sounds straight forward but when it comes to having one designed, you ask yourself, “What is supposed to go on it?”
It used to be monotonous with the same generic details on every card but with new communication lines now becoming the norm, I get asked:
- Should I put my skype address on it?
- Should I have my social links on it?
As well as:
- Should I put bullet points and straplines on it?
- Should I put my address on it?
- Should they match my letterheads?
- Should they represent me or my company?
Many think that it must have a certain regulated and official format with required details like a letterhead but it doesn’t. A business card can be whatever you want it to be.
“So…..What do I put on it”?
The key to a good business card is functionality. It has to allow people to get in touch with you?
If Skype and social links play a big part of your business then put them on the business card, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t. Alternatively, as long as one single contact element is on there, then you’re good to go.
How do you use your card?
The way you use your card should also determine what you may want to put on your card. Do you give them out sparingly or dish them out like flyers? Are they a personal card just for you or a generic business card representing the whole company?
If you use them like flyers or as a generic representation of your company then go ahead and put sales points on there. It’s actually informative!
If you’re more personal with your cards and their used to represent you rather then a company then keep it simple and elegant (that does not mean boring).
Brand & Identity.
It’s ideal to keep your business card design inline with the rest of your stationery but a business card can have a little more creative flair. The idea is not to stray from the brand imagery but to create something that extends your brand imagery with the card design. It can be more colourful and graphic then your letterheads.
A list of what can you put on your business card:
Name
Credentials
Position
Address
Website url
Blog url
Social links
Office Tel
Mob
Fax
Address
Skype
Strapline
Sales bullet points
Overall your own business scenario may be very different to anything mentioned above so in any case remember its graphic design! There are no rules, just guidelines. Add in a little of your own personal preferences, be bold and with advice from your designer, do what you think is relevant and works best for you and your business.
Business cards by Conceptstore
designing business cards
