5 Business Card Design Blunders to Avoid
Don't use business cards to dazzle potential customers with a design extravaganza.
As a small business owner, you likely hand out business cards to customers, suppliers, and fellow entrepreneurs daily.
Studies show that over two-thirds of small business owners use business cards when meeting someone in person for the first time. It's simply impossible to network without exchanging contact information. Business cards also have a four times higher conversion rate than websites.
Interestingly, 72% of people judge a company by the quality of its business cards, and 39% would choose not to do business with someone who has a cheap-looking business card.
With these statistics in mind, I compiled a list of 5 business card design blunders every small business owner should avoid to make a good first impression:
1: Cluttered Layout
The standard business card size is 3.5 inches times 2 inches.
Since the space is limited, organizing the information is crucial. Don't use business cards to dazzle potential customers with a design extravaganza. If they feel overwhelmed by looking at your business card or cannot find your contact information quickly, they probably choose a competitor.
If you have a preferred choice of contact, display it prominently.
For example, businesses like hair salons, coffee shops, boutiques, or auto shops should make sure their address is clearly legible so customers can easily find their location.
On the other hand, roofing companies, mobile groomers, or event planners may prefer to be contacted by phone or through their websites. In these cases, their phone number and website URL should be displayed in a larger font size for better visibility.
2: Illegible Typefaces
If a typical person struggles to read your business card without glasses or straining their eyes, the font size might be too small, the letters too close together, or the typeface unsuitable for business cards.
Instead, choose a sans-serif typeface; they are clean and easier to read.
3: All Lowercase Website URL
A long website URL is not an issue, but using all lowercase on your business card may make reading it very hard.
If the domain name of your business is long, use uppercase and lowercase.
www.mylongandhardtoreadwebsite.com
versus
www.MyLongAndHardToReadWebsite.com
You can also include a QR code, making it even more convenient to visit your website.
4: Leaving the Back Side Blank
Some small business owners feel they might save money by leaving the back side of their business cards blank.
Instead, use the back side to list a few key services or products. But don't add too many, as this could make the space look cluttered.
You can also include your social media handles or mailing address if you have the room.
5: Low-Quality Card Stock
Cheap business cards often use thin card stock, typically around 10pt or 12pt in thickness.
For a premium brand, the minimum thickness should be 14pt, which is still thin. A sturdy card stock thickness of 16pt offers a solid feel and is less likely to bend.
Glossy card stock can be challenging to write on with a pen, which may be an issue if your client wants to make a note.
For a bit of pop, consider using spot UV coating to give specific elements, like logos, a shiny finish.
Finally, 1/8 or 1/4-inch rounded corners can help your business card, and ultimately your business, stand out even more.
Your Business Card Reflects Your Company's Brand Personality
Regardless of the industry, your business card is a phenomenal networking and marketing tool that should align with your brand personality, be memorable, and include the necessary information for people to contact you later or pass on your information to others.
The famous influencer Jay Danzie wrote in a post that went viral:
"Your smile is your logo, your personality is your business card, how you leave others feeling after an experience with you becomes your trademark."
Business Cards Are an Untapped Marketing Tool: Business cards are an incredible marketing tool for building your brand. In addition to capturing your contact information and what services you offer, they also communicate your company's brand values.
