It can be difficult for people to remember all the professionals they meet at business functions. That is where well-designed business cards come in. They not only remind people of you but show them how to find you.
But how do you know when a business card is designed correctly? Or better still, what should a business card include?
What Should a Business Card Include: Essential Elements
As soon as you decide to print a card, you naturally want to know what should a business card include. Remember that you have limited space to play with. So stick with essential elements like Logo, company name, and tagline. Others are your name and title, contact address, social media, and QR code.
Essential Contact Information
Imagine having a gorgeous business card but without contact information. It's unthinkable, right?
That is how important contact information is. They help prospects locate you after your first meeting. So, what are the key contact details to include?
Phone number: Include a direct line where people can reach you.
Email address: preferably your professional email address.
Website: This allows for easy access to updated information about your businesses.
LinkedIn profile: In today's business world, not having a LinkedIn profile can be viewed as unprofessional.
Physical address: If your business depends on foot traffic, the physical address is a must.
Depending on your business type, you may include other social media handles like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Snapchat.
Professional Design and Branding Element
Having decided on what should a business card include, the next logical step is design and branding elements. Here are the key design elements.
- Logo: This is arguably the most important aspect of your card. You may consider dedicating one side of your card exclusively to the logo. Giving your logo a prominent place will ensure that it catches the eyes of prospects.
- Size and shapes: If you want to stand out, consider using unconventional shapes or sizes. Have you thought about using square shapes or rounded corners? At 4OVER4, we have a rich array of custom shaped cards that will fit your branding preferences.
- Organize your information: Each piece of information in your card should be clearly distinguishable but flow nicely with one another. A good visual flow is in the order of Logo, name, then other secondary information can follow.
- Typeface: All your text should be no less than 8 pts, except for your name and brand name. They can be printed in larger sizes (larger than 12pts) and a different typeface.
Captivating Tagline or Slogan
A tagline or slogan is a short and catchy phrase that summarizes your value proposition and sets you apart from the competition.
If you don't have a tagline or slogan yet, you need one ASAP. They are a good way to leave an enduring first impression on prospects. Some of the well-known Taglines include "Just Do" it by Nike and "Think Differently" by Apple.
QR Codes and Digital Links for connectivity
Including a QR code in your card design is a cool way to communicate that you are a modern business that understands technology. QR codes can allow easy and quick access to your LinkedIn profile or a website showcasing your work.
This can particularly be useful for professionals in marketing, IT or creative art.
Are you wondering how to get it? 4over4 allows you to generate customized QR code for free.
Industry-Specific Details and Specializations
Adding industry-specific details and specializations can elevate your card from an information holder to a powerful marketing tool. Here are things to take note of.
- Consider the industry you belong to and your type of audience. This will help you produce designs that resonate with your market.
- Be sure to highlight your specialization. You can do this with a concise tagline or slogan.
- Make good use of images or icons that communicate your industry or specialization. They can be cleverly used as background patterns.
If you need some inspiration in this area, take a look at the portfolios of business card design templates on 4OVER4 to get a feel of what top-quality work looks like.
Conclusion
With these simple narratives, what should a business card include should no longer be an issue. Go ahead and make your card the ultimate marketing machine for your personal and business brand.