How to Create a Business Card That Stands Out (2024)

Business cards may feel irrelevant in our digital-everything world, but make this assumption at your own peril! The most successful business owners know just how powerful random encounters can be, and business cards remain one of the best ways to make these encounters more fruitful.

Instead of saying, “Find me on Instagram” or “Add me on LinkedIn,” you’re literally putting your business in their hands. And, when your business card design is clear, compelling, and attractive, that’s a powerful thing.

So, how do you create business cards that stand out? What does clear, compelling, and attractive really look like?

Let’s take a closer look.

What Are Business Cards?

Business cards are a longstanding tradition the world over. And, even across distinct cultures, the concept of a business card is remarkably similar.

At its core, a business card is simply a means of sharing professional contact information—usually of an individual, but sometimes of an entire company.

To keep it portable and convenient, business cards are typically quite small, around the size of a credit card.

Some business cards may contain more or less, but the most standard information to include would be the following:

• Company or individual name (and job title)
• Website URL
• Phone number and email address (for the individual, the company, or both)
• Physical address
• Mailing address (if different)
• Fax number (if relevant)
• Social media handles (if relevant)
• Additional brand assets: logo, color palette, and/or tagline

Are Business Cards Overrated in 2022?

The short answer: No. Even today, business cards remain an essential part of any marketing toolkit. They may not be as critical as they once were in a pre-internet world, but they’re still an important tool for any company, freelancer, or solopreneur.

Here are just a few ways you can leverage business cards effectively:

• Hand them out as appointment reminders
• Use them to stock a table at a trade show or exhibit
• Display a QR code linking directly to your website
• Use them to offer a coupon or discount
• Bring them along to new client meetings
• Drop them into customer bags at the cash register
• Include them in a shipped product
• Use them as event tickets or place settings for in-person events

Business cards are also perfect to keep on hand in your personal life. After all, you never know when or where you’ll bump into your next customer, partner, or sponsor.

The final reason they’re definitely not overrated? They’re extremely cost-effective. Because it’s so affordable to design business cards online, positive ROI is practically guaranteed.

Save even more by making them yourself.

5 Must-Have Branding Elements in Your Business Card Design

As one of the first visual representations a person might have of your company, business cards must reflect your brand identity.

Make sure you’re making the best first impression by paying attention to these key card design elements:

1. Logo

Your company logo should definitely be featured on your business card design, and there are many different ways to do so.

You could use it as a central element, as a small detail in the “footer” area, or as a light watermark in the background.

2. Colors

Make sure your business card matches your overall brand identity by drawing from your established color palette.

Use color sparingly if you want a more minimalistic design, or feature it as the entire background to make a bigger splash.

3. Background

Speaking of backgrounds, there’s no reason you have to go with plain white or a solid color drawn from your brand palette.

Photos, patterns, and textures can add tons of visual interest to a business card, especially when they directly tie into your line of work or your personality.

4. Fonts

Just like color, fonts are another arena in which it’s best to draw from your established brand identity.

If you have formal brand guidelines, then you’ll already know which font(s) to use. If you don’t have a document like this, then try to find a font that matches what you’re already using on other brand collateral (such as your logo or your professional letterhead).

Don’t know which font your business uses? Use an online font matching tool to get pointed in the right direction, or stick with one of these recommended fonts for business cards.

5. Orientation

Although it’s not necessarily tied directly to your brand, another key design choice for your business card is orientation. Do you want to use the most standard style (landscape), or would you rather break the mold a bit (portrait)?

There’s really no wrong answer! Just keep in mind that this choice—like all of the others above—will impact the overall impression you make. If you’re a traditional company, then the standard horizontal format might be a safer bet.

For even more on how to create business cards, check out these modern business card tips.

How to Design Business Cards Online (and Print Them Anywhere)

With the five key elements above, you’re ready to create a business card that reflects your brand and makes people remember you.

Here’s how to do it. . . .

1. Find Inspiration

Before you jump into designing your own business card, start by taking inventory of your options. Do a quick search for business cards on Shutterstock, or check out Create’s business card templates.

Take notes on any design elements you like, whether it’s a particular layout grid or interesting typography.

2. Get Started

After finding some inspiration, it’s time to begin. Depending on where you’d like to start, there are two easy ways to design business cards online:

• Start from your favorite business card template.
• Go to the Create home page and start with a blank canvas. (You can custom-size it to standard business card dimensions: 1050 px x 600 px).

3. Customize the Design

Regardless of whether you start with a blank canvas or a template, you’ll be able to customize your business card in every way.

Some of the most popular edits include:

• Uploading your business logo
• Using the color picker to apply your exact brand colors
• Experimenting with hundreds of built-in fonts
• Browsing the Shutterstock library to find the perfect background photo or illustrative detail
• Adding one-click graphic effects like outlines, textures, or filters

Pro tip: If you’re creating an appointment reminder or visit card design as opposed to a standard business card, be sure to leave a spot to write in the time and date.

4. Export Your File

Once your design is perfected, you can download the right file based on how you’re planning to print your business cards:

• Printing at your home office: Any file type will do—PNG, JPEG, or PDF.
• Printing professionally: Before you download your file, click the gear icon in the lower-left corner, then turn on bleed marks. Extend any background elements to the newly enlarged canvas edges, and then download your PDF.

That’s it! Your custom business cards are ready to be printed and handed out. Why wait any longer to get your business name out there?

What’s the Proper Business Card Etiquette?

Business card etiquette and customs will vary based on your local area, so always pay attention to the country in which you’re doing business.

In general, however, you can’t go wrong by:

• Always having business cards on hand.
• Storing them in such a way that they remain crisp and new-looking.
• Presenting your card face up with the words in the correct reading direction for the recipient.
• Offering your card using the right hand or both hands.
• Always requesting a business card when giving one.
• Showing interest in any business card you receive before putting it away.

Another tip that’s less etiquette and more “good business sense?” Always explain why you’re giving someone your business card. Be clear about what you do and how you might be able to help them. The better your explanation, the more memorable you’ll be.

Ready to start spreading brand awareness, networking with potential partners, and getting new clients? Start with a business card template and be print-ready in minutes.

Discover more card design tips here:

• 5 Simple and Easy Steps to Create a Card
• How to Design Head-Turning Greeting Cards
• 9 Fresh Ideas for Designing Creative Business Cards

License this cover image via ShanShop and mhatzapa.