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The business card have been around forever, but it’s still one of the most powerful marketing weapons available to the small business owner. Even in the digital age, the business card adapts and makes new innovations to business networking its own. It has gotten better over time and it’s still improving, as new print and even digital technologies develop. With the help of modern technologies you can get all your stationery requirements like business cards, Personalized Embossed Notes etc met online.

From simple die-cut designs to quirky gimmicks, the business card has evolved to become an essential business tool. Let’s go over some of the things that make business cards so effective.

  • What is The Importance of a Business Card?
  • Are Business Cards Still Relevant?
  • How Does a Business Card Help in Improving a Business?
  • What Should be on a Small Business Business Card?
  • What is The Best Free Business Card Maker?
  • What Should Not be on a Business Card?
  • What is The Format of a Business Card?
  • What Are Some Business Card Best Practices?
  • Can You Put Two Names on a Business Card?
  • How do You Get a Blank Business Card Template in Word?
  • How Can I Make my Business Card Stand Out?
  • What is The Standard Size For a Business Card?
  • What is a Good Thickness For Business Cards?
  • What is The Best Digital Business Card?
  • What Are The Benefits of Digital Business Cards?
  • How to Put Social Media on Your Business Card
  • How Much Does it Cost to Print a Business Card?
  • What Font is Patrick Bateman’s Business Card?
  • How do I Make a Digital Business Card?

What is The Importance of a Business Card?

Here are 10 reasons why business cards are still important

1. Affordable way to promote your brand

Business cards can be bulk ordered for a relatively low cost. The number you print is flexible – vary the quantity depending on how many you’re likely to use day-to-day. Say you’re heading to a trade show one month, you can increase your order at short notice.

Read Also: Boost Your Business Growth With Business Cards

It’s also affordable to print for multiple people but with different names – for example your sales team.

Print lots of cards to ensure employees are covered for networking events and client meetings.

2. Fantastic for events and exhibitions

Exhibitions and trade shows provide the perfect opportunity to promote your brand and build your contact base. Such events are perfect for meeting new contacts and making sales.

But often people go away to think about whether to buy or takes things further – this is where your business card is invaluable, ensuring they have your contact details should they want to get in touch.

Plus, if you’re an exhibitor at a show, they take up zero space on your stand and give people a reminder of your brand to take away with them.

3. Something tangible – the business equivalent of vinyl records

People are increasingly favouring hard copy. Something they can hold and feel. Look at the rise in book sales and the ongoing vinyl revival. Business cards are part of this analogue renaissance.

They’re a little part of your brand people can take home – to pin on their fridge, or stuff in their letter rack. Make it harder for people to throw them away with strong design and content that shows how your service can solve their problems.

4. Easy to distribute and display

Business cards can also act as a static display, where people can pick them up as they pass by.

Exhibit them anywhere, including:

  • Store counter-top
  • Pinned on office noticeboard
  • Held in display holder

Ensure your name and company are visible when on display – think, is the right information above the fold?

5. Perfect for certain industries and jobs

We’re living our lives on our laptops and smartphones. But often only a tangible business card will do – for example if you’re working on the land, or at an exhibition centre with rubbish Wi-Fi.

Think…

  • Builders and landscapers use business cards to pass on details when mobile signals fail
  • Plumbers and electricians use them to put their name in front of customers with an urgent problem
  • Street food stalls use them as an affordable way to promote their brand on location

6. Remembers email addresses for you

Phone numbers, email addresses and names are all easy to forget. Business cards capture that information in one place so you can recall it long after meeting that person.

They may even have used your card to create a contact in their phone or work email. This is a great example of how business cards and digital channels complement one another.

7. More visible than an email

You send someone an email about your brand. It looks great and details the key information. But it’s only doing its job when people open it.

A business card is a constant, physical reminder of your brand. People won’t look at them all the time, but if they have them on their noticeboard, desk or fridge at home – you’re in their eyeline more than with an email.

8. Leaves a lasting professional impression

Nothing implies professionalism like a business card accompanying a handshake after a client meeting, networking event or completed job.

Having a business card says a lot about you and your business. When you hand one over to a client, it demonstrates that you’re a reliable representative of your company, which can leave a lasting impression.

9. Pocket-sized to carry at all times

Keep cards in your pocket when you’re working and even when you’re not working – you never know when opportunity will present itself. Small and concise, these bite-size promotional tools take up barely any space but can help you capitalize on unexpected opportunities.

Spend time on your card’s design and content. This will give people:

  • Clear idea of your brand identity
  • Your key messages framed as benefits
  • All the information they need to contact you

10. Helps visually commit your brand to memory

Cards allow you to be bold with your branding. They’re an opportunity to use strong visuals and graphics to advertise you and your company.

Be creative when designing your own artwork. Incorporate logos, pictures and eye-catching colours to build a picture of your brand. A well-designed business card is a window into what your business offers and can help commit your business to memory.

Are Business Cards Still Relevant?

The quick answer is yes. The somewhat longer answer is that when designed appropriately and used properly, business cards can be an effective tool to set you or your brand apart from others that refuse to use them.

Below are some reasons why business cards are still relevant and you can transform how they are used to obtain the maximum benefits.     

Professionalism 

A recent article in Forbes asked business experts to share their thoughts on the use of business cards. Unsurprisingly, most of them noted the how the advent of LinkedIn, smartphones and even basic email transformed how we collect and share networking information. Of course, it’s easier to find someone online and add them to your “connections” list rather than carry around their business card. 

However, many of these business leaders also noted the professional benefits of the old-school business card. 

“Business cards can still make a powerful impression on prospective clients. I don’t believe email is too informal, but business cards are far more professional to bring to a face-to-face meeting. An email can be lost in a sea of spam and contact folders; a business card will remain in a client’s wallet for years,” says Kristopher Jones, founder of top 5 SEO company, LSEO.com.

A sharp and sleek business card shows that you’re a professional in your industry and you recognize the importance of establishing meaningful connections. Sure, you can add them on LinkedIn later. But why not keep a few micro thin, credit card size cards with you to events? Show you’re a professional. 

Personalization 

As we’ve noted, it’s extraordinarily simple to take out your phone and connect with someone through social media. Seemingly everyone has a LinkedIn account, for example, and we can view their contact information, their business background and even where they went to school at the touch of a button. But what’s wrong with this picture?

It’s just that: (virtually) everyone has the same account. A business card adds a personal touch to you or your brand, and offers a tangible reminder of you that many others miss out on. And in today’s digital environment, this tangibility can be extremely powerful.  

Jeff Tan, Dentsu Aegis Network says, “Perhaps I’m an old-school, new-generation millennial, but I still love exchanging business cards. Are they absolutely necessary? No (hello, LinkedIn). Do they still provide value? Yes. Like a physical paperback compared to an e-reader, there is something still meaningful and personal in giving and receiving cards when meeting people.”

Establish Your Brand 

If we haven’t convinced you of the relevancy of business cards through their professional benefits or the personal aesthetic they bring, and you’re still on the LinkedIn wagon, OK. Maybe you’re right.

Business cards may not be used to share contact information or build a network – we have social media and smart phones for that. However, try looking at business cards as having a different purpose altogether. 

Business cards are really an extension of you and your brand. They provide a way to distinguish you from your competitors, and offer an invaluable method of making a first impression on potential customers or employers. 

The visual and tactical representations combined with physical engagement creates a connection that just isn’t possible through the online world. Moreover, business cards provide an opportunity for you to be creative and establish your brand.

Aside from a different image or banner photo, every LinkedIn profile looks the same. Leverage the opportunity to get creative, but remember that the best business cards are easy to read and provide useful information. 

How Does a Business Card Help in Improving a Business?

1. Adds a personal and professional touch

Business cards emit the sign that you’re always ready to serve your clients. It’s fair that all clients expect you to own a custom card stock that holds all essential details.

So, the instant you hand out your trade card, clients prop a caring vibe. The exchange of cards defines a lot of handshakes and greetings. It adds a personal warmth that serves as the tool to build up owner and client relationships.

However, take care of the quality of the cards as it matters too. While intimate warmth is assured through card sharing, their designs, details, and quality show your professional skills to the clients.

2. Gives access to a wide audience

Instead of making virtual contacts via social media or emails, meeting clients always helps grow the marketing level. As you know, people retrieve all they see and feel.

So, sharing your trade idea via cards makes you known to a large audience. And it’s for a lifetime. Even in this digital life, trade cards aid to make networks largely. In the way, your card opens access for millions of clients.

You won’t even need to create high stake expenses. Hence, through personal networking, you bag the shot to boost your sales. You shared your brand card with one client. And they will surely share it with others. Thus, your brand identity targets a chain of relations.

3. Makes a quick yet powerful impression

Business is all about impressing your targeted audience. You’re bound to ken the point. And turn this task easier by branding your own business card. It’s a powerful tool that drives your sales and clients.

Well, if you want to grab your client’s attention and make them a part of your service, you need to stand out and make your business unique. Mark that! But you know that the attraction span is too short to last.

Clients may get diverted pretty soon too. Yet, a well, designed and attractive business card always builds a favorable impression. It makes your brand easy to cherish and recognize with added trust as the base.

4. Acts as a direct marketing tool

Are you more into a marketing tool with direct networking? Then there’s no alternative to a modern and custom business card. Direct contact always helps you to market your business in the best way.

It may seem that digital marketing tools such as SEO or email marketing fetch more clients with leads. But trust me, business cards are still more active.

When you meet potential leads in trade fairs, seminars, or conferences, they may feel eager to know about your business. But it’s not possible to depict your trade values in such a short time. All you need is to hand them over your cards and make them connected to you forever!

5. Builds the reference and trust

Because of the highly competitive nature that runs the market, clients always look for trusted ones. Besides the company’s name and contact details, a custom business card must include its business skills.

The extra skills will always put focus on your brand and aid in creating referrals too. Thus, your simple yet smart trade card earns benefits to get traded. It serves to build a trusted platform too that connects you with your potential clients.

Clients receive your brand message through such cards more effectively. When your card scores the chance to impress a wide range of audiences, your scope of getting referrals goes high. Thus, business cards bridge the gap between clients and owners with firm trust.

What Should be on a Small Business Business Card?

Your business card is often the first place prospective customers look when they’re searching for contact information for your small business. Having a professional looking business card forms a first impression that can mean the difference between them picking up the phone or throwing your business card in the trash.

1. Logo and Tagline

If you want your business card (and your business) to really get noticed, it all starts with great design and quality printing. Your brand should be immediately recognizable. That means should always include the name of your business, logo, and tagline (if applicable) somewhere on your card.

2. Job Title

One of the questions we see the most frequently from small business owners is whether to list a title on their business card and, if so, what exactly to include.

There are a lot of opinions and discussions around the topic of what job title to use on a business card when you own a small business.

Typically, job titles fall into 3 categories–no title, organizational role (ex. CEO or President), or function (ex, Director of Sales and Marketing).

Here’s my take…

  • For small businesses with only 1 or 2 employees, referring to yourself as President seems a bit blowhardy.
  • If you want people to have a clearer understanding of your day-to-day responsibilities, then something more functionally specific makes more sense (ex. Business Development Manager).
  • If you’re trying to establish credibility with prospective contacts who prefer to deal directly with the owner, then go that route 

3. Contact Information

Back in the day, businesses had one (or at most two) telephone numbers. Now you’ll often see business cards that include an 800 number, a direct line, a cellphone, and possibly even a home number. Totally ridiculous! Your customers shouldn’t have to play a game of telephone tag.

4. Links to Social Media Profiles

If your small business is on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Pinterest, and Google+, it doesn’t take long before you wind up with a proliferation of social media profiles on your business card. Instead of giving people different ways to connect, you end up overwhelming them with a sea of social media icons and links.

Focus on the 1-2 primary social media channels your customers actually use and leave all of the other links for your website.

What is The Best Free Business Card Maker?

1. Free Business Card Maker

Free Business Card Maker is a tool from Shopify that takes all your contact information, as well as your logo, and turns it into a simple, printable business card. It only takes a few seconds to generate a design, and you can print it right away. You can also download our free business card maker app for your Android device.

2. PsPrint

PsPrint is a highly customizable online business card maker. It takes longer to create a business card with this tool, but you can add text, images, objects, borders, shading, and just about anything else you can think of.

3. Jukebox

With Jukebox, you can create your own free business card design from scratch or choose from a variety of templates. You can modify each one to include your name and contact information, as well as your brand colors.

4. Business Card Star

Business Card Star is one of the best business card makers, and it offers a large collection of business card layouts to choose from. All the layouts are categorized by style, such as ““corporate” or “ornate,” and can be customized with your branding and contact information.

5. DeGraeve.com

DeGraeve.com offers a simple, one-page business card maker. You can choose which lines of text to bold or enlarge, and you’ll be able to preview the design as you edit.

6. Canva

Canva, which is often used to create social media images, can also make business cards. Choose from one of the suggested layouts or build your own from scratch. Business cards take longer to make with this tool, but they can be completely customized.

7. FreeLogoServices

FreeLogoServices offers both a logo maker and a variety of business card templates. Templates can be customized, and they’re sorted by industry to help you find the best layout for your business. Each element on a business card can be changed or moved around.

8. Business Card Land

Business Card Land has a simple business card maker with only a few steps involved. First, choose your layout Next, fill in a form with all your contact information. And finally, customize the colors on your template to match your brand.

9. Design Mantic

Design Mantic offers a collection of modern templates for you to choose from. Once you’ve picked a design, you can add your personal information, upload your logo, and change the font or text color before printing.

10. Business Card Maker

Business Card Maker offers a collection of free colorful business card layouts. Each one can be edited with a few simple clicks. You can upload your logo and move the text boxes around before saving your file.

What Should Not be on a Business Card?

People have a lot on their minds during a conversation, and it takes seconds for them to forget your name. Others get your card through a referral or event without meeting you face to face. In either scenario, most prospects don’t reach out until they need your services. That’s why you have to give potential customers a solid reason to hold onto your business card.

Business cards have limited space to sell your skills. They also provide lots of opportunities to make a bad first impression, which is hard to overcome. A weak business card design comes across as unprofessional, driving away people who could be a great fit your services.

If you want to reel in leads, make sure you aren’t guilty of these 10 business card mistakes.

1. Missing obvious contact information

It should go without saying that people need contact information to get in touch with you. An attractive business card might win you a few compliments, but it will still get tossed in the trash if people can’t figure out how to reach you.

Before you worry about polishing the design, make sure to include the most relevant details:

  • Business name
  • Personal name
  • Job title/specialization
  • Business website
  • Business address
  • Phone number
  • Email address
  • Social media handles

Always have somewhere to send interested customers. People have different communication preferences, so adding multiple channels is your best chance of getting responses.

2. Outdated information

Would you track down someone who gives you a business card with an out-of-service phone number? How about information that’s been crossed out and written in by hand? No one will work hard to fill in the gaps when they can just go to another business.

Do yourself a favor, and resist the urge to keep using cards that are out of date. Business cards are a low-cost investment with far-reaching influence. Few people want to hand over money to someone who isn’t professional enough to invest in cards with the right info.

3. Typos and misprints

Nothing screams “I don’t care about my business” more than typos and grammatical errors.

While everyone makes mistakes, customers expect you to be thorough and attentive about business matters. So triple-check every detail before sending your design to be printed. Use clear images that won’t turn out blurry or pixelated on the final design.

4. Tiny or unreadable print

Don’t expect people to walk around with a magnifying glass just so they can read your business card. Tiny fonts are hard on the eyes, so avoid shrinking words to cram in more information. A template can help you optimize the space on a business card without sacrificing clarity.

Too much creativity is also a curse. Using decorative fonts that are impossible to read guarantees no one will ever look at your business card again.

5. No value proposition

A selling point isn’t always obvious based on your business name or job title. Customers know exactly why they need a plumber, clothing store, or personal trainer. Most people need a bit more persuasion to hire a social media specialist or internet researcher.

When you’re solving a more nuanced problem, it’s vital to explain how you offer value to others. A value proposition or brand promise is your chance to make a connection with readers.

For many businesses, a simplified job description or keyword will do. If your work is complex, a tagline or brief summary of services can help readers get the big picture.

6. Lack of branding

Playing it safe with generic visuals is a surefire way to be forgettable. Customers are more likely to recall a business card with distinctive branding that stands out from similar companies.

Ditch the stock clipart, and instead, showcase your logo and brand colors. Make the overall design consistent with the visual look of your website, store, or products. Branding your card builds recognition, encouraging customers to associate your business with key services.

7. Too much visual clutter

Imagine how frustrating it is to look at a business card with everything squished together. Multiple fonts are fighting for attention. Five images are cramped onto a 3.5 x 2-inch card. Negative space is nowhere to be found. Words overlap with pictures, making them hard to read.

Not only is visual clutter jarring, but prospective customers assume your business is just as chaotic. If you create too many focal points, most people will just move on. Get rid of redundant content and use a two-sided business card design to spread out information.

8. Harsh color schemes

Poor color choices can destroy a decent design for any of the following reasons:

  • The color scheme doesn’t relate to your brand.
  • The color scheme has connotations that clash with your industry.
  • The colors create visual contrast that’s uncomfortable to look at.
  • The color pairings come across cheesy or unprofessional.
  • The color scheme has too many saturated hues fighting against each other.

Understand how colors work together on paper and affect the balance of a design. For example, pale fonts are difficult to read on a light-colored background. Putting a ton of bright colors together can also wreak havoc on your eyes.

While your brand colors should be the starting point, it’s wise to make subtle changes if it improves readability. Try adding more negative space to break up a design. Avoid super-thin line weights or broken lettering on text.

Another option is to use a simplified version of your logo with fewer colors on a solid background. The visuals are still recognizable, but easier for readers to process.

9. Odd design proportions

You don’t have to be a pro designer to spot a great business card. Good designs naturally achieve the right balance and plant the seeds of brand recognition. They instantly get the correct message across and leave you with a positive first impression.

While you may not realize it, subtle shapes and proportions influence your perception. Is a section of text slightly misaligned? Are there background shapes breaking up the design in weird ways? Is the text spacing too close together? Whatever the case, you notice something is off in a poorly balanced design, even if you can’t put it into words.

Again, templates are a beneficial tool to avoid strange design proportions. Most business card design programs have alignment markers to help you maintain an even layout. You can also use preview features to see the finished design in a realistic size. Decide on a focal point when you begin designing. If secondary elements are most prominent, the design needs retooling.

10. Poor-quality paper

Don’t let a bad paper choice ruin a good design. You may be tempted to go with high-gloss paper, but it can be hard to write on. When you hand out cards at trade shows or networking events, many people like to jot down notes about your business. Instead, pick a high-quality matte card stock that won’t easily bend or tear.

Business cards are deceptively simple, so you may assume it’s easy to create one on your own. A tiny card has to speak volumes about your business and appeal to a variety of customers. Try to leave ego out of the design process and be a merciless editor.

Some business card mistakes are hard to see on a computer screen. To make the most of your investment, work with a company that lets you order samples before committing to a bigger quantity.

What is The Format of a Business Card?

The standard dimensions of a printed business card are 3.5 x 2 inches. That’s the finished card size. Many printed designs include bleed. The “bleed area” is an extra 1/8 inch of space for design elements or backgrounds that extend beyond the finished edges of your card. A business card design with bleed is printed slightly oversized and then cut down to size, giving the appearance that the printing “bleeds” off the edge of the card, rather than having white borders.

When creating your business card design file, use these tips:

  • Make the document page size equal to the card size plus the bleed area, or 3.75″ wide x 2.25″ high, to be trimmed down to the finished size after printing. If you aren’t planning to include bleeds, the bleed area isn’t necessary, so set the document size to the finished size, 3.5 x 2 inches.
  • If you’re designing a vertical card with the long size up, simply switch the page width and height so you won’t have to rotate the card to see the design the way you intend it.
  • In the metric system, the standard business card size is 8.9 x 5.1 cm (centimeters) or 88.9 x 50.8 mm (millimeters).

What Are Some Business Card Best Practices?

Keep the design simple

A business card has one purpose: to help people contact you. If your design is too complex, it will be harder for the person holding your card to find the information they need. They should be able to quickly glance at your card and learn everything they need to know to contact you.

Use a single image

In most cases, a simple design means sticking to one image, typically your logo. The image you choose should quickly and clearly convey your brand. Anything else is just a distraction.

Remember important information

Your business card need to have a clear design, but the content it contains is just as important. Make sure that any important information, such as your name and contact information, is included and easy to find.

Choose an easy-to-read font

In the name of clear communication, your font choice should be simple. While you can use a more elaborate font for your logo, information like your name, phone number, and email address should be easy to read—even for people with slight vision problems.

Invest in high-quality

Finally, your business card is like a mini version of your business. If your business card is low quality, people will assume your business is low quality too. No matter what, make sure you work with a good printer and use a high-resolution version of your logo. And use the best card stock you can afford!

Can You Put Two Names on a Business Card?

Multi-name business cards are ideal if you’re looking bulk buy multiple sets all with different designs, company logos and personal information. A multi-name business cards are finished to 85mm (w) x 55mm (h).

A multi-name business cards can be printed on coated and uncoated stock. You can opt to choose either 350gsm or 450gsm coated stock or 350gsm uncoated stock. The coated stocks have the options of being gloss, matt or soft-touch laminated. The lamination film will add a further layer of protection to the print whilst enhancing solid colours and images.

How do You Get a Blank Business Card Template in Word?

Open Microsoft Word, head over to the “File” tab and then select “New” from the left-hand pane.

Select New tab to search for templates

In the search bar at the top of the window, search for “Business Cards.”

Search for Business Cards

A large selection of templates will appear.

Business Card Library

Scroll through the library of business card templates and choose the one you like best. Once selected, a window will appear giving you a preview and description of the template. Click “Create.”

Create business card template

Your business cards will now appear. All that’s left to do is type in your information.

Enter information in the business card template

How Can I Make my Business Card Stand Out?

An interesting business card not only is less likely to get tossed, it shows a potential client that you think about things differently. You care about detail, and you produce high-quality work. An eye-catching design that saliently communicates your brand, paired with high-quality stock, perhaps an interesting texture, can make all the difference.

Here are some creative ways to make your business cards stand out from the crowd.

1. Use a unique material

There are a million different types of paper out there, and yet most business cards use your standard white card stock. Try looking at heavier weights of paper that will make your card feel more stable (these are also easier to slide into a wallet and less likely to bend).

Consider textured papers as well. If your brand already leverages unique textures, bringing in these textures on one or both faces of your card is an excellent way to catch your audience’s attention.

Business cards have come a long way in recent years, and there are opportunities to go beyond paper, to plastic, cotton, wood, leather and even metal! Although a stretch for some, these alternative choices get noticed and remembered when they’re meaningful. For example, an alternative material card could make sense for a construction company that builds with the very material that’s chosen.

2. Add some color

Look at different colors, too! White isn’t the only option. Papers come in a variety of colors, and a subtle brand pattern can be just the trick to elevate your card to the next level.

Another idea is to sandwich two or three different colored papers together. You can create a heavier weight card with a different colored front and back, or even create a border with an accent-colored paper in the middle of two non-accent colors.

3. Create texture through technique

Humans are tactile creatures, so adding texture to your business card with unique papers (#1) or through printing techniques can really elevate the design.

Embossing your company logo on the back of the card or using letterpress engraving are great ways to make your card feel different in the hands of a prospect and stand out against smoother cards.

You can literally add another dimension to your cards through 3D design with elements such as subtle 3D texture, raised logos or text, or even a card that folds. Test these new techniques on a smaller batch of cards first before mass printing to ensure the new texture is what you intended.

4. Try a different shape or dimension

All business cards don’t have to be the standard 3.5” x 2” rectangle. Add a rounded edge, experiment with a square card, or create a completely custom shape. The shape could be a cutout or punched out to give it a textured edge. Bonus points if you can incorporate the shape of the company’s logo or an element of the brand.

What is The Standard Size For a Business Card?

A standard business card is 3.5 inches by 2 inches, give or take a whisker or two. The idea is that it should match the dimensions of a credit card or driver’s license and be able to slip neatly into a wallet or purse.

MOO-size business cards

The final, trimmed size of one of our MOO size business cards is 84mm x 55mm. That’s 3.30″ x 2.16″ in imperial measures.

With a full bleed image, here are the size and resolution you need for your designs to look their best:

  • 1038 x 696 pixels (300ppi)
  • 88mm x 59mm (300ppi)
  • 3.46″ x 2.32″ (300ppi)

Square business cards

Our eye-catching Square Business Cards are 65mm or 2.55” on all sides, so your full-bleed designs should match the following measurements:

  • 813 x 813 pixels (300 ppi)
  • 69mm x 69mm (300ppi)
  • 2.71” x 2.71” (300 ppi)

MOO MiniCards

If you’re looking for measurements of our famous MOO MiniCards, they’re a slimline 28mm x 70mm, or 1.1” x 2.75”.

With a full bleed, your image should ideally be

  • 874 x 378 pixels (300dpi)
  • 74mm x 32mm (300dpi)
  • 2.81” x 1.26” (300dpi)

What is a Good Thickness For Business Cards?

It may not affect your design decisions as much as size, but you may be interested to know that our business cards also come in different thicknesses depending on the paper stock you choose. 

Is thickest always best? Not necessarily. Many people feel that when it comes to business cards, the thicker the card, the more impressive it looks and feels. We’re all about the quality, which is why our range starts at a weighty 350 GSM. But there are other considerations too, like how many cards you can fit into your business’ budget, or even how many you can tuck into your wallet when you’re out networking. 

Here are the thicknesses available for business cards.

  • The chunkiest of the bunch is Luxe, a beautiful matte-textured paper surface sandwiching a colored center seam. At 32pt, 600 GSM, it’s a card of real substance.
  • Then there’s Cotton, which is ingeniously made from recycled t-shirt fabric and has a crisp, lightly-textured feel. It’s 18pt in thickness, 298 GSM.
  • The Super is strong, sturdy, durable and gorgeous to boot, and is available in Soft Touch or High Gloss finishes. It’s 19pt thick, 400 GSM in weight.
  • Last but not least, the Original MOO paper stock is a cut above the competition at 16pt thickness, 350GSM. We’re setting a new standard for “standard” business cards!

Whatever thickness you choose, the important thing is that your cards are sturdy enough to last and to look good however often they’re passed along.

What is The Best Digital Business Card?

A digital business card (also known as virtual or electronic business cards) is an online means of sharing contact information. Digital business cards can be created on an iPhone, iPad, Android, or computer, and are oftentimes more affordable than their paper counterparts. Like typical business cards, electronic business cards can be customized, designed, and shared with anyone.

There are no space constraints with digital cards—you can add as much or as little information to your card as you’d like. In addition to your normal contact information (like your name, company, email, and phone number) you can enrich your card with a photo or video, a logo, social media profiles, and more. 

Many believe Swoppi is the best because it manages all of these feats while maintaining the lowest multi-user price and offering excellent enterprise functionality. Regardless,  the rest of these digital business card providers are worthy of consideration.

Knowee

(31 Reviews – Score: 4.0 – 5K+ Downloads)

Knowee prides itself on the ecological benefit of digital business cards, which can help cut down on the 10 billion cards annually produced in the US. 

Primarily designed for business use, they offer customizable corporate templates, email signatures, an Outlook integration, & provides an admin control panel, which tracks KPIs. Also features tap-to-call functionality, tap map navigation, & a single tap creates a contact in your device as well. 

More features & tailored solutions are available at an additional cost, including CRM capabilities, domain URL masking, single sign-on security, & IT integration. 

Users have complaints about the user interface on the application & a lack of personalization options. Knowee notably lacks custom branding & the ability to upload a background image. However, a significant app redesign was launched on September 29, which may have addressed user feedback. 

Pricing: $4.86 – 50 Users: $197.67 – Enterprise Plans Available

L-CARD

(68 reviews – Score: 4.2 – 5K+ downloads)

$2.00/month/user Enterprise: $2/Month ($10 one time app activation) Individual: $40/Life

The L-CARD positions itself as the most advanced electronic business card management app on the market. It works on any device & offers cutting-edge features, including a great design, award-winning OCR scanning technology, smart email signatures, L-Card analytics & more. 

Users praised the L-Card’s ease of use, wide feature set, attractive design options & templates, & ease of transmission. 

Detractors pointed out the lack of integration with messenger apps, its dependency on apps app-dependent nature, & lacks tracking for Google Analytics & Facebook Pixel.

Pricing: $2.50 – 50 users: $53 – Enterprise Plans Available

One Card

(629 Reviews – Score: 3.5 – 100K Downloads)

One Card focuses more on student, administration & campus services, offering streamlined systems, credentials, payments & security across campuses. In addition, it features ID management, time-attendance, entrance-exit tracking & SMS notifications to keep students & campuses safe through access & security. A single point of access to campus life. 

To its credit, it’s integrations & social capacity allows for deeper engagement, including the embedding of digital brochures, a brief bio, or video introduction. Premium options are extensive & the service functions without an app. 

That’s a good thing. Unfortunately, users don’t have much positive to say about the app. Complaints include its age, the infrequency of updates, & broken functionality. 

The prospect of platform updates appears dim, too. The company abruptly stopped updating it’s social profiles more than a year ago.

Pricing: $12 – 50 Users: $1,200 – Enterprise Plans Not Available 

Linktr.ee

(1,000 Reviews – Score: 3.7 – 500K+ Downloads)

Linktr.ee, the most used app, owes its success in large part to its social, sharable design & sizable community of influences– creators, publishers & brands. 

Unlike other digital card services, Linktr.ee is focused on leveraging it’s users’ cards into a proper social network. Here, cards focus on sharing content, in links to blogs & articles. Put another way: it’s as if the images on a Pinterest board photo grid are replaced with a vertical list of links. 

Linkrt.ee describes itself as a “social media reference landing page.”

They also offer their extensive customer support with access to engineering teams, & design assistance. The paid version offers many integrations with popular social sites & marketing tools, including Mailchimp, Facebook, Zapier, & Twitch, among others.

Detractors noted limited functionality, a lack of personalization, lack of room for bios, & complained that Instagram often modifies or deletes the links due to its community rules.

Pricing: $6.00 – Bulk Pricing Info Unavailable

Swoppi

How is it the best? 

Simple, it is not an app. It is an instant share. 

Swoppi makes professional life so much easier–you won’t understand until you have all your details, socials & website links together in one, personalized place. It’s corporate-focused, so your company can track exactly how many times your teams’ cards have been opened, viewed, & clicked through. the number of times the links have been clicked. 

It’s also by far the cheapest, with a fixed-cost multi-user monthly rate of $2.98. 

Your details can be shared to another phone effortlessly, contactlessly & directly in seconds – with no app download needed. Features also allow you to add any required website links, documentation, images, Facebook profiles & Instagram accounts, all linked to your business card with card analytics. 

By simply clicking on your title links, your clients will instantly be directed to the uploaded, shared files. Links can also be shared via SMS, email, & any form of messenger.

Pricing: $1.99 – Unlimited Users: $2.98

What Are The Benefits of Digital Business Cards?

There are several reasons why virtual business cards are the way to go. Here are a few benefits of going digital.‍

Convenience 

As long as you have access to your phone or computer, you’ll always have your digital business cards on hand. Because everything is electronic, you’ll never need to worry if your card supply is low and if you need to order more.

Digital cards are also extremely flexible. Did you switch jobs, get a new phone number, or simply make a typo? That can be a costly mistake with paper cards. Digital business cards allow you edit to your cards at any time, so they are always up-to-date with your latest contact information.‍

Eco-friendly

Let’s admit it—paper business cards aren’t the most environmentally conscious way to exchange contact information. Did you know that over 90% of business cards are thrown away within one week of receiving them? Talk about wasted paper! If everyone switched from paper to electronic cards, over seven million trees would be saved each year. 

Affordable

Digital business cards are often more affordable than their paper counterparts. (In HiHello’s case, they’re free!) There’s no need to pay hundreds of dollars a year on paper cards that are going to get thrown away almost immediately—save that money and reallocate it to another aspect of your business, like your marketing budget.‍

Contactless

With online meetings and virtual events becoming the new norm, virtual business cards are becoming a staple of everyday life. Digital cards can be shared with anyone, anywhere—simply send the link over email, text, or social media.

During a Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or Google Meet video call, you can hold up your QR code, and anyone in attendance can scan your code and will have instant access to your card. Even when in-person gatherings resume, digital business cards will stick around because they’re germ-free and no physical contact is required.

Example of sharing a HiHello digital business card by using a QR code scanner.

‍Seamless follow-ups

When you receive a paper business card, what do you normally do with it? Most people will toss it in their purse or wallet, where it’s forgotten and when found, almost immediately thrown out. When you share a digital business card, it doesn’t get lost in the oblivion of old receipts, gum wrappers, and hair ties.

Digital business cards go directly into the receiver’s inbox, so your new contact can easily integrate it (and you!) into their workflow. Virtual cards make following up easier and more efficient, which in return can lead to fostering stronger connections.

How to Put Social Media on Your Business Card

If social media is relevant to your business, you should include it on your digital business card. Here are a few different options of social media accounts you can add, as well as a few tips and tricks.

Twitter

Most people are on Twitter these days. If you’re active on Twitter, adding your Twitter handle can help you grow your online following by including it on your virtual card.

Instagram

If you’re in the creative industry, including your Instagram account on your digital card could be a way to show off your portfolio to potential clients. 

Facebook

Adding your personal or company’s Facebook page to your business card can be a great way to stay engaged and connected with your audience.

LinkedIn

LinkedIn is great to include on your card if you rely on it for your business, you’re trying to grow your number of LinkedIn connections, or if you’re on the job market.

YouTube

If you have any video content to show off, place it in the YouTube field! On HiHello, if you want to embed the video in your card turn the “Feature” toggle on, and the video will appear at the bottom of your digital card. Featuring a video is a great way to further engage the people you meet. If you’re a realtor, perhaps consider adding a video of a virtual house tour. Working on pitching a new product? Include a marketing promo video on your card!

Example of adding a YouTube video to your electronic business card.
Snapchat and TikTok

If you’re a content creator, influencer, social media manager, or are simply making a digital business card to give to your friends, add a little spice to your card by adding your Snapchat and TikTok handles! As always, be mindful of your audience—only include these if they pertain to your business.

How Much Does it Cost to Print a Business Card?

The cost of a great business card design ranges from $0 to thousands of dollars. If you’re like most small businesses or startups, you’re aiming to balance your need for a high-quality design with your need to stay within a budget.

In situations like these, a great design should cost between $199 to $999. Remember that getting your business card designed and getting it printed are two separate steps that will affect the overall cost of your business cards.

Here’s a chart to get you started thinking about price ranges and design options.

$0 (plus cost to print)-$50$199-$599$599-$999$2,500+
Business card design optionsOnline templateFreelance designer or design contestFreelance designer or design contestDesign agency
 QualityBasic and generic business cards that use stock fonts, icons, and colors. Fast turnaround time.Up and coming designers with smaller portfolios or limited experience.Experienced, proven designers and professional advice.High-quality designs created by a full-service team.
Who should use itBusinesses with major time and budget constraints that can work with a generic design.Businesses that understand the design process and can spend their time more readily than their money.Businesses that want high quality and need to stick to a mid-range budget.Businesses with lots of resources that need a complete branding package, including a business card.

What Font is Patrick Bateman’s Business Card?

According to the film, Patrick’s card is printed on “bone” colored paper, and is set in a fictional typeface called “Silian Rail.” The actual typeface appears to be Garamond Classico SC (small caps). There are a few problems with Patrick’s card: the type is set off-center, painfully far to the left edge. It is also set too low so that the tight lower margin of the card is out of balance with the much larger top margin.

This gives the card an unhinged appearance, which might speak to the character’s mental state (though we’ll try to steer clear of film and character analysis here and stick to talking about the cards). In addition to the card being out of register, there isn’t a space between the ampersand and “Pierce” in the company name at the top right.

Finally, Patrick’s card has a typo that is shared with the other four cards: all incorrectly spell the word “acquisitions” by omitting the c.Patrick Bateman Business Cards

How do I Make a Digital Business Card?

In today’s tech-savvy world, there are apps that design, store and send digital business cards to other mobile devices.

Read Also: Top 19 Best Marketing Tool

With digital business cards, you no longer need to rummage around a drawer overflowing with business cards to follow-up on a connection. These apps make it easier than ever to organize your connections.

Here are 5 apps that you can use to create your digital business card:

SnapDat

SnapDat is a free digital business card app that easily integrates with iPhone Address book. SnapDat business cards “SnapCards” can be shared though email or via the app. The app allows you to create multiple digital business cards for different purposes. And it’s convenient for both personal and business use.

CamCard

CamCard is among the best business card apps, and for a good reason. It is intuitive as it is able to read and scan cards in over 15 languages. It also allows you to import information from social media feeds. While you can try it for free, the app will set you back $5 per user per month for the Team package and $12 per user per month for the business package.

Knowee

Knowee offers several key features including, clickable links and thumbnails, an in-depth storage system, and you can also make direct calls from the card. The app has free Basic and Premium plans for a year, while the Business plan costs between 74 cents and $3.55 per user per month.

Inigo

This app allows you to manage your digital business cards in your app’s back office and create templates that you can deploy to your team’s smartphones. Inigo works with both Apple and Android devices. The standard version, appropriate for teams, is $5.49 per month, billed annually. A free version is also available.

Haystack

This is a modern business card solution that allows anyone to receive your cards even if they don’t have the app installed. Haystack also allows you to scan, share, update and store contact info with a simple scan of the card. You can also easily create your card from scratch. This app costs $4 per month for Premium plan and $199 per month for Enterprise plan. A Forever Free plan is also available.

Bottom Line

Offering a business card will make you look more professional, honest, and trustworthy. A Z fold card is more personalized and also an effective tool for marketing. Business cards are convenient and also versatile in the way they can be used.

Basically, business cards have always worked and are still working for businesses. But just like every other marketing and advertising tool, a business card also needs proper planning. Remember to fit in the exact personality of your business in your business card. A business card can also work for you as a single marketing or branding tool.

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