Think about it: How many times have you been handed a business card, only for it to go in the trash? Did you know 80% of business cards are thrown out in less than a week? This isn’t particularly good news when it comes to landing new customers, finding a prospective new business partner, or when you think of the cost of having your cards printed. Luckily, there are several ways to customize your business cards to lessen the chances of them ending up in the garbage bin.

6 Business Card Design Tips

1. Follow the Rules of Design

While it’s tempting to break the mold when designing a unique business card, keep basic design principles in mind to ensure an attractive finished product. All key copy should be kept at least 5mm from the trim edge, and all work should be printed using the highest possible quality; 300 dpi is the best option.

2. Think Big to Think Small

Business cards present a tiny canvas, but that doesn’t mean you can’t customize yours to mirror your business. After deciding on the right print size, list out all the key information most cards need, such as your name, contact information, and profession. Once you have these laid out, you can look into adding creative finishes and presenting this information in a unique way. For example, consider using an icon of a telephone instead of the standard “phone” listing.

3. Add in Special Finishes

Think beyond the standard black-and-white business card. Your chosen print shop likely has a variety of different finishes available to give your card a unique look. Ask about adding on special finishes, such as foil blocking and metallic inks, or even a card that glows in the dark or can be used with a blacklight to reveal special information.

4. Consider Using Unusual Materials

While cardstock is the most widely used material for business cards, think outside the box for your own design. Consider letting your card double as a magnet so it can be stuck on the refrigerator. Many people often like using plastic to ensure their card doesn’t get damaged by water or accidentally ripped.

5. Give Your Design a Second Use

People are more likely to hold onto your business card if they can use it in other ways. For example, if you’re a dentist, consider designing a card that also contains a floss dispenser. Hair stylists can hand out cards that double as bobby pin holders, and restaurant owners can look into designs that function as bottle openers.  

6. Give Your Artwork a Second or Third Look

When designing any paper product, you should always double check your artwork before it’s printed. Keep an eye out for colors that seem off, typos in your email address, or images that are printed off-center. You want your business card to be perfect and reflect your professionalism.

For a unique business card, work with Miller Quik Print in Onalaska, WI. This printing company provides clients with a high-quality product they’ll be proud to hand out and design services that ensure an eye-catching layout. To learn more about their printing services, visit their website, or call (608) 781-9465.