For decades, business cards have remained one of the most important networking tools available to professionals. Small and full of relevant details, these cards give potential clients the information they need about you and your work, including your name, title, address, website, and phone number. But given how commonplace these promotional materials are, you need to choose a design that stands out. Before heading to the print shop, here are a few do’s and don’ts to keep in mind when designing a business card.

Do:

Use high-quality cardstock.

Thinner paper stock options may allow you to produce more business cards for less, but they aren’t necessarily the best option, as they can be flimsy. To make a good first impression, it’s best to use a thicker cardstock that is sturdy and offers texture. A high-quality business card will speak to your company’s high standards and eye for detail. 

Choose an eye-catching color combination.

With so much information in such a small space, it’s easy for details to get lost on a business card. That’s why it’s critical to choose colors that contrast and complement each other well. Most commonly, people will choose a brighter background with a darker font ink. However, the reverse can work just as well.

Include a logo.

A good logo can go a long way in establishing a memorable brand. If you don’t have a logo for your card, ask the print shop about other ways to personalize the design. For example, you could emboss the text so it stands out. 

Don’t:

Use illegible fonts.

Fun and formal fonts may look compelling on larger documents. However, they are usually hard to read on business cards. Instead, choose a font that’s clear and legible, such as Helvetica®, Futura®, Code®, or Glasgow®.

Overload the space.

In general, the text on your business card should leave at least five millimeters of blank space near the edge. But even within these parameters, it’s easy to crowd the card. Ideally, you should space out the text, so it follows the rule of thirds for clear composition. If you run out of room, consider printing text on both sides.

Forget to proof.    

A good print shop will verify that everything in your design is correct before producing the cards. But ultimately, it’s up to you to make sure all the information is accurate. If not, you may end up with hundreds of unusable cards.

Whether you’re a self-employed freelancer or a major corporation, Image Square Print & Graphics has the resources to help you produce exceptional business cards. With state-of-the-art equipment, this print shop in Santa Monica, CA, can design custom solutions that feature quality cardstock and vibrant colors to help you stand out among the competition. Along with business cards, this team also offers many other commercial printing services to help your brand, including brochure printing and custom banners. Visit this copy shop online to learn more about their capabilities or call (310) 586-2333 to speak with a friendly specialist.