All you need to know about business cards design and business cards size

There is no denying that we all love to have a robust and catchy appearance so that people around us notice us and remember us. The same is the case with our businesses; while we are dealing with different customers and competing with the competitors, we want something that makes us stand out in the market. And what is the better option than having a standard business card size with an equally attractive business card design? 

Your business card is your first introduction to potential associates and clients. It is the first marketing tool for most of the small businesses all over the world. Getting a printer that does a great job is as essential as your printing and marketing needs mature. Regardless of your job, whether you are a graphic designer or a business owner looking to create an attractive and catchy business card, it is important to get your hands on a few basic things.

Producing a professional-looking business card is pretty easy today with a plethora of software tools that everybody has downloaded on their computers. You can start afresh in any layout program, including Microsoft Word, Powerpoint, and other software such as Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop. Moreover, you can also start from scratch by using personalized templates given by Canva. Business card size is one important thing that everybody must focus on, as extra larger or smaller sizes often end up losing the interest of the customers or the potential clients, and you don’t want to do that, do you?

The US’s standard business card size is 3.5 x 2 inches, which is the same as the size of the credit cards. In metric language, you can say that the size translates to 88.9 x 50.8 mm. If I talk about Europe or the UK, the standard business card dimensions are smaller as they prefer using 3.3 x 2.1 inches, which is equal to 85 x 55 mm. However, while you are creating your business card, you have to make sure you need to squeeze in an extra 1/8 inch as the “bleed area” around your design to leave some area for cutting mistakes. 

But you do not have to jump on the bandwagon; just because other business owners are following some particular business cards dimensions, it is not mandatory for you to follow them too. In fact, it is better to be a game-changer and choose different sizes and shapes to stand out in the market.  In the ocean of rectangles, your triangular business card will stick out, and you will be making an undying impression. However, you need to be a bit careful as well, since out of box ideas sometimes backfires.

If you are looking for some clue to help you decide the business card sizes and dimensions, then you are in the right place. I will assist you in creating the best business card for your enterprise that will not be easy to forget. So here we go!

Business card sizes

What comes to your mind when I talk about the business card size? Standard business card size, right? I knew it; it is because the below-mentioned sizes are the most commonly used sizes. The final trimmed size of most of the business cards is almost 84mm x 55mm, which is about 3.30 x 2.16 inches in the imperial measure. Along with the full bleed image, here are a few resolutions and sizes that you should incorporate if you wish to have attractive designs.

1038 x 696 (300ppi)

88mm x 59mm (300ppi)

3.46 x 2.32 inches (300pppi)

These card sizes are most viable because they are light on the pocket; if you go a little out of the standard size, you may have to pay more for them. Apart from it, another benefit of it is when you hand over your card to someone, they are most likely to put it in their wallet, which is usually smaller in size, so these cards easily fit. If your card is not standard-sized, then it is most likely to end up in the trash, now that’s a big risk.

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Square business card sizes

If you are planning to go out of the regular thought process and use square business cards, and to create eye-catching business cards, consider 65mm or 2.55 inches on all sides. It will allow your full-bleed designs to match the following measurements.

813 x 813 pixels (300ppi)

69mm x 69mm (300ppi)

2.71inches x 2.71 inches (300ppi)

Round corners business cards

If you are planning to soften the edges of the corners, then giving them the rounded corner look is a better option. The standard rounded corner cards have a corner radius of 5mm, and for the mini- business cards, it is a radius of 3mm. Rounded business cards, however, are not much in the market as business owners mostly do not like to go out the way; therefore, they are less used; hence less created.

The greatest thing about round edges standard cards is that you can easily slide them into the business card holders and enjoy the perks of being different as well. You are hitting the two stones with a single bullet here; who does not want that?

Vintage business cards

There is no denying the fact the soon there will be a time when we will go cashless and pay from our credit cards and watches; technology is crazy. The things that I could never have thought of happening are happening. Nevertheless, plastics are still the master whenever it comes to buying the essentials. Today, we all have our wallets filled with various credit cards.

Even though it is not as big or wider as the regular business cards, but the credit card-sized business cards, which are almost 3.375 inches x 2.125 inches, can easily slide into someone’s wallet or bag. That’s not only handy for your friends or family but for you as well. You can carry your business cards easily where ever you go so that when you run into someone, you can hand them over. It is one of the easiest and quickest forms of marketing. 

The only disadvantage of these classic business cards is that it will not fit into the stack of the standard business cardholder. However, there is no harm in going a little out of the way and try out new dimensions and sizes; it will be good for your business and will open new ways for you as well.

Design decisions

A business card has a long-lasting impression; even after you say goodbye to your acquaintances, you are leaving a part of you with them in the form of your business card. It constantly reminds them about you, about who you are and what you are all about. And later, there is a possibility that it becomes the catalyst that begins a new business relationship with them, or you may gain them as a customer. Therefore it is pretty apparent that you have to carefully consider all aspects of the color, design, font, size and style when you are creating the stack of your business cards. Here are a few tips that you must keep in mind to have a long-lasting impressive business card.

1) Consider your market

No matter what you do, the first thing that you should consider is your audience. A card for the B2B is going to be pretty different from the card that you are going to use with the consumers. A business card for the law firms is going to be poles apart from the ones you want to create for your artistic project.

Before you embark on the journey of designing and creating business cards for your firm, make sure you have the answers to the following questions.

• Are you going to cater to businesses’ needs or customer’s needs?
• Do you offer products or services?
• Who is the audience you want to focus on?
• What do you want your audience to feel or think when they have your card in their hand?
• What call to action do you want your business card to encourage? Do you want the receiver to call you? Visit your website? Order products? Or make an appointment?

The size of your business card and your response to these questions will have a major impact on your business. Getting a business card may seem an easy process, but there is a whole lot of thought and effort put into it to bring it into action.

2) Information on the business card

Earlier in the pre-internet days, a good business card was like a personal calling card. It should include your title, company name, physical address, contact numbers. With the digital transformation, business communication has changed over time; most of the cards have simply added a series of new information, which includes social network IDs, email addresses and websites. And that’s the main issue because the more you put in a card, the less likely people will read and remember the essential information.

Make sure you are complying with the following guidelines to ensure you have an apt business card for your business.

• Add up all the essential information: your phone number, website and your email address.
• Include your street address only if you need your customers to come to your physical location.
• Make your services and products obvious on the card. It majorly includes a tagline under your company name or anywhere you want to place it on the card.

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Trying out new shapes

Are you too bored of the regular square or rectangle business cards? If yes, then try out the different business card sizes and be amazed by the response that they get. Most people like to at least keep such cards in their wallets no matter how out of proportion they are because they are just different. Everybody likes to be a good different make sure while you are choosing your different, you are not going for the bad different. 

One thing that you need to know is that business card size is not the only way to be different in the market; you can tweak the shapes as well and be the innovator in the market. Even small changes like round edges can pop your card out there, among many cards.

However, if you really wish to be the one in the market, then consider going for the custom shaped cards. You may have to go by the printer rather than the designer for designing the card, but it is worth it. Today in this technological and advanced world, there are endless possibilities; an athlete can choose an athletic theme card, whereas a restaurant owner can give the shape of forks and knives to his/her cards. The more creative you are, the better your card will be.

Landscape or portrait?

The first thing that you should decide on while you are planning to create a business card is whether you want to have a card in a portrait or landscape? Should your cards be long on top or skinny on the bottom? These are a few questions that you need to answer first, and it is all about the personal preferences of a person. However, you should know there is a link between the landscape business cards and conventional businesses like realtors, banks or law firms.

On the other hand, the business of all niches prefers portrait format today, but more often, they are allied with the organizations whose brand identity is about being distinctive, new and fresh, which includes creative sectors, tech startups and design firms.

Thick business cards

The business cards slightly bigger than the regular cards steal the show; we all can agree to that. The measurement of such cards is almost 3.5inches x 2.5 inches in size when translates into them jumping out of the cards stack that your associate is collecting. Moreover, one drawback of these cards is they do not really fit into your standard business card stack, so you need to get a bigger cardholder.

One of the biggest benefits of these cards is their extra room, which means you can add up as much information on the card as you want without congesting it and jumbling all the words. Or, if you want, you can make a bigger graphic design on the card; sometimes, only a design is enough to communicate your message; you do not need words for that. Thick and bigger business cards give you that opportunity.

 If you are not interested in utilizing the extra space for words or pictures, then you can add plenty of white space to highlight your message. It will be minimalistic yet attractive since everyone all are religiously following the mantra of “less is more” the white space with a neon-coloured message will do that just fine.

Classic or conventional?

While deciding on the card dimensions or sizes, it is important for you to know whether you would want to go for the conventional card or classic card. A card that perfectly fits the classic dimensions of almost 2.5 x 3.5 inches has a lot to recommend it. It may be simply a default for a few of the people; many business owners choose this design as it fits perfectly into a purse or wallet along with the credit cards. Moreover, this business card dimension further neatly goes along with the other business cards in a holder, so if someone is collecting business cards in an event, yours will not end up in the trash because of its odd and large shape.

On the other hand, cards with different and out of box shapes stand out from the crowd and spark interest. A card that breaks from the ranks and sticks out is a natural choice for someone who wishes to be memorable, distinctive, and show off their original and creative qualities.

Big or small?

Apart from being distinctive because it is different, a large-sized business card has multiple benefits. These cards are pretty useful for someone with a plethora of information that needs to fit without appearing hampered. For example, a businessman offering hundreds of products or someone who offers a wide range of professional services. The designers, artists and photographers also choose a large business card as they want extra space on the cards to display their visual work to attract more customers.

Small cards are pretty wholesome too, and they have a special place in our hearts. These cards are lighter and more portable than the bigger ones. The best thing about these cards is they are more cost-effective; if you are a new business owner, then starting with the small cards can be a good flinch.

Two-sided cards

Most of the business cards have two sides, or some people like to have a single spaced card. Keeping the back blank has its own value, particularly if you are in a situation where the receiver will want the space to write notes about your business or you. On the other hand, the backside is also valuable for the real estate information that influences the way people use it and respond to it.

Here are a few of the ideas that you can incorporate into your card to make it a more effective tool.

• You can turn your card into a coupon.
• Provide a catchier tagline about who you are what you offer.
• List special services or products offered.
• Include your operative days and time.

Logo designing

To have an impressive brand identity, it is important to create an attractive business logo with catchy marketing colours. When people see your logo, they must immediately know what your business is and who you are serving particularly. The research says, marketing specialists suggest having a logo designed professionally.

Having your logo professionally made means you are exclusive in the market, and no other business can copy your logo. Whereas if you go for the online templates, there are higher chances of tens of other businesses handing you their business cards with the same logo as yours. It becomes an issue of quality and professionalism then. You do not want your audience to perceive you as a cookie-cutter business that anybody can do. You want to stand out, and your logo has to do that job for you.

On the other hand, there are many designers who have entirely different views as they believe that simple clip art is enough. The clip art is absolutely fine for the businesses that can be best recognized and remembered by using a typical symbol such as forks and knives for a restaurant or a wrench for the plumber.

The most difficult route and the middle is ground is to design your own logo. If you are planning to be the graphic designer and bring an innovative logo for your card, then here are some tips that you must comply with.

• Be simple and minimalistic, do not try to jumble up everything in a logo and end up with a confusing image.
• Do not overdo with the colors; use as few colors as possible.
• Create a design according to your business card size; you do not want to have an extra-large logo on the standard business card size.
• Your logo should communicate your business to the consumers.

Important for you: 9 professional logo design benefits you hardly know about

Conclusion

Choosing the business card size is not as simple as people think it is; there are a lot of things that you must consider before you make the final decision. However, once you have decided to be certain you are sticking by it. Your business card size, your logo is communicating your business to the customers, so make sure they are sending the message that you want them to send.

The online printers today give professional designers plenty of options when it comes to the shape and sizes of the business cards. Nevertheless, no matter what the size or shape is, a good design always takes the hit.

“In the world of standard business card sizes, be the game-changer.”