Your Business Card Template Step-By-Step Guide
A business card often acts as a first impression for your company. Because of this, you want to ensure your business card is not only attractive and professional but also conveys all the right information. Our business card template step-by-step guide shows you how.
To learn more, jump ahead to:
Step 1: Choose your business card size and shape
Step 2: Consider the colour(s) you want to use
Step 3: Add your logo and brand name
Step 4: Add basic company information
Step 5: Choose typography and special designs if applicable
Step 6: Choose your designer and printer
Continue reading to learn more about the entire step-by-step process, or contact JH French today to get started creating the perfect business cards for your company.
Step 1: Choose your business card shape and size
Did you know that business cards can come in a variety of shapes and sizes? However, there is a standard size, and most businesses choose to stay within the standard as it may be easier to find a designer and printer that works within these limits.
The standard business card size is 3.5" x 2.0" and most business cards will be either 14pt or 16pt in thickness. You can also choose from different types of paper. As well, business cards are generally rectangular in shape.
However, while these are the standard measurements, it does not mean that you must stay within the norm.
This business card template has a rounded rectangle shape
In the example above you can see a standard-sized business card that has rounded corners instead of the traditional rectangular shape. This design has actually become more popular over the years, as well as other non-traditional card shapes.
When considering the design of your business card, it is often a good idea to choose standard sizing as it is guaranteed to fit easily inside wallets and pockets.
If you really feel that different sizes would work best for your business, consider talking to a designer and they can give you great design tips.
Step 2: Consider The Colours
Once you have decided on a general size and shape for your card, you will want to start thinking about the colours and general theme of your card.
It is best to use the same colours as your brand and logo so that there is consistent branding on your card. You want to ensure that customers and clients can recognize your business easily.
These business cards templates show two different ways you can integrate colours into your design
The business card templates in the example above show different ways you can integrate your business colours.
The colours used for our mock renovation company are steel blue and peach/light pink.
One design shows the colours integrated into the watercolour background, while the other shows the colours more simply used in the background as well as the icons.
The way you choose to show your company’s colours will have an impact on that ‘first impression’, so it is important to choose a design wisely.
It is a good idea to use colour to help your card stand out - but too much colour or colours that do not complement each other well might end up making your business card look unprofessional or difficult to read.
Step 3: Add Your Company Name and Logo
The next thing you will want to do when designing your business card is to consider where you want to place your company name and logo.
Some business cards are almost entirely just a company name, logo, and 1-2 pieces of contact information. other business cards may choose to showcase more information.
Both of these business card template designs are good! It is up to you and your designer to choose what works best for you and your unique business.
Consider how you want your brand name and logo to appear
The two business card template examples above show two different ways you can present your company name and logo. When it comes to displaying this information, the possibilities are endless!
While there are many creative designs to choose from and consider, the main point of a business card is to get your business information to a customer or client.
Therefore, it is a good idea to ensure your business’s name and logo are easy to see and read on your business card.
Step 4: Add basic company information
When it comes to business cards, there is a good balance between displaying enough information for a customer to know who you are and how to contact you and displaying too much information.
You want to ensure all relevant information about your business is on your card without making it feel cluttered or difficult for a client or customer to read.
Simple business card template: many business cards will display information on the front and back
If there is a lot of information that you want to share and feel that it would be too crowded to fit it all on one side, many business cards have information displayed on both the front and back.
This is a great opportunity to display a creative, attractive design on the front while showcasing your company name and logo and keeping all of the contact information to the back.
This two-sided design ensures your card won’t get cluttered with too much information.
Step 5: Choose Your Typography and Special Designs
As you come close to finalizing your business card design, you will want to consider the typography (font) used.
In general, since business cards are so small, you will want to use a simple, easy-to-read font for the primary text on the page.
When it comes to your business name or logo, it is a good idea to stick with the same font that your logo and business name are in.
This business card template displays a glittery, textured design at the top and letters that protrude off the card
As you consider your typography, you will also want to think about other elements of the card design. For example, do you want your lettering to ‘stick out’ or protrude off the card in any place? Or you may want to go with a letterpress design instead.
Are there any elements of your card that you want to be textured? For example, a glittery texture or a foil texture.
It often will cost a bit more to have these special designs printed, but it is also worth it as you will have a beautiful card that definitely stands out from the rest!
Step 6: Choose Your Designer & Printer
If you do not have graphic design experience, it is often best to hire a professional designer to help you create your card in the exact way that you want.
While it is a great idea to come up with a basic design on your own, a designer can help you create a beautiful, professional, and polished version of your ideal business card.
Choosing a high-quality printer will allow you to pick from a number of other business stationery products that compliment your business card
In some cases, you may be able to find a designer who also works with or is a printer. Choosing a business that offers both services has many advantages.
First of all, it ensures that the design you come up with is possible to print using the machinery that the printer has! For example, not all printers offer letterpress printing.
Another reason why it is a great idea to work with a full-service company is simply convenience. Business owners are busy, and ensuring that the work can easily and quickly get done without more effort on your part can make the task feel a lot less daunting.
Business Card Template Designs & Printing: Trust JH French
Ready to get started creating your own business cards or other business stationery? You can rely on the experts at JH French to not only help you print your cards, but also design them.
When you choose JH French, you will have the advantage of working with a business that offers:
Personalized Service:
When you choose JH French, you will be working with real people, not a computer program. Our experienced printing professionals can answer all of your questions and give you helpful suggestions for improvements so that you can be sure of getting a top-quality finished product.
You will find that we are with you every step of the way through the entire printing process and will be giving you the personalized experience that you deserve.
Years Of Experience:
When you deal with us, you are dealing with an experienced printing company that knows the printing business inside-out, not a new company that is just starting.
Exceptional Customer Service:
We have stood the test of time not only because of our high-quality products and services but also because of our commitment to exceptional customer service.
JH French is located in Hamilton, Ontario but services businesses across Canada. Contact us today to get started.