Contents
- What is a business card?
- What are business cards for?
- What types of business cards are there?
- Design guidelines for business cards
- What materials can be used for business cards
- Tips from personal experience
What is a business card?
A business card is a compact card designed to present information about a person or a company. It typically includes the name, surname, position, phone number, and email address, making it an indispensable tool for exchanging contact information during business meetings and introductions.
What are business cards for?
Business cards play a key role in business etiquette, helping people introduce themselves and exchange contact information with potential partners or clients. Here are the main tasks that a business card fulfills:
- Providing contact information;
- Presenting oneself and one’s services;
- Emphasizing status and professionalism;
- Creating a memorable image through original design.
Business cards are often used for networking at professional events, where acquaintances exchange cards immediately after meeting. This helps maintain contact and reminds others of the person and their activities.
What types of business cards are there?
There are several types of business cards that differ in purpose and content:
Business cards
Business cards contain the name, surname, position, company name and details, as well as the professional's work phone and email. They are designed in accordance with corporate branding and may include the company’s logo and slogan.
Corporate cards
Corporate cards represent the company as a whole. They include the brand name, field of activity, address, phone number, email, and links to official websites. These cards are actively used for advertising and spreading information at events and business meetings.
Personal cards
Personal cards are intended for introductions that are not related to professional activities. The cardholder decides what information to provide, often limiting it to their name and contact details.
Modern personal business cards may include QR codes that allow quick access to social media profiles or websites, making them more interactive and informative.
Design guidelines for business cards
While the design of a business card depends on the owner’s preferences, there are common recommendations:
Format
- 90×50 mm — standard format widely used in Russia;
- 90×55 mm — extended format for more information;
- 86×54 mm — Euro format popular in Western countries.
Before choosing a non-standard format, consider whether it will be convenient to store the card.
Font
The font on a business card should be clear and easy to read. It is recommended to use a size of 7-8 points, while the name and position should be highlighted in a larger font.
Design and layout of elements
Modern business cards can have a variety of designs, but it is important to adhere to harmonious color schemes. Usually, all information is placed on one side, while the other side features visual elements such as a photo or logo.
What materials can be used for business cards
Business cards can be made not only from cardboard but also from other materials, such as:
- Plastic;
- Leather;
- Designer paper;
- Metal.
Unusual materials make business cards original and memorable, but it is important to maintain their functionality and lightness.
Tips from personal experience
When ordering business cards for the first time, I recommend asking for a sample to see what the final product looks like in advance. Also, if you plan to speak at a conference, be sure to add a QR code to the business card for quick connection through messengers or social media.
Don't forget to print an adequate number of business cards for exchanging with interested people. Otherwise, you might miss important contacts.