Few decades back, one of the most distinguished features of a business company was its ‘business card.’ The business owners and employees used to keep cards and hand out the cards to potential clients and customers.
Many think that technological advancement may have replaced the traditional marketing methods, but ‘business cards’ are here to stay. In fact, innovative applications and software have allowed startups to completely revamp the conventional business cards.
A business card is quite handy in these fast-paced times to promote a business in a seminar, conference, or trade fair, particularly for startups and small businesses.
The world we live in is massively influenced by technology, and the branding strategies viable a few years back may not be feasible today. In recent times, marketers need to develop a strategy that is designed and developed according to modern trends and changing consumer preferences.
If you are a young and aspiring entrepreneur wanting to launch your business, then you have to think out of the box. You can pick a different approach and try to market your startup brand differently. One of the most important things you need to focus on is the ‘Logo’ of the company, which will be displayed everywhere from an online website, email template, product packaging, business cards, brochures, and merchandise.
Modern business cards are effective in providing key information such as company name, website, email, phone number, etc. However, designers are turning these cards into an efficient branding tool with the help of the ‘Business Card Template.’ There are few quite advanced software that allows you to customize the business card. You can use best logo design tool to select a particular typeface, color, image, and logo.
A customized and alluring card will bring more value to the brand and communicate effectively with the target audience. For potential clients and customers, a business card can serve as an opening to the products or services offered by the company.
The Key Steps to Take in Designing and Developing a Business Card
The first task of branding is finalizing a logo of the brand that will serve as the visual identity for the brand. Once a stylish and attractive logo is approved, then it is time to advertise it. Showing off the logo requires financial resources and can take a big chunk of the advertising budget. However, there are affordable ways to do it.
You can use the email and display the logo in the email signature as it is easy and free. Apart from email templates, you can also design and print inexpensive business cards. One can even design a business card on a word processor, and there are also multiple authentic software and online logo design tool that can be used. The steps that you need to follow are
-
Design a Logo
The first and foremost step is to design a logo. As a startup business owner, if you have an adequate budget, you can employ professional logo designing services. However, most startups that have a limited budget and tend to go for other alternatives. One such is using custom logo maker that has a variety of amazing options to design and develop a logo. There are easy steps which one can easily learn.
It is best to have a rough sketch of the logo, making it easy to transform it on the software. You can easily use a shape, image, or color and make a logo. Once the logo is made, you can download the logo in JPG or PNG file.
-
Open a new document
The next step is to open a new document and then select the most appropriate business template available on the word processor. If you are using a JPG file, it is better to pick a card with a white background. A colored background is more suited to a PNG file that shows the color of the card.
-
Insert the logo file
You can easily insert pictures from the file by choosing them from the menu. Once you locate the file, then insert it, and it will be placed on the card. But it might not fit the right size
-
Adjust the logo on the business card
You need to click on the logo and select it. The next step is to click and drag the corners of the image file to adjust the size. There is no hassle, and in few seconds, you can easily fix the logo on the card template. You can even place the logo on different card templates and adjust them to see which card looks better
-
Add company details
One of the essential tasks is adding the name, address, and other details about your company. If you are using a registered word processor, it can automatically pick the details and load them.
-
Print the business cards
The last step is printing the cards, so you need to load the card stock into the printer. You can easily get perforated card stock from a local office supplies store. However, make sure that the template you have selected lines up with the perforations of the card stock.
The Vital Factors to Consider in Custom Business Card Design
If designed correctly, then the pocket-sized cards can deliver a lasting impression on potential clients. If you are starting a brand and have a limited marketing budget, then a business card can be a valuable option instead of heavy print and television ads.
The two vital features of a business card are logo design and color scheme. As a startup brand, you have little room for error and manage everything to the slightest detail. You need to determine what message you want to communicate with potential business clients and customers. The modern custom logo design tool makes it easy to give attention to detail. The important design features to consider for a business card are
-
Shape
The most common card shape is the traditional rectangular one that everyone may have come across. However, the innovative die-cutting technique allows you to design the card in any shape you want. You can use creative shapes to give a new look to the business cards that a person may feel intrigued and want to know more about your brand.
-
Size
The next stage and a crucial one is the size of the card. Usually, the size varies from country to country, but there is not much difference. The standard size is 3.5 × 2 in. (88.9 × 50.8 mm). The three factors that you need to know are trim line, safety line, and bleed area.
-
Specific Finishes
Once the logo is designed and placed along with the company details, the next stage is selecting the finish. There are modern printers that offer special finishes, which includes
- Embossing
- Spot UV Coating
- Foil Stamping
Final Words
A business card is not merely a tool to display contact information, but it is a visual extension of your brand. Most business clients and customers are handed out cards nearly every day which some give a cursory look and keep it or leave it. It would be best to spend time designing a business card that makes a person want to keep it and even show it to others. The little time or effort you spend will open new doors of success and fame for your brand.
