Business cards have been around for several centuries in some form or another. With all the newfangled ways of making professional connections and sharing personal information that have cropped up in the digital age, the question is, where do business cards fit in?

While networking online, connecting via LinkedIn, sending emails and other virtual activities possess strong potential to broaden awareness of your Colorado Springs business and communicate with important individuals and organizations, nothing can quite replace the personal touch, convenience and function of business cards—or their value.

Why are Business Cards Still Important?

The importance of business cards can be summed up in a few words: portability, simplicity, and high abilities to personalize. The information you pass on to a prospective client or potential collaborator by exchanging business cards has the capacity to form the foundation for a long-lasting and more meaningful relationship and usually preceded a more meaningful initial interaction from the get go. 

Here is a closer look at the benefits of keeping a few physical business cards on hand at all times:  

1. Providing a Visual Representation of Your Brand

A business card is often part of the first impression you have on a potential client or business partner. What they see is not merely a small square of layered paper, but a visual representation of your brand, including your logo, your company name and your tagline. Seeing those elements increases the likelihood they will be remembered. Additionally, a clean, professionally designed business card is a much better option than having to scratch down your information quickly on a scrap piece of paper when you unexpectedly find yourself in a promising situation. You also avoid the potential of the recipient misreading your information—i.e., wondering if that number is a 4 or a 9—or typing it into their phone incorrectly.

2. Using a Highly Tactile Marketing Tool

People appreciate having something tangible to interact with, even if they put the information on your business card directly into their phone or a digital database. Having a physical card gives them a backup that is very portable and easy to store, and there’s something about seeing and touching an object that strengthens future recall. Plus, when you compare cost vs. benefit, business cards are a relatively inexpensive marketing tool that make a worthwhile investment for your company. Plus, if you leave the back blank, they can include their own notes about following up with you or passing your information along to a connection they have in mind.

3. Encouraging a Personal Connection

Sending an email or a text message is fast and convenient, but when you give someone a business card, you have a moment of making personal, eye-to-eye contact that is more likely to establish a long-lasting professional relationship.  Plus, handing them out or leaving them at business events is arguably faster and more convenient than digital means, and you never know when you’re going to strike up a promising conversation or meet someone who could be a valuable connection or “know a guy” who needs to speak with you.

What Should be on a Small Business’ Business Card?

What to Include

In order to maximize the importance of business cards as a tool for your Colorado Springs company, you have to include the right information. An effective business card design should have:

• Your name and job title
• Your company name
• Your professional phone number
• A professional email address and physical address
• Your website URL and social media handles
• A simple QR code to a personalized offer
• A logo and your company message or tagline

What Not to Include

• Information that could become outdated (like contact information, inactive social media platforms, or often changed job titles)
• Tiny print
• Blurry logo or photo

Along with the “what,” you also have to consider the “where,” or more precisely, where to leave business cards so you get the most bang for your buck. There are the obvious places and events where you should take business cards—such as trade shows, industry conferences, and business meetings in Colorado Springs or out of town—but it doesn’t hurt to keep some in a wallet, purse or planner so you’re ready to hand one off at after-work happy hour, in an airport lounge, or during community events. And, last but not least, you can drop your business card into one of those jars at a restaurant where they pull a lucky winner every week or month, and maybe you’ll get a free lunch or night out in Colorado Springs.

What Type of Business Cards are Best?

While there is basic information that should be featured on a business card—regardless of your company, industry or job title—there is also plenty of room for variety and adding a personal touch to give people a better idea of who you are and what you are about.

First, take a look at just a few of your options, besides your basic white rectangle with logo on one side and contact info on the other:

1. Translucent Business Cards

One of the business card trends of 2021 is a translucent card with opaque lettering and images that is sure to catch attention. It’s an especially good fit for tech-savvy companies or cutting-edge entrepreneurs that want to reinforce an image of forward-thinking and creativity. This style works best when minimal text is used and the imagery is the focus.

2. 3D Business Cards

Three-dimensional business cards are not really 3D in the traditional sense —since you still want the cards to be convenient and easy to hand out and store.

Rather, think of business cards that have a texture or light embossing to give them a more dimensional, and subsequently striking, look and feel. The added dimension visually and texturally increased the amount of time a person spends examining your business card, running their fingers across the raised sections, and increasing their perception of your brand.

The sophistication of custom embossed business cards makes them especially suitable for flower shops, event venues, wedding planners, or other professionals and organizations associated with an upscale offering and vast local competition to stand out against when you need your business card beholder to feel you are the best option.

3. Metallic Finish Business Cards

Another way to add visual texture to your business cards is through the use of a metallic finish. You can incorporate the metallic element through your logo, business name or other accent feature. Or you can start with a shiny background that is juxtaposed by solid, nonmetallic colors for your text. We recommend using the metallic foil finish on the logo or larger text features in most cases.

Since a business card with a metallic finish has a high-end, almost gilded appearance, make sure that’s an appropriate reflection of your Colorado Springs company. This kind of metallic business card finish is best suited to businesses that deal in automotive, money management, travel, real estate, and as suited to match other business brand personas.

4. Unique or Brand-aligned Cutouts

Custom-cut business cards give you the ability to choose a unique shape that reflects the products or services offered by your Colorado Springs business. For example, you may choose business cards shaped like a cup of coffee for your boutique café or shaped like a house for your realty company. Or you could have the cards simply cut in the shape of your logo. Whether you choose a clever, cute or complex design, the novelty of your cards will leave a strong impression and reinforce your brand image.

One word of caution: custom shaped business cards do not fit inside standard business card holders, so unless you’re set on a shaped business card for a tangible reason, consider choosing an alternative that stands out, personifies your brand, AND fits inside standard business card holders.

5. Clean, Modern Geometric Shapes

Even if custom-shaped cards seem a bit too eclectic, you are not stuck using the conventional rectangle shape that has become synonymous with business cards. When opting for a custom die cut business card, you can shape the edges of a typical 3.5 by 2 inch rectangle so that perhaps the vertical orientation has a rounded top or the horizontal orientation is an oval that would fit in standard sized business card holders. This way your card stands out as unique, but not because it’s frustrating the to card beholder.

Other Business Card Considerations

This is just a short list of some types of business cards to consider. With the different types of business cards available for your company, the next step is choosing the right style and look of your product. This process involves evaluating your brand image and what colors, icons and other elements you currently use as part of your visual representation. Also consider how much information you want to include on your card.

What is the best thickness for business cards?

The standard paper weight for most business cards is 14 point, which equates to 0.014 inches in thickness. With this in mind, evaluate any specialty business card options that are significantly thicker or thinner so ensure your card fits in standard business card holders and does not cause frustration for the recipients.

Are double sided business cards a good idea?

To answer this question, answer first another: who are you primarily handing out business cards to, and what is the next action you want the recipient to take? Let’s look at some examples:

If you’re a realtor, you’re handing out business cards to a variety of professionals and prospects, in each case with the intent that the recipient get in touch with you further by phone or email to conduct business. You will likely also be posting your business card on networking boards or display cases, which often allow for only one side to be shown.

If you operate a restaurant, your business cards will often answer questions about the atmosphere, aesthetic, and menu offerings, so that it’s easy for your loyal customers to send new customers your way to place an order or come physically eat at your restaurant. It is likely that your business card will be passed along with a verbal recommendation, so both sides are likely to be information laden.

If you operate a medical practice or salon where appointments are booked often, you may most often pass out business cards to new patrons who’ve booked or completed their first appointment and have scheduled their next appointment. In this scenario, reserving space on one side for writing the appointment information could be more valuable to the recipient than touting more information about your brand on both sides.

There’s no right or wrong way to go about it, but you should consider the use cases for and intended next step taken by each business card recipient for your own business.

Should you do glossy or matte business cards?

There is no question that a glossy finish will ensure the colors pop and highlight any contrasts between colors. Further, the glossy finish provides an extra level of durability to keep your business card looking fresh even after it sits in your beholders car for a few weeks.

Matte finish, however, is often more legible because there is not a glare from light, which is especially important when for business cards that are text heavy. On top of that, a glossy finish can sometimes feel cheaper while a matte finish feels a bit more polished.

Are custom shaped business cards a good idea?

A funky and fun custom-shaped business card is perfect if you want to keep things short and sweet, but it may not give you as much space for business information as a traditionally shaped card. On the other hand, can the shape or appearance of the card be used to supplement or substitute aspects of your company that would otherwise have to be communicated via text? These are just a few of the items to consider when selecting a specific style for your new business cards.

Is it good to include a QR code on a business card?

Another business card trend is to prominently feature a QR code that makes it easy and convenient for your new lead or contact to check out your business website or online portfolio. With a QR code, you create a seamless transition from your initial, in-person interaction to a digital connection in the truly omni-channel marketing world small businesses are forces to operate in.

What are some clever places to leave business cards?

• Business Centers
• Co-Working Spaces
• Libraries
• Community Announcement Boards
• Local Shops
• Apartment Leasing Offices
• Employment Agencies

• Doctor’s Offices
• Hair & Nail Salons
• Malls
• Local Restaurants
• Breweries
• Coffee Shops
• Ice Cream Shops
• Grocery Stores

• Real Estate Offices
• Community Colleges
• Churches
• Gyms / Activity Centers
• Child Care Centers
• With Past and Current Clients / Customers
• Airports

Designing a Business Card for Your Small Business in Colorado Springs

If you’d like to add business cards to your company’s marketing toolkit or simply refresh your collection, but you’re unsure how they should look or what type of paper to use, professional design services can help.

Our team at Third Angle is well-versed in the hundreds of business card pairings, business card design and production for professionals and companies in the Colorado Front Range. We start the process by making sure we fully understand your needs and ideas, sharing our collection of business cards to spark ideas or solidify the direction you already have in mind, and then design and print the business card that will effectively serve as a proper first impression of your brand.

The Ultimate Guide to Designing and Ordering Online Business Cards

In today’s digital age, where online connections and virtual networking have become the norm, you might wonder if business cards still hold any significance. The truth is, business cards remain a powerful tool in professional networking and making lasting impressions. So, if you’re considering designing and ordering online business cards, you’ve come to the right place. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the ins and outs of creating impactful business cards that reflect your brand’s identity and enhance your networking efforts.

Understanding the Importance of Business Cards

Before we dive into the key elements of a well-designed business card, let’s first examine the crucial role that business cards play in professional networking. Despite living in a digital world, face-to-face interactions still hold immense value. Networking events, conferences, and meetings provide opportunities to connect with industry professionals, potential clients, and collaborators. And what better way to leave a lasting memory of yourself and your brand than handing out a well-designed business card?

When you attend a networking event, you are surrounded by individuals who share similar interests and goals. It’s a chance to expand your professional network, gain valuable insights, and potentially find new business opportunities. However, in a sea of faces, it can be challenging to stand out and be remembered. This is where a business card becomes your secret weapon.

Business cards act as tangible reminders of who you are and what you do. They serve as a gateway for potential connections to reach out to you, while also showcasing your professionalism. When someone receives your business card, they instantly gain access to your contact information – your name, company name, job title, phone number, email address, and website. This information allows them to reach out to you easily, establishing a direct line of communication.

The Role of Business Cards in Professional Networking

Imagine attending a conference where you meet dozens of people throughout the day. Conversations are flowing, ideas are exchanged, and connections are made. But as the event comes to an end, how will these new acquaintances remember you? Will they recall your name, your company, or the interesting conversation you had?

This is where your business card comes into play. By handing out a well-designed business card, you leave a lasting impression. It serves as a physical reminder of the connection you made, making it easier for others to recall your name and the conversation you had. It also provides a professional touch, showing that you take your work seriously and are prepared to make meaningful connections.

Making a Lasting Impression with Your Business Card

First impressions matter, and your business card is often the first physical representation of your brand that someone encounters. It is essential to make it count. A well-designed business card not only communicates your contact details but also leaves a visual impact. It should reflect your brand’s identity and values, creating a positive association with your professional image.

Consider the design elements of your business card – the colors, fonts, and overall layout. Are they consistent with your brand’s visual identity? Does the card convey a sense of professionalism and credibility? These are important questions to ask yourself when designing your business card.

Furthermore, the quality of your business card speaks volumes about your attention to detail and commitment to excellence. Opt for high-quality materials and printing techniques that will make your card stand out from the rest. A unique texture or finish can leave a lasting impression and make your card memorable.

Remember, your business card is not just a piece of paper with contact information. It is a representation of your brand and your professional identity. By investing time and effort into the design of your business card, you can make a lasting impression on potential clients and collaborators, ensuring that they remember you long after the initial interaction.

Key Elements of a Well-Designed Business Card

Now that we understand the importance of business cards, let’s delve into the key elements that go into creating a well-designed card.

Business cards are more than just a piece of paper with contact information. They serve as a powerful marketing tool that can leave a lasting impression on potential clients and partners. To create a business card that stands out from the rest, it is essential to pay attention to the following elements:

Choosing the Right Size and Shape

The first step in designing your business card is deciding on the appropriate size and shape. While traditional business cards are typically rectangular and measure around 3.5 x 2 inches, you can opt for unique shapes that align with your brand’s identity.

Non-standard shapes, such as rounded corners or custom die-cut shapes, can help your card stand out and leave a memorable impression. Imagine receiving a business card in the shape of a coffee mug from a local café or a card with rounded corners from a graphic designer. These creative touches not only make your card visually appealing but also reflect your brand’s creativity and attention to detail.

Selecting a Design that Reflects Your Brand

Your business card should be an extension of your brand. It should visually represent your brand’s identity, values, and personality. To achieve this, select a design that aligns with your brand’s colors, fonts, and overall aesthetic.

Consistency across all your brand materials, including your business card, will strengthen your brand identity in the eyes of your recipients. Imagine receiving a business card from a tech startup that uses vibrant colors, modern fonts, and sleek design. This card instantly communicates the company’s innovative and forward-thinking nature, leaving a positive impression on the recipient.

The Art of Choosing the Right Typography

Typography plays a crucial role in the overall design of your business card. Carefully select fonts that are legible and appropriate for your brand. Ensure that the font size is large enough to be easily read, but not too large to overpower the card’s layout.

Additionally, consider using a font that complements your logo and conveys your brand’s tone and personality. For example, a law firm may opt for a classic serif font to convey professionalism and trustworthiness, while a creative agency may choose a playful and modern font to reflect their innovative approach.

Remember, the typography on your business card should be consistent with the fonts used in your other brand materials, such as your website or marketing materials. This consistency helps reinforce your brand identity and creates a cohesive visual experience for your audience.

Navigating Online Business Card Design Platforms

Now that you have an idea of the key design elements, let’s explore online platforms that can assist you in creating your business cards.

Designing a business card that effectively represents your brand is crucial in today’s competitive business landscape. With the advancement of technology, online platforms have emerged as a convenient and efficient way to create professional-looking business cards. These platforms offer user-friendly interfaces, customizable templates, and printing services, making it easier than ever to design and print your own business cards.

Top Online Platforms for Business Card Design

When it comes to online business card design, several platforms stand out for their exceptional features and functionalities. These platforms cater to both beginners and design-savvy professionals, providing a range of options to suit different needs and preferences.

One popular platform is Canva, known for its intuitive interface and extensive library of customizable templates. Canva offers a wide range of design elements, including fonts, colors, and graphics, allowing users to create visually appealing business cards with ease.

Another notable platform is Adobe Spark, which combines simplicity with professional-grade design tools. With Adobe Spark, users can choose from a variety of templates or start from scratch, customizing every aspect of their business cards to reflect their unique brand identity.

Moo is also a highly regarded platform, renowned for its high-quality printing services. In addition to offering a wide selection of design templates, Moo ensures that the final product is printed on premium paper stock, resulting in a professional and polished business card.

Understanding the Design Process on Online Platforms

Once you’ve chosen a platform that suits your needs, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the design process. Each platform may have its own unique interface and features, but the general design principles remain the same.

Start by browsing through the available templates to get inspiration or choose a design that aligns with your brand. If you prefer a more personalized approach, you can also start from scratch and unleash your creativity to create a truly unique business card.

When designing your business card, consider uploading your logo to reinforce your brand identity. Experiment with different colors, fonts, and layouts to find the perfect combination that captures the essence of your brand. Remember, the goal is to design a card that stands out and leaves a lasting impression on potential clients or customers.

Take advantage of the platform’s features and tools to enhance the visual appeal of your business card. Some platforms offer advanced editing options, such as image filters, text effects, and graphic overlays, allowing you to add an extra touch of creativity to your design.

Before finalizing your design, make sure to preview it and double-check for any errors or inconsistencies. Pay attention to details such as spelling, contact information, and overall layout to ensure that your business card is professional and error-free.

Once you are satisfied with your design, you can proceed to the printing stage. Many online platforms offer printing services, allowing you to order high-quality business cards directly from the platform. This eliminates the need for additional steps and ensures that your business cards are printed to perfection.

By utilizing online platforms for business card design, you can save time and money while creating professional and visually appealing cards. Whether you are a small business owner, a freelancer, or an entrepreneur, these platforms provide the necessary tools and resources to make your business cards stand out in a crowded market.

Ordering Your Business Cards Online

After perfecting your business card design, it’s time to move on to the ordering process. But before you hit that “checkout” button, there are a few important factors to consider to ensure you get the best results.

Deciding on the Quantity and Quality

Determining the quantity of business cards to order depends on your networking needs. Assess how frequently you attend events, conferences, or meetings and estimate the number of cards you will distribute within a given timeframe. It’s always better to have a few extras on hand, just in case you run into unexpected networking opportunities.

Additionally, consider the quality of your business cards. Choose a durable cardstock material that will ensure your cards withstand daily wear and tear, leaving a lasting impression. A flimsy business card may give off the wrong impression about your professionalism and attention to detail.

When it comes to the design, think about the information you want to include. Make sure to include your name, job title, company name, contact information, and any relevant social media handles. Keep the design clean and professional, avoiding clutter that may distract from the essential details.

Understanding Delivery Times and Costs

When ordering business cards online, it’s essential to factor in delivery times and costs. Check the estimated shipping times provided by the platform and ensure they align with your schedule. If you have an upcoming event or conference, make sure to leave enough time for production and shipping.

Consider expedited shipping if you have a time-sensitive event approaching. While it may cost a bit more, it can save you from the stress of waiting for your business cards to arrive at the last minute.

Additionally, carefully review the costs associated with printing and shipping, as they can vary depending on the platform and your location. Some online printing services offer discounts or promotions, so it’s worth comparing different options to find the best deal without compromising on quality.

Before finalizing your order, double-check all the details, including the design, quantity, and shipping address. It’s better to catch any errors or typos now than to receive a batch of business cards with incorrect information.

Once your business cards arrive, take a moment to inspect them. Ensure that the print quality is up to your standards and that the colors match your design. If you notice any issues, contact the printing service immediately to resolve the problem.

Remember, your business card is often the first impression someone has of your brand. So take the time to order high-quality cards that reflect your professionalism and attention to detail. With a well-designed business card in hand, you’ll be ready to make lasting connections and leave a memorable impression on potential clients and partners.

Mistakes to Avoid When Designing and Ordering Business Cards Online

While designing and ordering business cards online offers convenience and ease, there are common mistakes you should avoid.

Common Design Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Avoid overcrowding your card with excessive information or visuals. Maintain a clean and minimalist design that highlights only the essential details. Additionally, ensure that the fonts and colors you choose are legible and visually appealing. Lastly, proofread your card multiple times to catch any spelling errors or incorrect contact information before finalizing the design.

Avoiding Ordering Pitfalls

Don’t rush through the ordering process. Take your time to review the final design and check for any mistakes or layout issues. Carefully input your contact information and double-check that all details are accurate. Remember, your business card represents you and your brand, so it’s crucial to ensure all information is correct before placing your order.

In conclusion, designing and ordering online business cards is an exciting process that allows you to showcase your brand’s identity and make a lasting impression in the professional world. By understanding the importance of business cards, leveraging key design elements, exploring online platforms, and avoiding common mistakes, you can create business cards that truly reflect your brand and enhance your networking efforts. So, get started on designing your perfect business card today and take your professional image to new heights.