Alta Business Card Layout

With today's technologies for connecting with one another, many companies are attempting to redefine the role of the business card.  Used as early as the 15th century in China and the 17th century in France not much has changed in terms of technology. Information, is printed on a small piece of paper and exchanged. Today with the evolution of Social Media such as LinkedIn which boasts over 135 million users in 200 countries, and Smart Phones, many are trying to redefine how people exchange information.

One example is Bump Technologies www.bu.mp that offer an app to automate the exchange of traditional business card information between smart phones. While the company reports 53 million downloads, research shows it has not being used as intended. Despite its design as a business product, it is primarily serving an after-hours function as a social tool. When asked about this, Nathan Shedroff, design strategist at California College of the Arts said:

"The act of theater surrounding the exchange of a business card allows for flirtation, self-expression, and recognition."

This is in many ways similar to the experience of business card sharing in Asian Culture where the act of the exchange is surrounded with centuries old etiquette.

What this seems to imply is that we are still represented by our business cards in terms of paper, design & layout, printing process and the use of technologies such as QR Codes and links to Social Media.

So while we continue to track the arrival of Business Card 2.0, lets review how we create a "Killer Card" using Revision 1.9 technologies! There are two main areas that require consideration. First and most important is what is included and how it is presented to allow the reader to quickly know what you do and how they reach you. Secondly is the process used to make the card which includes paper and imaging processes which might include more than basic printing. Common today is the use of process including; embossing, accents with Foils or Spot UV coatings and die cutting to add rounded corners or custom shapes.

While you can get business cards for "Free" from some online printers, many people still need professional assistance in creating a great card considering variables such as number of employees, budget, turnover, as well as the companies branding and positioning goals. Here is our list of tips when designing your card.

Things to DO:

  • Logo and Company name needs to state what you do. If the company name is not clear in defining your product or service, consider incorporating a tag line.
  • Consider all the elements that need to be on the card and refine the design ensuring that the most important information is legible.
  • Design should have a "Look and Feel" consistent with your industry as well as continuity with other company promotional material.
  • Decide on a card style and special treatments consistent with your "Look and Feel" AND budget - Don't choose a $200 card for a short term hire...
  • Consider adding a LinkedIn account or QR Codes to take you to a mobile website.
  • Use "Focus Group" comparisons to get input on design options. Solicit input from customers, vendors, friends and colleagues and employees.
  • Consider getting professional input on your digital business card plan and design.

Things to Avoid:

  • Many cards have information that is to small. If your phone or email is not legible, you risk losing business.
  • Do not use a popular email domain like Hotmail, Yahoo, Gmail or MSN.
  • Do not use free cards advertising a printing company on the back.
  • Do not use QR Codes that take the reader to a traditional desktop website.
  • Don't use outdated pictures from 20 years ago.
  • Don't use generic clip art.
  • Do not use poor design techniques like too many fonts, poor color contrast, or bad graphic balance.