Having a business card is still relevant in this day and age because that’s what networking events are for. Kidding aside, if you’re serious about building solid relationships with other entrepreneurs, then you’re going to have to have business cards to do an elevator pitch whenever the situation comes up. You don’t want to be the one to write down details as things happen. It’s smoother and a lot of businessmen are still traditional in a way, even in the 21st century.

All that being said though, no one is preventing you from spicing things up in the business card department so that you stand out from the rest. Here are a few creative ways you can make sure that actually happens.

Skip the Paper

Of course, if you want to stand out, the first thing you need to do is to stop printing business cards on paper. For one thing, they wouldn’t last long. Plus, it’s also prone to vandalism when the need arises. So if you have enough money to spare, invest in plastic cards especially for special prospective clients that could land you big partnerships in the near future. Plastic cards give a smoother feel and a better look to any business card regardless of the design.

Don’t Forget about your Branding

No matter what kind of gimmick you decide to put into your business cards, you have to remember that these gimmicks must relate to your brand. You have to religiously use your brand bible. Otherwise, it defeats the purpose of having the card made in the first place. To keep your branding alive, of course, you have to consider your colors (avoid your competitor’s colors at all costs) and prioritize putting your logo in.

Include Social Media Information

Aside from the obvious info like your name, company name, and contact details, you should also be putting your social media accounts inside your business card. Many companies would no longer talk to you via call at the onset. These days, they’d rather shoot you an email or check you out on LinkedIn, Facebook, or even Instagram. It also helps them form a better understanding of who you are right from the get-go.

If you do decide to put your socials in though, remember to keep personal stuff private or rather create a separate account for all professional work.

Make One for Every Occasion

You don’t have to have just one kind of business card, whether or not you own a conglomerate or multiple businesses. You can actually make a card for every occasion or every event that you may want to attend. If you’re a freelance artist, this is a great way to make yourself known if you can put a sample directly in your card. If you’re a businessman or a tech guy, you can do the same thing. But, of course, don’t go overboard and forget the things listed below.

Stand Out with a Quote

If your creative juices have run out (or that’s not really your strong suit), you don’t need any fancy gimmick for your business card. The traditional quote would suffice if you can think of one that would complement you as a person and work well with your brand at the same time. It would be better if the quote is yours or your company’s. But if not, there is nothing wrong with getting one from the internet. Just be sure to cite properly to avoid plagiarism.

Wrapping it Up

Making business cards doesn’t have to be a difficult ordeal. At the minimum, it should serve its purpose by making sure that whoever gets this will contact you through any means available. But remember that a business card, no matter how pretty it is, is useless if you won’t give it away. So you still have to socialize and widen your horizons so the business cards can do their magic wherever you go.

All that being said though, no one is preventing you from spicing things up in the business card department so that you stand out from the rest. Here are a few creative ways you can make sure that actually happens.

Skip the Paper

Of course, if you want to stand out, the first thing you need to do is to stop printing business cards on paper. For one thing, they wouldn’t last long. Plus, it’s also prone to vandalism when the need arises. So if you have enough money to spare, invest in plastic cards especially for special prospective clients that could land you big partnerships in the near future. Plastic cards give a smoother feel and a better look to any business card regardless of the design.

Don’t Forget about your Branding

No matter what kind of gimmick you decide to put into your business cards, you have to remember that these gimmicks must relate to your brand. You have to religiously use your brand bible. Otherwise, it defeats the purpose of having the card made in the first place. To keep your branding alive, of course, you have to consider your colors (avoid your competitor’s colors at all costs) and prioritize putting your logo in.

Include Social Media Information

Aside from the obvious info like your name, company name, and contact details, you should also be putting your social media accounts inside your business card. Many companies would no longer talk to you via call at the onset. These days, they’d rather shoot you an email or check you out on LinkedIn, Facebook, or even Instagram. It also helps them form a better understanding of who you are right from the get-go.

If you do decide to put your socials in though, remember to keep personal stuff private or rather create a separate account for all professional work.

Make One for Every Occasion

You don’t have to have just one kind of business card, whether or not you own a conglomerate or multiple businesses. You can actually make a card for every occasion or every event that you may want to attend. If you’re a freelance artist, this is a great way to make yourself known if you can put a sample directly in your card. If you’re a businessman or a tech guy, you can do the same thing. But, of course, don’t go overboard and forget the things listed below.

Stand Out with a Quote

If your creative juices have run out (or that’s not really your strong suit), you don’t need any fancy gimmick for your business card. The traditional quote would suffice if you can think of one that would complement you as a person and work well with your brand at the same time. It would be better if the quote is yours or your company’s. But if not, there is nothing wrong with getting one from the internet. Just be sure to cite properly to avoid plagiarism.

Wrapping it Up

Making business cards doesn’t have to be a difficult ordeal. At the minimum, it should serve its purpose by making sure that whoever gets this will contact you through any means available. But remember that a business card, no matter how pretty it is, is useless if you won’t give it away. So you still have to socialize and widen your horizons so the business cards can do their magic wherever you go.

About the Author

author photo

Mirko Humbert

Mirko Humbert is the editor-in-chief and main author of Designer Daily and Typography Daily. He is also a graphic designer and the founder of WP Expert.