Time for a business card update? If you feel like your current business cards just don’t represent you anymore, then you probably need to look into a redesign. This happens all of the time, so do not worry if you find yourself updating your business cards every year or two. Maybe you updated your logo, changed your brand, or simply realized that the card you had printed a few years ago just isn’t very interesting.
It doesn’t take a lot to update your business cards. A few simple tips can get you started quickly, save you time, and have you putting your cards into the hands of future customers in less than a week.
Fonts and Typography
Don’t get worried. If the word “typography” is a bit intimidating, you can stick with “fonts” if you’d like. All this means is that you consider using different fonts for your design. It’s likely that your information layout is just fine. But a few flicks of the font fairy’s wand and you have an entirely new look.
Try using script or cursive-like fonts for your name and use standard sans serif fonts for your contact information. Make sure to use a size and style that is reabable. Just intentionally making a small change in typography can have a dramatic impact on your business card design.
New Information
Another easy way to update your business cards is to simply update the content. Consider using the back of the card, which allows you to simplify the front design and move product and service descriptions to the back where you have a lot more room for elaboration.
Updated information can also just mean you add your new logo and/or change the colors on your card to match the current corporate color schemes. It doesn’t have to be a major overhaul — just a few updates of content can go a long way.
Die Cut Cards
Ready for a more dramatic flair? Consider a die cut business card design. Interesting shapes and sizes can go a long way to setting your card apart. But be careful: if your card is too big or too small, you risk your clients being unable to store it in a standard business card holder, like a Rolodex. So be creative, but keep the size factor in mind.
Folded Business Cards
If you need a major update to include coupons, fancy designs, product descriptions, or just want to make a big impression, folded business cards are an easy upgrade option. Include your current design on one panel and use all that extra space for more content. Folded cards are an excellent choice simply because they are the size of a normal card when folded, which makes it easy for your clients to store.
In Summary
Updating your card can be a painless change of fonts or a complete overhaul, but it doesn’t have to be a massive undertaking. Start with what you’ve got and update as needed. Expanding to folded cards or using die cuts can really make your card stand out if you need an extra something. And when you finally have your masterpiece in front of you, be sure to have a friend review your design to make sure that it really is as memorable and attractive as needed.
AUTHOR
Tara Hornor has a degree in English and writes about marketing, advertising, branding, graphic design, and desktop publishing. She works for PrintPlace.com, an online printing company that offers postcards, posters, postcard printing, and more printed marketing media. In addition to her writing career, Tara also enjoys spending time with her husband and two children.
