Most business cards in networking events end up forgotten in a jacket pocket or tossed after a week. You exchange them out of politeness, maybe glance at them once, and that’s it. But the person you met is already a blur within 30 minutes.
Every now and then, though, someone hands you a card that makes you stop. Maybe it’s the texture, the design, or just something about it that feels right. Those are the cards that stay on your desk instead of getting buried in a drawer. If you’re making your own business card, that’s what you’re shooting for, and here’s how you can do it.
Bridge the Physical and Digital Gap
With the latest innovations, you can make a card that can perform more functions. For example, QR code business cards have become popular because they solve a real problem. Instead of cramming your website, email, phone number, LinkedIn, Instagram, and whatever else onto a tiny piece of paper, you put a QR code that takes people wherever you want them to go.
Just make sure that the code leads somewhere worth visiting because many codes lead to outdated websites or pages that look terrible on mobile. Don’t make that mistake. And make the code big enough that someone can scan it without three attempts and a flashlight.
Some people are going fully digital with NFC cards that transfer your contact details with a tap. They work with Apple Wallet and Google Wallet, which is slick. Though honestly, having something physical to hand someone is still essential. There’s a psychology to it that a phone bump doesn’t quite replicate.
Take Note of the Material
While many think that paper doesn’t hold any bearing, it changes how people perceive you before they even read what’s on the card. Matte business cards feel more understated and professional. Gloss business cards make colors really pop, which works great if you’re in anything visual.
For texture, soft touch business cards have this almost suede-like feel that people notice immediately. Cotton business cards made from sustainably sourced cotton linters feel substantial in a way that regular cardstock doesn’t. And if sustainability is part of your brand, seeded paper that can be planted is a conversation starter.
High gloss cards with raised lettering or holographic foil add texture you can feel. It costs more, but if you’re in a field where standing out matters, the extra investment can be worth it.
Choosing Your Design With Intention
Bright colors grab attention and signal energy, but too many competing colors just look chaotic. You must think about whether neon gradients fit your vibe or if metallic palettes make more sense.
Fonts are also important. Vintage fonts can give you a boutique, heritage feel. Geometric shapes and clean lines read as modern and efficient. Whatever you pick, zoom way out and make sure it’s still readable when it’s actually card-sized. There are many gorgeous typography that becomes an illegible blob when printed small.
Most cards are rectangular to fit in wallets and cardholders, but rounded corners soften the look just enough to feel more approachable. If you really want to make a statement, circle glossy business cards or leaf glossy business cards will definitely get noticed and it could be an excellent mark for brand identity. Just know that people will have a harder time storing them.
Make Sure it Looks Good When Printed
When you’re ready to print business cards, the file format matters. Your PDF file needs proper bleed settings and should be in CMYK for full color printing, not RGB. This sounds tedious, but getting it wrong means your carefully chosen colors will look completely different when they’re printed.
Most good printing services let you see a business card mockup before you commit, which is worth doing. Some offer next-day delivery if you’re in a panic, but regular shipping speed is usually fine if you plan a week or two ahead.
What Makes Someone Keep Your Card
You’ve got maybe three seconds when someone looks at your card. That’s your window to make them think to keep it. So, everything needs to work together without feeling cluttered or trying too hard. When creating your card, you must steer away from the thought of only following trends or using the most expensive printing process. You must understand who you are professionally and translating that into something tangible.
Skip the templates everyone else is using. Don’t overthink it into blandness, but don’t get so creative that people can’t find your phone number. Make something that feels like you, and people will remember it.