9 questions about business cards

Business cards are part of the vinyl revival. Tangible things you can hold and hand to your clients face to face.

But finding the right ones isn’t easy. Get the perfect business cards for you with our answers to 9 common questions – from shape and size to content.

Read on to make your business cards much more memorable than a dry LinkedIn profile.

1. What is a business card?

A business card is a small, wallet-sized card that is usually printed with the holder’s name, contact details and business information.

Business cards are used for networking, pre and post meetings, and attached to other printed materials, like brochures.

Their purpose is to help clients and customers remember you. It should look and feel like an extension of your brand – from the chosen colours and typefaces to the card’s shape and size.

2. What information goes on a business card?

Your business card’s main job is to make sure people have the information they need to get in touch with you after you have met. If it doesn’t do this, it has failed miserably. Essential information to include is:

• Phone number and email address
• Name, job title and qualifications
• Company name and logo

Everything else is optional. But plan your text carefully to avoid overloading it with detail – and ensure what is there can be seen clearly.

Solopress design expert Matt Bruty prefers the minimal approach. He says “as long as you have your logo and contact details, and they are clearly readable” you should add very little else.

3. Are business cards still important?

LinkedIn may have put networking on the smartphone in your pocket and enabled us to be headhunted without leaving the sofa.

But the traditional business card is still very important.

Business cards are real, tangible, something you can hold. As influential columnists talk of digital burnout and detoxes, and the appeal of vinyl records and even cassette tapes grows, the business card is bang on-trend.

And of course, they’re perfect for your events or chance encounters with potential clients on trains. No matter how cool your LinkedIn profile, it’s not something you can hand to a client for them to place in their wallet – tucked alongside their bankcards and family photos.

Explore other advantages of business cards.

4. What is the standard size of business cards

The standard business card size is the same as a credit card: 85 x 55mm. This is so it can slot into a purse or wallet with ease.

But there are other business card sizes available, such as Mini and Square. Choose these designs if you want a contemporary feel that will catch the eye of your client – but ask yourself: does this reflect who we are as a brand? If no, stick to the more conventional shape.

5. What is the thickness of a business card?

The thickness of a business card is measured in GSM, or grams per square metre. GSM varies according to the paper type the card is printed on.

Standard business cards are printed on 400gsm silk. This is much thicker than the 90gsm of regular printer paper, for example.

But you can opt for even thicker cards. These give you a sturdier and more premium feel. So if this is your aim, consider cards with higher GSM.

What is GSM paper weight? Find out more.

6. What’s the best font for business cards?

The main thing to remember when it comes to fonts is clarity. The only concern you should have is: can the person I am handing this card to read what it says?

If the answer is no, then frankly – what is the point in you giving them your card? As designer Matt Bruty explains – “clarity is key”. Always select a readable font .

Best fonts for business cards

• Proxima and Source Sans: Broader font types that use a 7pt size or larger
• Stix General and Junicode are good options for a more formal, corporate look

7. How do I design my own business cards?

Some of the most distinctive business cards are those that feature custom designs. This way you can work with your own artworkers to create your perfect look.

At Solopress we can help bring that together, as we can print business cards with your own bespoke design working from a blank canvas.

Textile designer Hannah Redden has created business cards in a distinctive square shape that feature one of her unique illustrations on the front.

8. How long do business cards take to print?

Business cards are often available with fast delivery – perfect when you need them yesterday for an event that’s only just been pencilled in.

At Solopress we offer free next day delivery from our Essex base. And we get it there no matter where you are.

Hannah, from the southwest coast of Scotland, said she was “blown away with the speed of delivery” with her business cards.

9. What are the different types of business card?

Business cards come in all shapes and sizes. Paper types and thickness can change – as well as effects such as embossing. Shapes and sizes include:

• Standard
• Square
• Mini
• Rounded Corner
• Folded
• Perforated

Standard shapes are the norm for business cards, but alternative ones break from convention and can be more eye-catching as a result.

There are also several finishes available:

• Economy
• Laminated – Matt, Gloss, Velvet
• Spot UV
• Uncoated
• Kraft
• Textured
• Triple Layer

When it comes to paper you can choose what you feel suits your brand. For a thick, professional finish opt for a triple-layered card, or if you want to show off your green credentials, choose kraft paper.

Ready to get started?

Print your perfect business cards with Solopress. Simply choose your size, upload your artwork and receive free UK delivery.