Keeping new customers in mind - five pieces of advice for unique business cards

Are you aware of the special importance of an appealing business card for potential customers and your own business partners? Numerous entrepreneurs take advantage of the opportunities that arise from this still important medium, even in the age of advancing digitalization. After all, personal contact plays an essential role in successful networking - despite all the electronic alternatives.

1. integrate business cards into a comprehensive design concept.

The desired reputation of your company or brand depends decisively on its visible image in public. A corporate design that reflects your own goals and values creates optimal conditions for a positive image. This, in turn, is shaped by a uniform appearance on the Internet as well as by conventional publications, advertisements, brochures and flyers. In particular, the innovatively designed business cards presented in direct meetings at trade fairs, meetings or business trips express mutual appreciation.

Classic designs with rather subtle color tones, elegant fonts and a minimalist look look very professional. They are especially convincing to a rather conservative environment. Unusual shapes, progressive colors and humorous images on business cards, on the other hand, suit a creative, playful or artistic brand better.
Individual business cards consolidate a good first impression. They prove to be an excellent ambassador for your brand and, ideally, remain in customers' memories for a long time. Thanks to the numerous alternatives, trendy newcomers and hip start-ups as well as companies that pay attention to traditional ideas will find the right design concept for them.

2. unusual formats and shapes act as eye-catchers

Although there are no fixed sizes, many companies continue to use the common credit card format. At 85 by 55 millimeters, the business cards fit into all standard retail cases and holders as well as wallet compartments. When printed horizontally, they can be read comfortably without awkward turning. However, this hardly sets you apart from the competition.

Vertically printed business cards are now becoming increasingly popular. Clean and elegant in look, they still stand out from the crowd. Significantly more attention is being paid to square, round and other individual shapes. Already cut or rounded corners and unique sizes significantly change the perception. An interesting alternative to the classic models are fold-out cards. They also offer additional space for images, graphics and other attractive content.

3. more than just paper: Pleasant haptics and unfamiliar materials impress

Outstanding quality compared to competitors pays off. Especially during the first contact, the positive feeling is of decisive importance. The trust generated by the feel and visual impact of the business card is transferred to the person you are talking to. Modern techniques rely, for example, on cellophane as well as full-surface UV and other coatings to achieve matt effects or a noble gloss on paper.

Special paper grades with a higher weight of up to 400 g/m² (equivalent to photo prints) stand out, as do recycled and natural papers. The latter underline the goal of sustainability and awareness for the environment. Printing on alternative materials such as

• Wood,
• Metal,
• of different plastics or
• From textiles

promises additional attention. When choosing, the available budget plays an important role because of the sometimes significant additional costs.

4. present necessary information clearly and understandably

The classic contact details belong on the front of the business card. These include

• the name of the employee and the company,
• the position or task in the company,
• the address with the e-mail address and
• the accessibility by landline, cell phone and, if necessary, fax.

Eye-catching, short catchphrases or a concise slogan remain in the memory. Typical phrases for the region are conceivable - in some industries, after careful consideration, possibly even in dialect. In addition, a direct invitation such as "Call us without obligation!" can lower the inhibition threshold.

5. stylish fonts and coordinated color selection convince

In the right proportions and used in a targeted manner, unusual graphic elements help to stand out from the crowd. Thanks to modern digital technology, multicolor prints are no longer considered an extraordinary cost factor. They have proven to attract potential customers more than simple black and white business cards. On the other hand, overly garish, bright colors tend to scare off business partners who are more concerned with a serious image. Coordinated tones that match the corporate design strike a chord with your target group.

Decorative fonts only lead to a lasting impression when used sparingly - for example in the company name or logo. At the latest, the negative effects outweigh the positive ones when it comes to poor legibility. Font sizes that are too small cause frustration among users and are not suitable for conveying information at a glance. Furthermore, a purposefully designed business card should be divided into sensible and clearly arranged sections.

Conclusion

With your innovative and unique business card, you achieve an impact on potential customers that should not be underestimated. It creates memorable images and makes a not underestimated contribution to the positive external presentation of your company.