​Visiting cards, also known as business cards, serve as succinct and powerful tools in the world of professional networking. These compact pieces of personalised information are designed to make a lasting first impression. 

A quintessential element of business etiquette, visiting cards encapsulate essential contact details, job titles, and company affiliations.

Understanding how to design a visiting card is paramount, as their compact size allows for easy distribution and serves as a tangible reminder of a meeting or encounter. Beyond mere contact information, these cards often showcase a professional logo or design, adding a touch of corporate identity.

In an era dominated by digital communication, visiting cards remain a tangible and timeless means of exchanging information during face-to-face interactions. 

They effortlessly bridge the gap between initial acquaintance and future collaboration. These small but significant cards embody professionalism, leaving a tangible mark in the hands of potential partners, clients, and colleagues.

How to Design a Business Card?

1. Define Your Brand:

When deciding how to create a digital business card, identify the key elements of your brand, including your logo, colour scheme, and typography, ensuring they align with your overall brand identity. You can also design visiting cards by profession to tailor the style and content to suit different industries and job roles, maintaining a cohesive brand image.

2. Choose the Right Size and Shape:

Standard business card size is usually 3.5 x 2 inches. However, you can choose a unique shape or size to make your card stand out, as long as it fits in standard cardholders.

3. Select a Design Software:

Use graphic design software such as Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, or online tools like Canva to create your business card design online. Make sure the resolution is high for a crisp print.

If the learning curve for using tools is a hassle, you could use readily available personalised visiting cards templates to design your visiting cards.

4. Include Important Information:

When considering how to design a visiting card, it's crucial to focus on including essential details. These encompass your name, job title, company name, phone number, email address, and website. Include only the most critical information to avoid clutter.

If you have a logo, prominently display it on the card. Ensure that it is high-quality and recognizable. If you don't have a logo, consider creating a simple and memorable one.

6. Choose Appropriate Fonts:

When delving into creating business card design online, focus on using easy-to-read fonts. A combination of a sans-serif font for the body and a bold serif font for your name and title can work well. Maintain consistency with your brand's typography.

7. Utilize White Space:

Don't overcrowd the card with information or graphics. White space is essential for a clean and professional look. It also helps the reader focus on the essential details.

8. Incorporate Colour Thoughtfully:

When contemplating how to design visiting card, it’s essential to use your brand colours to maintain consistency. Be mindful of colour psychology; certain colours evoke specific emotions. Ensure there is enough contrast for easy readability.

9. Add Finishing Touches:

Consider adding finishing touches like rounded corners or a special finish (e.g., matte, glossy, or metallic) to make your card stand out.

10. Check for Legibility:

Ensure that all text is legible. Use a font size that is easy to read, especially for contact information. Avoid using too many fonts or font sizes.

11. Include a Call to Action:

Encourage recipients to take action, such as visiting your website or contacting you. You can also add a QR code linking to your website or social media profiles.

12. Review and Proofread:

Double-check all information for accuracy. Typos or incorrect details can create a negative impression. Get feedback from others to ensure your card is effective.

13. Print a Test Card:

Before printing a large batch, print a test card to check colours, layout, and overall appearance. Make any necessary adjustments before finalizing your design.

14. Choose a Quality Printing Service:

When delving into the process of how to design visiting card, it’s necessary to select a reputable printing service that offers high-quality printing. Consider factors like paper quality, printing techniques, and cost.

15. Consider Special Features:

Embossing, foil stamping, or die-cutting can add a unique touch to your business card. However, use these features sparingly and ensure they align with your brand.

What to Include when Designing a Business Card?

1. Your Name


Ensure that your name is prominently featured on the visiting card, as it is the primary point of contact. Use a legible font size and style that aligns with your professional image, allowing recipients to easily identify and remember you.

Incorporate your company's logo to reinforce brand recognition. A well-designed logo adds a visual element to your card, symbolizing your business identity. Ensure the logo is clear, high-resolution, and complements the overall aesthetics of the card.

3. Company name

The company name should be displayed prominently, providing immediate context to the recipient. Choose a font that aligns with your brand's style and ensure it is easily readable. Consistency in branding across all materials enhances professionalism.

4. Address

Include a concise and accurate address to establish your physical presence. This is particularly important for businesses with a brick-and-mortar location. Ensure that the address is up-to-date, aiding potential clients or partners in reaching you or your company.

5. Contact Details

When exploring how to design visiting card, it’s imperative to provide multiple contact options, such as a website, phone numbers and email addresses, to facilitate seamless communication. Include relevant social media handles if applicable. Ensure that the information is current, enabling recipients to connect with you effortlessly.

6. Designs and Colours

When considering how to create a digital business card, opt for a design that reflects your brand's personality and industry. Maintain a clean and professional layout, avoiding clutter. 

Choose visiting card colour combinations that complement your brand palette and evoke the desired emotions. A well-chosen colour scheme reinforces your brand identity. Consistency in design enhances brand recall and leaves a lasting positive impression on recipients.

7. Visiting Card Dimensions

When designing a visiting/business card, paying attention to standard dimensions is crucial for a professional appearance. The typical size is 3.5 x 2 inches, allowing the card to fit neatly into wallets or cardholders. Although custom sizes can add uniqueness, they might impact how easily the card is stored. 

It's important to leave enough bleed space to ensure clean edges after printing. Correctly sized cards help maintain a balanced layout and ensure the text remains easy to read.

9 Types of Visiting Cards that Everyone should Know About

1. Single-Sided Visiting Card

A single-sided visiting card is a concise and straightforward representation of essential information. With all details placed on one side, it offers a clean and uncluttered look. Ideal for simplicity and cost-effectiveness, a single-sided card ensures a quick and focused impact, making it easy for recipients to absorb key information at a glance.

2. Double-Sided Visiting Card

A double-sided visiting card provides ample space for additional information, allowing for a more comprehensive representation of your brand. This format is beneficial for those with extensive details, such as multiple contact numbers, social media handles, or a list of services. 

It offers versatility in design, enabling a more creative and visually engaging presentation on one side, while maintaining essential contact information on the other.

3. Spot Laminated Visiting Card

​Spot laminated visiting cards feature a selective gloss or matte lamination applied to specific areas, enhancing visual appeal and creating a tactile experience. This technique adds sophistication to the card, making logos or important details stand out. The contrast between laminated and non-laminated areas adds a touch of elegance to the overall design.

4. Folded Visiting Card

​Folded visiting cards provide double the space for information without compromising on size. This design allows for a neat organization of details, with a clear separation between personal and business information. Ideal for those with additional services or a detailed list of offerings, folded cards offer a compact yet informative solution for networking.

5. Sandwich Business Cards

​Sandwich Business Cards are designed with a distinctive multi-layered structure, featuring a coloured core between two outer layers for a bold visual appeal. Their premium build makes them ideal for professionals looking to add a stylish and sophisticated touch to their branding. The contrasting core enhances both durability and aesthetics, making these cards more robust than standard options. They are perfect for individuals who want a refined yet eye-catching design.

6. Slim Visiting Card

​Slim visiting cards, characterised by their sleek and narrow dimensions, stand out for their modern and minimalist appeal. Despite their reduced size, they offer a stylish and memorable way to share essential information. Slim cards are perfect for those who prioritize a contemporary and unique aesthetic in their professional representation.

7. QR Code Visiting Cards

​QR Code Visiting Cards seamlessly integrate traditional networking with digital convenience by allowing instant access to contact details via a quick scan. These cards can be linked to websites, social media profiles, or digital portfolios for enhanced connectivity. They are an excellent choice for tech-savvy professionals seeking a modern networking solution.

8. Digital Visiting/Business Cards

Digital visiting or business cards can be easily shared via smartphones or email, making them both environmentally friendly and highly practical. They often feature links to websites, social media profiles, and even embedded videos, providing a more dynamic way to present your personal or professional brand.

One major benefit is how easily they can be customized. You can update details like job titles, phone numbers, or addresses instantly, eliminating the need for reprinting. This ensures your contact information remains current, and the digital format allows for interactive features such as buttons for direct calling or emailing.

Digital visiting cards are also widely accessible through various apps and platforms, enabling you to create and share them quickly. One such platform is Knowmee, which allows users to design professional digital cards with ease and share them seamlessly via QR codes or links. Knowmee also offers features like real-time updates, ensuring your information stays current.

Types of Business Cards by Material

The material of a business card plays a crucial role in its look, feel, and durability. Choosing the right one ensures a lasting impression and reflects the quality of your brand.

1. Thick Business Cards

​Thick Business Cards provide a premium feel with their substantial weight and strong build. Their solid structure conveys professionalism and ensures durability, making them ideal for long-term use. Featuring multiple layers and high-end finishes, they create an impression of quality and reliability. These cards are a great fit for corporate leaders, luxury brands, and professionals who want to make a bold statement.

2. Metallic Business Cards

​Metallic Business Cards add a touch of glamour and luxury with their reflective, shimmering finish. The metallic sheen enhances the design, making logos and text pop for a striking visual effect. These cards are perfect for high-end brands, artists, and professionals who want to showcase their creativity and exclusivity. They exude elegance and ensure your brand leaves a memorable impression.

3. Textured Visiting Cards

​​Textured Visiting Cards stand out with their distinctive tactile feel, adding depth and character to your business card. Available in a variety of embossed, linen, or grainy finishes, they provide a sophisticated look while enhancing grip and durability. The unique texture makes them more engaging and memorable compared to standard smooth cards. Ideal for brands that want to communicate elegance and craftsmanship.

4. Recycled Business Cards

​Recycled Business Cards are an eco-friendly choice, made from sustainable or post-consumer materials without compromising quality. These cards reflect a brand’s commitment to sustainability while maintaining a professional appearance. They are available in various finishes, ensuring a premium feel while being environmentally responsible. A great choice for businesses looking to promote green initiatives.

5. Non-Tearable Business Cards

​Non-Tearable Business Cards are made from synthetic materials, ensuring they remain intact even under rough handling. These highly durable cards are waterproof, resistant to wear, and perfect for industries requiring long-lasting cards. Their robust build makes them ideal for outdoor professionals, construction businesses, and industries where durability is essential. They guarantee longevity while maintaining a sleek appearance.

6. Matte Business Cards

​Matte Business Cards offer a smooth, non-glossy finish that provides a refined and sophisticated look. The soft texture enhances readability and prevents glare, making them easy to view in all lighting conditions. They are resistant to fingerprints and smudges, ensuring a clean and professional presentation at all times. Ideal for those who prefer understated elegance in their branding.

7. Gloss​ Business Cards

​Gloss Business Cards feature a shiny, reflective coating that enhances colours and gives a vibrant, eye-catching appearance. The glossy finish adds a layer of protection, making them more resistant to moisture and scratches. Their polished look makes graphics and images pop, creating a striking visual impact. These cards are ideal for brands looking for a bold and dynamic presentation.

8. Plastic Visiting Card

​Premium plastic visiting cards elevate the traditional paper card with durable and eye-catching plastic materials. Resilient and long-lasting, these cards are resistant to wear and tear, making a lasting impression on recipients. The use of plastic allows for various finishes and transparency, providing a distinct and high-quality appearance.

9. Velvet Business Cards

​Velvet Business Cards provide an ultra-soft, matte texture that exudes elegance and luxury. The plush finish not only enhances their sophisticated look but also makes them resistant to smudges and fingerprints. Their refined design makes them a perfect choice for high-end businesses and professionals aiming to create a memorable impression. These cards bring a touch of class and exclusivity to any brand.

10. Super White Business Cards

​Super White Business Cards offer a clean, crisp, and professional look with their ultra-bright white finish. The high-quality printing ensures that colours and text stand out vividly, making them ideal for businesses that value clarity and precision. Their premium whiteness gives a fresh, polished feel, leaving a strong impression on clients and contacts. Perfect for professionals who prefer a simple yet sophisticated design.

Types of Business Cards By Shape

The shape of your business card isn’t just about looks—it’s about making an impact. Whether you go for a classic rectangle, a bold square, or a sleek rounded edge, the right choice helps your brand stand out.

1. Circular Business Cards

​Circular Business Cards break away from traditional designs with their unique round shape, making them stand out instantly. Their unconventional form adds a creative touch, making them ideal for brands that want to appear modern and innovative. Despite their compact size, they offer enough space for essential details while remaining easy to carry. These cards are perfect for businesses that want to make a memorable first impression.

2. Rectangular Business Cards

Rectangular Business Cards are the most common and widely used format, offering a professional and classic look. Their standard size makes them compatible with cardholders and easy to store in wallets. They provide ample space for branding, contact details, and design elements without compromising readability. A great choice for professionals across all industries looking for a timeless business card option.

3. Square Visiting Cards

​Square Visiting Cards offer a modern and trendy alternative to traditional rectangular cards. Their symmetrical shape adds a unique and stylish appeal, making them an excellent choice for creative professionals and premium brands. The compact layout allows for innovative design elements while maintaining a sleek and minimalist appearance. These cards help businesses stand out in a crowded networking space.

4. Rounded-Co​rner Business Cards

​Rounded-Corner Business Cards combine the traditional rectangular shape with smooth, curved edges for a softer and more refined look. The rounded edges prevent wear and tear, making them more durable than standard cards. This modern and elegant design adds a touch of sophistication, making them suitable for businesses that value both aesthetics and practicality. A perfect choice for those who want to balance professionalism with creativity.

Easy to carry Engraved Visiting cards holder

In the realm of how to design a visiting card, consider elevating your professional image with an engraved visiting card holder, customised with a name and logo. This distinguished and personal accessory for professionals is crafted with precision. 

The engraving adds a touch of sophistication and individuality to the holder. The personalised touch extends to both the user and the recipient, making it a unique and thoughtful gift.

This bespoke accessory not only serves as a practical organizational tool but also as a statement piece that reflects the user's attention to detail and commitment to a polished and professional image. 

The durable and stylish design of the engraved card holder ensures that it becomes more than just a functional item; it becomes a symbol of the individual or company's distinct identity.

Conclusion

In wrapping up the discussion on how to design a visiting card, it can be concluded that visiting cards with succinct information are powerful tools in professional networking and can leave lasting impressions 

From engraved holders to premium plastic cards, they seamlessly blend tangible and digital elements. This holistic approach represents a transformative shift in personal and corporate branding. 

FAQs

1. What is a standard business card size in mm?

The standard business card size is typically 85.6 mm x 54 mm (3.37 inches x 2.13 inches). This size is widely used and accepted, making it convenient for design and printing purposes. However, variations in size may occur based on individual preferences or specific design requirements.

2. What should you put on the back of a business card?

On the back of your business card, consider incorporating a QR code linking to your online presence or alternative contact details. Utilize the space for a memorable tagline, a clear call-to-action, or even visuals and key services that provide a snapshot of your brand. 

This additional canvas serves as an opportunity to enhance engagement and leave a lasting impression on recipients.

3. What makes a good business card design?

A good business card design balances clarity and creativity while prioritizing essential information. It maintains branding consistency through a cohesive colour palette and typography. 

Utilizing whitespace and high-quality graphics, the design is clean and visually appealing. The result is a unique, memorable representation that leaves a positive and lasting impression.