How to add sizzle to your business cards

Posted Saturday, 6 September 2008  |  Category:  Branding and marketing ideas  |  Comments  | 

Business cards are often the first point of contact with your brand. And in the world of branding first impressions are everything.

If your frumpy old business card needs a makeover, look no further. Here are 7 ideas to "pimp up" your card and wow your clients. Mind you, these are not for the faint of heart – financially speaking – you would need some lee-way to play (images courtesy of Flickr).

1. Work with unusual materials

Forget about paper. Explore materials that relate to your offering – wood, plastic, glass, ceramic and metals.

This card is an excellent concept for a hardwood flooring company:

... while these plastic and metal cards say "futuristic" and "cutting-edge":

2. Explore special print techniques

Alternatively, explore creative print techniques available with litho printing - foil stamping, varnishing, embossing, debossing, virkotyping, and so on.

These reflective gold cards work well in a jewellery or goldsmith context:

...while the embossed look can add extra 'umph' to your logo mark:

Spot UV varnish (left) and virkotyping (right) are additional effects to explore:

3. Die-cut your cards

These cards might not easily fit in your wallet – however if the shape fits the context, the novelty will pay off.

Here are a few possibilities:

4. Add extra layers to your card

Take inspiration from the latest scrapbooking craze and explore additional materials and layers that will enhance your card.

Clear plastic and thread:

Or even wool and feathers (context-dependent):

4. Print on Products

For the very unconventional approach print on products that customers can take home and interact with. People love 'freebies':

6. Invest in a good copywriter

If you work in the creative or communications industry, think of copy that will speak to clients in a humorous manner.

7. Meta communicate

Lastly, whatever you do, ensure your business card suits the context – let it ‘meta-communicate’. Here are a few examples:

Add a ribbon if you work for a gift company:

Or let your architectural card double up as a ruler:

If you're a divorce lawyer offer a perforated card for "easy separation":

 ... and then stick it back together for the marriage counselor:

 If you're a private investigator, create cards that resemble "forensic evidence":

 Or puncture your cards for the acupuncture look:

The possibilities are endless! Tell us about your creative business card ideas. 

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