Feedback on my business card design

[zomex]

Hello,

A bit of a strange one, not sure where to post this.

I am in the process of creating a new business card for my company and wanted to gather some feedback:

The spacing/colours/fine details have not been adjusted, it's a mock-up at this stage.

I am thinking I need to enhance the detail/use more vibrant colours. The current colours match my website color scheme but I don't think they are strong enough for print/eye appeal.

Many thanks!
Jack

 

[Mark T Jones]

You are over thinking it

Most of your cards will go in the bin

Some will be used to pick teeth.

The people who are actually interested will store your details before putting the card in the bin

Get a card printed on plain white (add a logo if you must)

Who your are

What you do

How to get in touch

 

[zomex]

You are over thinking it

Most of your cards will go in the bin

Some will be used to pick teeth.

The people who are actually interested will store your details before putting the card in the bin

Get a card printed on plain white (add a logo if you must)

Who your are

What you do

How to get in touch

Thanks for the reply.

Yeah I completely understand where you are coming from. A business card is a bit old school now and it's a known low impact way of marketing with most ending up in the bin almost instantly.

But I would argue that a bit of time now will pay off in future. First impressions do count and if not for anything else I like to do the best I can with all aspects of my business.

 

[fisicx]

Plain while card with your details in black text. A logo if you feel it’s necessary.

 

[zomex]

Plain while card with your details in black text. A logo if you feel it’s necessary.

Appreciate the feedback.

But I disagree that a good design does not have a bigger impact than a plain white card. We could argue how much of a impact it has. If it had no impact then every website would be plain white. Every advert would be plain white etc

 

[Mark T Jones]

We could argue round in circles. Personally I pay v no attention to fancy cards I just want to get the details.

In your case - yes - absolutely fine.

I'd put it in the bin for the simple reason I'm not after web design.

If I was interested, I'd pick my teeth with it, then load the info onto my CRM before putting it in the bin.

 

[zomex]

We could argue round in circles. Personally I pay v no attention to fancy cards I just want to get the details.

In your case - yes - absolutely fine.

I'd put it in the bin for the simple reason I'm not after web design.

If I was interested, I'd pick my teeth with it, then load the info onto my CRM before putting it in the bin.

We shall agree to disagree. it is of course subjective.

Wishing you all the best

 

[fisicx]

If it had no impact then every website would be plain white.

Every effective and high converting website is plain white.

 

[antropy]

Ignore @fisicx and @Mark T Jones, clearly they don't understand why the entire design/branding/creative arts industry exists

Paul.

 

[fisicx]

I do understand. But plain business cards are far more effective. For starters, it’s much easier to read black on white.

 

[zomex]

Every effective and high converting website is plain white.

Yes. The majority of high converting websites use a lot of white but your reply is a massive over simplification. Take Amazon as an example. They are using a white background for most of the content areas but are we going to ignore the rest of the design? Black header, blue menu, blue/black footer, use of orange to direct attention to focus on CTAs. Use of borders to structure content and direct attention.

"Plain white" is a kick in the teeth the millions of pounds spend on design.

One of my clients who sells high end custom swimming pools starting from £150,000 spoke spoke to one of their leads who said they were in the process of looking at competitors due to their unprofessional 10 year old website. It's a very hard business to get clients due to the cost and nature of the product so every part of the brand has to be professional, consistent and up to date.

 

[antropy]

A logo if you feel it’s necessary.

On what planet would a logo not be necessary on a business card?

Paul.

 

[antropy]

(add a logo if you must)

Christ

Do not take branding advice from these two

Paul.

 

[zomex]

On what planet would a logo not be necessary on a business card?

Paul.

Sadly like most forums I very much feel the cult vibe. I've used forums for well over 15 years and seen it all before. Two people who do not appreciate the modern world of web design because they are stuck in the past in order to avoid change. In 2000 you could have a plain white website and it would be effective. Those days are long gone, brand, design, color scheme are all critical to stand out and represent professionalism.

 

[fisicx]

I didn’t say to ignore design. I just said black text on white is far more effective.

Use colours, imagery and other design element but use them to enhance not overwhelm.

 

[zomex]

I didn’t say to ignore design. I just said black text on white is far more effective.

You actually did, check your reply. Depends on many factors such as the target market, brand of company, industry of company.

"Plain white, add a logo if you feel like it" is not going to be effective. If that was my business card I may as well throw them in the fire now.

 

[antropy]

Use colours, imagery and other design element but use them to enhance not overwhelm.

Backtracking

Plus you often post pages you've designed where a lot of care has gone into the design and you ask design questions about which colours work.

So your flippant "design doesn't matter just whack some text in and jobsagooden" replies are not really helpful.

Paul.

 

[fisicx]

Maybe. But a plain white business card with logo and contact details often looks very professional. The proposed design here is blue and grey with black lettering. It’s very difficult to read.

 

[antropy]

a plain white business card with logo and contact details often looks very professional.

Yes minimalism and simplicity often do, but that is not the same as just chucking some black text in a random font onto a card without even a logo.

The proposed design here is blue and grey with black lettering. It’s very difficult to read.

The contrast looks high enough to me here really.

Paul.

 

[fisicx]

The contrast looks high enough to me here really.

Not to my tired old eyes. A bit like font sizes. Below 12pt (for print) I struggle to read the words.

 

[Socio South West]

Not to my tired old eyes. A bit like font sizes. Below 12pt (for print) I struggle to read the words.

I'm in that club....
If your card is used, it will either be pinned to a board or stuck on a wall with tape - makes sure the relevant bits (Contacts) are in good sized bold type so it is easily read at a distance.,

 

[fisicx]

I've just printed out your draft @zomex and made it 3.5 x 2 - business card sized. I really struggled to read the tiny fonts. And the QR code is so small the camera can't resolve. I got a card from the pub yesterday and they have their QR code on the back and as big as they can make it.

 

[BubbaWY]

Im at the first company since 2001 that doesnt do business cards. Yes, external businesses I meet may hand me one at the start of a meeting, but by this point, Ive already exchanged emails and have their contact details and know what they do. Every business card I may get handed these days, ends up in the bin.

I suppose if you are doing an industry/trade exhibition, then they may be worth having handy to pass on.

But only you know if they are worth having or not.

 

[NickGrogan]

Too much information on the front.
What's on the back?

 

[zomex]

Thanks for the feedback everyone.

I am in the process of adjusting colors. I may end up going with a white background. I focused on matching the color scheme of my website but I think that was a mistake. I will update to make the contrast very bold.

As mentioned this was a mockup, I didn't finalise fonts/spacing/colors or test it printed. It was more a rough idea on design/content.

> Im at the first company since 2001 that doesnt do business cards. Yes, external businesses I meet may hand me one at the start of a meeting, but by this point, Ive already exchanged emails and have their contact details and know what they do. Every business card I may get handed these days, ends up in the bin.

Yeah that is my plan also. It's just been a case where there's been so many times I have spoke to people who need websites and I miss the perfect opportunity to pass them a business card.

> Too much information on the front. What's on the back?

The back will simply be the logo, QR and bottom section with services. I've seen too many business cards where it's not clear what the business is even about so wanted to make that a clear thing on both the front and back.

 

[BusterBloodvessel]

I mean, for a start I'd agree that business cards are close to worthless these days with the exception of trade shows and even then it's a stretch. But, anyway...

To me, it looks like a Microsoft Publisher template from the late 1990's, or one of the early Vistaprint templates. Which wouldn't give me much confidence in your abilities as a designer, in fact the opposite, I'd think you were only capable of working from a template.

Personally, a much classier and cleaner look would be to drop the two shade coloured background (perhaps leave the small banner with your name in) and then remove the QR code from the front. You'd have a nice, clean front card with a small amount of text and a touch of black (for the little banner, and the bottom strip) just to give it a touch of interest, and then your QR code more easily scannable on the back.

 

[BusterBloodvessel]

Also, as a more general comment, I would consider putting your text from the bottom of the card (Website Design - Email - SEO) underneath your logo, personally. Currently neither your business name or logo give any indication whatsoever as to what you do. Adding that under there would solve that problem the minute anybody lands on your website or anything else.

 

[MikeJ]

Whatever you decide on, check it scans properly in Camcard (or whatever people use these days). For the last 10 years or so, I'd scan any card I got into that, and never look at it again. Black text on a light/white background may work better for that reason alone.

 

[Fagin2021]

Like CVs sent with a Post-It note or rubbish packaging on a product, a business card can set your expectations of the person behind it. Best if the design of the card matches the design of other material used for external communication (website, letterheads, comp slips etc).

In some countries (Far East) your card and how you present it, are important.

 

[zomex]

Really appreciate the feedback everyone!

I mean, for a start I'd agree that business cards are close to worthless these days with the exception of trade shows and even then it's a stretch. But, anyway...

To me, it looks like a Microsoft Publisher template from the late 1990's, or one of the early Vistaprint templates. Which wouldn't give me much confidence in your abilities as a designer, in fact the opposite, I'd think you were only capable of working from a template.

Personally, a much classier and cleaner look would be to drop the two shade coloured background (perhaps leave the small banner with your name in) and then remove the QR code from the front. You'd have a nice, clean front card with a small amount of text and a touch of black (for the little banner, and the bottom strip) just to give it a touch of interest, and then your QR code more easily scannable on the back.

Completely fair feedback. Like any industry it's impossible to be the master of everything. I focus on web development and have very good knowledge of SEO, performance based web design etc. In terms of print design it is clearly not my area haha.

With that said I have now passed my mock-up onto a designer who has designed some nice business cards so we will see what they come up with.

My business is 99.9% online for the last 15 years. The industries I focused on have seen a decline so I am looking to branch out to local businesses. So the local/traditional/print advertising is very new to me but I see opportunity and have lots of ideas to get my name out.

Also, as a more general comment, I would consider putting your text from the bottom of the card (Website Design - Email - SEO) underneath your logo, personally. Currently neither your business name or logo give any indication whatsoever as to what you do. Adding that under there would solve that problem the minute anybody lands on your website or anything else.

I tried to do this with the bottom bar but I will test under the logo to see if that looks better.

Whatever you decide on, check it scans properly in Camcard (or whatever people use these days). For the last 10 years or so, I'd scan any card I got into that, and never look at it again. Black text on a light/white background may work better for that reason alone.

Good shout thank you.

Like CVs sent with a Post-It note or rubbish packaging on a product, a business card can set your expectations of the person behind it. Best if the design of the card matches the design of other material used for external communication (website, letterheads, comp slips etc).

In some countries (Far East) your card and how you present it, are important.

Yeah I agree completely. I believe in this day and age every part of your business is important.

 

[zomex]

The designer has come up with some new concepts. Looking much better than mine, will look to take the best ideas from each.

B1:

B2:

B3:

 

[fisicx]

Why the coloured backgrounds? And the other excellent advice in this thread seems to have been ignored.

Is the card promoting Jack or Zomex?

 

[NickGrogan]

Looks dated and overloaded with information, the word website appears twice, webdesign is two words not one, so you're handing out typos. Will you order new cards with 16 years experience next year?

Generic URL so no way of tracking if anyone is actually using your card.

 

[fisicx]

According to the card you are a website professional. What does that even mean?

Your primary job is giving out free website advice. Which suggests you are just a consultant.

And on a small technical point - why does your URL point (and redirect) to www? This hasn't been needed for years.

 

[Newchodge]

Is Jach (B1) the same person as Jack?

 

[Socio South West]

Is Jach (B1) the same person as Jack?

I had to zoom in on the card to see there is a little notch in the letter that changes it from H to K - I would ask your designer to use a different font for that @zomex - Unless you speak Scouse of course

 

[Annoying Donkey]

Ever heard of selling the sizzle, not the sausage?

Nobody cares about who you are or what you do. They care what you can do for them.

So write your big benefit (USP) in big letters on your card... Tell them why you, over the gazillion other web designers out there... Make the card work for you.

 

[zomex]

Why the coloured backgrounds? And the other excellent advice in this thread seems to have been ignored.

Is the card promoting Jack or Zomex?

These are concepts my friend. I asked a designer to experiment and throw some ideas out there. From this stage a new design will be made which takes the ideas from all.

Your advice consisted of "white background, black text, maybe add a logo".

What does promoting Jack or Zomex even mean? I am Jack, my company is Zomex. We come hand in hand. Do you want me to do a card with just Jack or Zomex? Obviously if I am handing someone a business card they are speaking to me. Do I need have my name or Zomex on the card?

Looks dated and overloaded with information, the word website appears twice, webdesign is two words not one, so you're handing out typos. Will you order new cards with 16 years experience next year?

Generic URL so no way of tracking if anyone is actually using your card.

Appreciate the feedback. These designs are out sourced, the designer is not English. The cards are concepts so I have not paid any attention to spelling at this stage.

According to the card you are a website professional. What does that even mean?

Your primary job is giving out free website advice. Which suggests you are just a consultant.

And on a small technical point - why does your URL point (and redirect) to www? This hasn't been needed for years.

I used website professional as a overall title. I could say web designer but that would ignore other skills I bring to the table. I am open to changing to Web Designer but that was my thinking at the time. If I was 100% specific I would say Web Developer but most people do not know what a web developer is. So Website Professional I felt was a good generic title.

That is not my primary job, free website advice is a selling point that I am willing to give free advice in the hopes of landing a client. It gives the client peace knowing that by calling me there is no cost.

www. was added to make it clear it's a website address for a less tech savvy audience. No issue removing it.

Is Jach (B1) the same person as Jack?

Ah what a treat. The finance "professional" who last time I used this forum told me with complete confidence that I owned thousands in VAT as you hadn't heard of the MOSS system. I do not forget. Now you focus on something completely irrelevant as these are "mock-ups" created by someone who is not English.

I had to zoom in on the card to see there is a little notch in the letter that changes it from H to K - I would ask your designer to use a different font for that @zomex - Unless you speak Scouse of course

Yeah i agree, I am not happy with the fonts. They will be changed.

Ever heard of selling the sizzle, not the sausage?

Nobody cares about who you are or what you do. They care what you can do for them.

So write your big benefit (USP) in big letters on your card... Tell them why you, over the gazillion other web designers out there... Make the card work for you.

Great feedback I appreciate it.

 

[zomex]

@NickGrogan

Forgot to add. The QR code will be tracked.

If I were to add zomex.com/example to track the URL I believe it would make it look more confusing to a less tech savvy person. I highly doubt someone would type that URL in a browser. Instead more likely to either scan the QR or Google Zomex.

 

[Newchodge]

The finance "professional" who last time I used this forum told me with complete confidence that I owned thousands in VAT as you hadn't heard of the MOSS system

When have I ever claimed to be a finance professional?