Business Cards: What to Put on Them, How to Design Them, and Where to Print

A business card works at a job site, a supplier counter, or left in a mailbox on a street you're targeting. It puts your name, number, and brand directly in someone's hands — and when they need an HVAC tech, a plumber, or a garage door company, yours is the card they're already holding.

This guide covers what to put on your own business card, how to design one that works, and where to print them.

What to Put on Your Custom Business Cards

Before thinking about design, decide what information needs to be on the card. A professional business card should always include:

Contact Details

Your name, phone number, email address, and company website. This is the most important part of the card. If a customer can't reach you, nothing else on it matters.

Business Information

Your business name, industry, and logo. You can also add your physical address, hours of operation, and services you offer. A QR code linking to your booking page or Google Business Profile is also worth adding — one scan gets a customer exactly where you want them.

License Number

Optional in most cases, but check whether your state or county requires you to display your license number on marketing materials. When in doubt, include it. It adds credibility either way.

Using the Extra Space

If you have room left on the card, put it to work. A few options worth considering:

• Social media handles
• A headshot
• A discount or referral reward offer
• A review request with a QR code linking to your Google listing
• Photos of your work to show what you are capable of
• Awards, certifications, or credentials worth highlighting

Expert tip: Leave the back of the card blank and write a short personal note when you hand it out. It takes ten seconds and makes the card a lot harder to throw away.

Business Card Design: What Actually Matters

A well-designed business card does not need to be complicated. It needs to be readable, on-brand, and professional enough that handing it over adds to the impression you're making — not subtracts from it.

Best Fonts for Business Cards

Stick to clean, readable fonts. Avoid anything decorative or hard to read at small sizes. Sans-serif fonts like Helvetica, Montserrat, or Open Sans are reliable choices. Whatever font you use on your card should match what you use on your website and other branded materials for style consistency.

Color

Your card's color scheme should match your brand. If you haven't locked down your brand colors yet, start with your logo before designing anything else. Consistency across all your printed materials is what builds recognition over time.

Eye-Catching Design Without Overcomplicating It

A clean layout with clear hierarchy reads better than a card packed with information. Lead with your company name, your name, and your phone number. White space is not wasted space. It makes the important information easier to find.

Paper Stock and Finish Options

The paper your card is printed on says something about your business before anyone reads a word. Here are the most common options:

• Standard Card: The default for most business card printing. Gets the job done and keeps costs low. Fine for high-volume handouts.
• Premium Paper Stock: Thicker and more substantial in the hand. Worth the upgrade for any card you're handing to a customer or prospect — it signals quality in a way thin paper doesn't.
• Matte Business Cards: A soft, non-glossy finish that reads as clean and professional. Easy to write on, which matters if you're adding a personal note on the back.
• Spot Gloss: A gloss finish applied to specific elements like your logo while the rest of the card stays matte. Creates a tactile texture that makes the card more memorable.
• Soft Touch: A velvety coating that feels premium in the hand. Popular with luxury brands and businesses that want to stand out.
• Rounded Corners: A small design detail that makes a card feel more polished and less generic. Worth considering if you want your card to feel different from the standard stack.
• Eco-Friendly Options: Recycled paper stocks are available at most printers if your brand leans into sustainability or green certifications.

Standard Business Card Size

The standard business card size in the US is 3.5 x 2 inches. Stick to this unless you have a specific reason to go custom. Non-standard sizes can be harder to fit in a wallet or cardholder, which means they get left behind faster.

If you are designing your own card, make sure your file includes bleed lines so nothing important gets cut off during printing. Most printers accept AI files, PDF, or print-ready files — check with your vendor before submitting.

Where to Print Business Cards

These are the most widely used online business card printing services. Local print shops are worth checking too. They often beat online vendors on price and turnaround, especially for larger orders.

• VistaPrint: The most widely used business card printing service for small businesses. Hundreds of customizable templates, multiple paper and finish options, and fast shipping. Standard cards start at 50 for $10.
• Canva: Design your card using Canva's drag-and-drop editor and order prints directly through the platform. A good option if you are already using Canva for other branded materials and want to keep everything in one place.
• Walgreens: Good for same-day pickup when you need cards fast. Design online using customizable templates or upload your own design, and pick them up at your local store within hours.
• FedEx Office: In-store and online business card printing with most orders ready same day or within 24 hours. Solid option when you need cards quickly and want to pick them up locally.
• Amazon Business: A wide range of vendors sell custom business cards through the platform with fast Prime shipping. Check reviews before ordering since quality varies by seller.

Your Business Card Is Part of Your Brand

A business card is a small investment that keeps working long after the conversation ends. Get the contact details right, match it to your brand, and print on a paper stock that reflects the quality of your work.

Once your cards are in order, make sure the rest of your print marketing keeps up. Check out our guide on printed marketing materials to build out the rest of your brand presence.