To make it easy for all you would-be designers, I’ve added templates below to be downloaded for business cards in PDF and Adobe InDesign format.

Download your business card template here:

• Business card PDF template
• Business card InDesign Template

You will notice on the InDesign file a text box which is illustrated in pink to give you a parameters to work your text within. The PDF includes the crop marks and 3mm bleed which you may also find useful.
A few helpful hints:

1) Keep your business card clean and uncluttered
2) make sure the text is easily read
3) Ensure the text and images balance or give equal width from their ends to the edge of the card. (Any slight movement will really show on a business card)
4) Do not place text or important graphics too close to the edge of the card, try to leave at least 6-8mm from the edge of the card.
5) If you want to use borders make them broad and not too thin as any slight deviation in cutting will show ten-fold
6) When using the InDesign file, don’t forget to add crop marks and 3mm bleed when saving as a print ready PDF (see PDF file).

Did you know?
Everydayprint will allow you to upload your own design via their website http://www.everydayprint.co.uk/backend/edouk/products.jsp?onlyUpload=true
or if you need any help contact Jamie, Mel or Debi on 0870 4430 551

business cards are still one of the most effective tools for passing your details to customers and associates and can influence the way the person remembers you and your company.

Always have a handful of business cards ready to hand out, even when your not at work (you never know where you might meet an important business contact).  Never hand out worn business cards, use a case to make sure they are always in excellent condition.

Make sure you order cards on good quality paper without the extra advertising that you get on free business cards.

If someone hands you a business card treat it with respect so that you are not disrespecting its owner.  Put it within a business card case or notebook.

Looking for inspiration for unusual business card design. Take a look at this set on Flickr which has hundreds of unusual and clever designs.

However be very aware of who you are going to be handing the card to, your target audience. As I’ve mentioned in previous articles, often the key is simplicity and readability. After all the aim of your business card is that someone should be able to use it to contact you.

What makes a good design for a business card?

As a designer, I often see business cards being sent to our presses for print that really make me want to pick them up and read them. Others, I just wonder what they were thinking when they designed them…

Quite often the worst ones will have so much text and information on them that you wonder why they weren’t A4 in size? This coupled with their name in 18 point Arial, and the bit they completely forgot to put on after 60 hours in front of ‘publisher’ or ‘word’ in 2 point type. (more…)

A good business card is an effective business card.  But what constitutes effective?

Ultimately a business card is handed out in the hope that the recipient contacts you.  Before anything else, your card must clearly show your contact details.  If it doesn’t allow a person to use it to contact you, it has failed.  Your contact details should be obvious, not hidden by images, poorly chosen font size or colour, or any other gimmicks.  It doesn’t matter about how cool someone thinks your card is if they cannot use it to contact you.

A clean and uncluttered design immediately gives that professional look.  Don’t stray too far from the standard size.  A business card that does not fit into a wallet or holder isn’t likely to be kept close-at-hand.