A business card is like a tiny billboard promoting your company. While some people question whether business cards still matter in today’s digital age, we can assure you that an eye-catching business card is just as potent today as it ever was.
Whether you’re a startup owner, freelancer, or part of a well-established company, the importance of well-designed, custom business cards cannot be overstated. These powerful marketing tools are often the first impression people get of your business. That’s why choosing the right service for business card printing matters.
In this article, we’ll help you find the best online services for business card designs and printing that will leave your contacts impressed.
- Why Print Business Cards Online?
- Choosing the Right Business Card Type
- Tips for Designing The Perfect Business Card
- What to Look For in an Online Business Card Printing Service
- The Top 8 Online Business Card Printing Services
- Things to Keep in Mind During the Printing Process
Why Print Business Cards Online?
Networking is an important part of any business but it’s especially important for small and medium businesses that are still establishing themselves. You want to create relationships within your given industry to help propel you forward. One of the best places to nurture these relationships is at trade shows and conferences.
At these events, you’ll be surrounded by other business owners who are also trying to build their companies and gain recognition. The key in these situations is to stand out, and your business card can be a massive advantage.
Think of your business card as a handshake frozen in time. Long after your initial meeting, that small piece of card stock continues to represent you and your brand. Although, just because someone takes your business card doesn’t mean they’ll keep it forever. After all, about 80% of all business cards passed to another person are thrown away in 7 days.
Choosing the Right Business Card Printing Service
Whether you’re looking to print custom business cards for your startup or refresh your professional business cards for a new role, choosing the right printing service can make all the difference between being remembered and forgotten.
You need to choose a printing service that offers advanced features that will make your business card unique and stand out from the rest of the pack.
Choosing the Right Business Card Type
Before we delve into the different printing services, we should touch on how to design your business card so that it can capture your audience’s attention. The very first thing that you need to do is figure out exactly who your audience is.
For example, a cleaning business might want to get the attention of homeowners, whereas a construction company might want to get the attention of business developers. Your target audience will impact your business card design and the type of card you create.
Different Business Card Types
While there is absolutely nothing wrong with the standard 3.5 x 2-inch business card, here are a few additional business card types that you can experiment with:
- Square business cards: A unique and eye-catching option that deviates from the standard rectangular business card shape.
- Appointment cards: These cards confirm the details of an upcoming appointment, ensuring that the conversation will continue in person.
- Magnetic business cards: All of the functionality of regular business cards but can be easily attached to fridges or filing cabinets, increasing the chances that the card is kept.
- Business cards with a QR code: People can scan the QR code with their smartphone and be led directly to a pre-defined digital location — your website, social media pages, etc.
- Eco-friendly business cards: Cards made from post-consumer recycled paper, bamboo or a hemp blend deliver an environmentally friendly spin on the traditional paper business card.
Note: When choosing a business card style that differs from the standard sizing, please keep in mind that not all of these variations will easily fit inside someone’s wallet or purse. While this is not always a dealbreaker, it might dissuade some from taking your card.
Tips for Designing The Perfect Business Card
Crafting a business card that embodies your company’s essence is a tall order. Luckily, we’ve compiled our top 10 tips on how to create an amazing business card that will leave your partners, clients, and peers speechless.
- Color matters: Pay special attention to color combinations to make your business card pop.
- Preview before printing: Check out your card in a 3D preview to ensure everything is just right.
- Templates: Use pre-made templates to design your business card quickly and easily.
- Trends: Consult trends for inspiration but don’t follow them too closely, or your card will be dated.
- Stick to two fonts: Using more than two fonts can make your card look cluttered.
- Choose the best font: Opt for sans serif fonts for modern designs or serif fonts for a traditional feel.
- Keep it simple: Don’t include too much information. Focus on the essentials, such as your name, company name, contact details, and logo.
- Mind the bleed zone: Ensure your design extends into the bleed zone to avoid white edges.
- Paper thickness: A thicker card feels more luxurious and lasts longer.
- Experiment with shapes: Shop by shape to find the best business card shape for your brand.
If you need help designing your own business card, take advantage of LogoMaker’s business card maker and craft a professional business card in just minutes!
What to Look For in an Online Business Card Printing Service
After you’ve created your amazing business card design, you’re going to have to print it. There are thousands of business card printing services out there, but they are not all created equal. Before diving into our top picks, let’s explore what makes a service stand out:
- Quality of materials: From special paper stocks to premium paper, the quality of your card speaks volumes.
- Customization options: Look for services offering pre-made templates, print-ready templates, and the ability to easily customize your design.
- Business card shapes: Whether you prefer standard 3.5 x 2, square, or even circle business cards, having options for the best business card shape is key.
- Printing features: Options like double-sided printing, glossy finish, and matte business cards can make your cards eye-catching.
- Pricing and shipping: Affordable pricing, sample kits, and reasonable shipping times are essential.
- Customer support: A responsive and helpful team can make all the difference when you’re stuck uploading non-vector artwork or tweaking smaller lines in your design.
Size & Shape Considerations
While the standard business card size (3.5 x 2 inches) remains popular, don’t feel confined by tradition. Square business cards are gaining traction for their modern appeal, and circle business cards can make a memorable impression in certain industries.
However, remember that unusual shapes might cost more and could face practical limitations (like not fitting standard cardholders).
The Top 8 Online Business Card Printing Services
1. LogoMaker
LogoMaker is a one-stop shop for business card printing services. Design your own business cards using LogoMaker’s large library of full-color card templates from various industries, such as technology, construction, and medicine.
- Key Features:
- Thousands of fully customizable business card templates to choose from.
- A wide variety of paper thicknesses makes it easy to find the perfect fit.
- Options for rounded corners and a massive collection of card finishes.
- Use the full design suite or upload your own business card design.
- Shipping Times: Very fast, even for large orders.
In addition to business card printing, LogoMaker can help with any and all of your branding needs, from website design to logo creation. LogoMaker is specifically geared toward small and medium businesses with intuitive and easy-to-use interfaces perfect for anyone, even those with limited design experience.
2. Vistaprint
When it comes to business card printing, Vistaprint is a household name. Known for its user-friendly platform and extensive customization options, it’s a go-to for professionals and small businesses alike.
- Key Features:
- A good selection of business card templates to use.
- Options for round corners, vertical business card layouts, and premium paper.
- Tools to upload your logo, photo, or smaller fonts with ease.
- Offers sample kits for those unsure about paper thickness.
- Shipping Times: Generally quick, with expedited options.
Vistaprint has become synonymous with accessible, quality business card printing. Their platform offers one of the most user-friendly experiences for printing custom business cards, with an extensive library of pre-made templates that can be easily customized.
3. Moo
For those who value creative and graphic-rich card designs, Moo is a strong choice. Their high-quality offerings and unique options make them stand out.
- Key Features:
- Unique sizes, including square business cards and mini cards.
- Eye-catching matte business cards and glossy finish options.
- Offers print custom business cards on special paper stocks.
- Ability to include QR codes and upload vibrant colors.
- Best For: Professionals who want premium business cards with business card designs that truly stand out.
When it comes to premium business cards that make heads turn, Moo has consistently led the pack. Their Luxe cards, which feature a unique triple-layer paper stock, feel very substantial in your hand. However, the more premium paper options from Moo come with a substantial price tag.
4. Zazzle
Zazzle specializes in speed, making it an excellent choice for those who want custom business cards delivered to their door quickly.
- Key Features:
- Tons of pre-made templates for various industries.
- Allows you to experiment with business card dimensions, smaller fonts, and color schemes.
- Offers double-sided printing and options to shop by shape.
While Zazzle does offer a quick turnaround time, it lacks some of the customization options available in other services on this list.
5. GotPrint
GotPrint is ideal for those seeking affordability without sacrificing quality. Their competitive pricing makes it easy to print business cards in bulk.
- Key Features:
- Wide variety of paper types and business card sizes, including standard business card size.
- Affordable pricing for order prints in larger quantities.
- Tools for creating business card online designs with ease.
- Best For: Businesses looking to save on costs without compromising on professional business cards.
GotPrint is especially popular among small business owners and entrepreneurs who need to print business cards in larger quantities without compromising on quality.
The print quality is consistently good, and their color reproduction is particularly notable, considering their price point. If you have a more simplistic business card design, GotPrint is a good choice.
6. Canva
Canva’s intuitive design platform makes it a favorite for DIY enthusiasts who want to print a business card online that feels personal.
- Key Features:
- Drag-and-drop editor for creating print-ready templates.
- Includes stock images, icons, and sample kits for inspiration.
- Options for eye-catching graphics, smaller lines, and vibrant colors.
- Best For: Startups and freelancers who enjoy hands-on design.
Canva is definitely a great choice when it comes to business card design. They have become one of the most popular graphic design platforms in the world, thanks to their simplicity. Designing a business card on Canva is much more streamlined than Photoshop or Adobe Illustrator; however, when it comes to the printing side, they still have some catching up to do.
7. Staples
Staples offers a blend of convenience and quality. Their online tool allows you to create and shop business cards and then pick them up at a local store.
- Key Features:
- Offers same-day pickup for those in a rush.
- Multiple business card sizes and finishes are available.
- Great for those who need business card templates but prefer to finalize their order in-store.
Staples is a longstanding institution when it comes to business supplies and printing. They offer dependable business card printing services but they’re not always the most affordable option.
8. Jukebox Print
If you’re all about sustainability and uniqueness, Jukebox Print is the way to go. Their focus on eco-friendly materials and special paper stocks sets them apart.
- Key Features:
- Unique materials like bamboo and recycled paper.
- Customization options for circle business cards and square business cards.
- Offers sample kits for evaluating paper stocks.
- Best For: Eco-conscious businesses looking for business cards that stand out.
Jukebox Print has a good selection of eco-friendly paper stocks that will appeal to businesses promoting sustainability. Jukebox also offers a variety of specialty options that can get your creative juices flowing.
Things to Keep in Mind During the Printing Process
All of the companies that we’ve laid out above are great options when it comes to business card printing, but there are a few additional items that you should consider to ensure your printing experience goes smoothly.
Paper Matters More Than You Think
The paper stock you choose can transform a good business card into a great one. Paper thickness is measured in GSM (grams per square meter), with premium business cards typically ranging from 300-400 GSM.
Your business card’s finish also matters a great deal. One of the biggest advantages of business cards is that they can be held. There is a tangible quality to them that cannot be replaced by anything digital. If your service offers the option to order test cards, order a variety of finishes to see which one feels best in your hand.
Here are some of the most popular finishes you can choose from:
- Matte finish: Perfect for a sophisticated, understated look
- Glossy finish: Ideal for vibrant colors and photography
- Textured stocks: Adds a tactile element that enhances memorability
- Special finishes: Like spot UV or foil stamping for extra impact
Sampling Before You Commit
As we mentioned above, consider requesting a sample kit from your chosen printer before placing a large order. This allows you to experience different paper stocks firsthand.
If your card has special features like unique shapes or rounded corners, getting a sample will give you a good idea of how people will handle it. Samples also allow you to check print quality and color accuracy. The card’s appearance on your computer screen could be vastly different from its appearance in real life.
Timing Your Order
Most online printing services offer various shipping times, but plan ahead for:
- Standard production: 3-5 business days
- Shipping time: Varies by location and service level
- Rush orders: Available but at premium prices
- Proof approval: May add 1-2 days to production
Conclusion
Choosing the right service to print business cards can elevate your professional image. Whether you’re drawn to standard business card sizes, vertical business card layouts, or graphic-rich card designs, the right service will help make your designs a reality.
Take your time to explore features, materials, and designs to create professional business cards that leave a lasting impression.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is the standard business card size?
The standard business card size is 3.5 x 2 inches.
How thick is a business card?
Thickness varies, but premium business cards are typically printed on 14pt to 32pt paper thickness.
Can I include QR codes on my card?
Yes! Most online platforms allow you to include QR codes for easy sharing of contact details or websites.
What’s the best font for business cards?
It depends on your style. Sans serif fonts are modern and clean, while serif fonts offer a classic look. Experiment with different fonts to see which fits best for your business card design.
How long do shipping times take?
Shipping times vary, ranging from same-day pickup to several business days for standard delivery.
What’s the best business card shape?
The best business card shape depends on your brand. Square business cards and circle business cards are great for standing out, while standard business card size is universally recognized.
Can I order a sample kit before printing?
Yes, many services offer sample kits so you can evaluate materials and finishes before committing to a larger order.
How do I ensure my design prints correctly?
Make sure to use print-ready templates, include a bleed zone, and upload high-resolution files to avoid issues with non-vector artwork.
What paper type is best for business cards?
It depends on the impression you want to make. Special paper stocks like recycled or textured materials are great for unique designs, while glossy finish and matte business cards offer a more polished look.
Can I create a vertical business card layout?
Absolutely! Many online platforms offer vertical business card layouts as an option, perfect for showcasing creative designs or logos.
