Basic Information that Should be on Every Business Card
1. Full Name and Professional Title
Your complete name should be prominently displayed, ideally in a larger font than other elements. Pair this with an accurate professional title that instantly communicates your role and expertise level. For instance, "Sarah Chen, Senior UX Designer" provides immediate context about your professional identity. The placement of your name often sets the hierarchy for the entire card design, so consider placing it where it naturally draws the eye first.
2. Company Name and Logo
Your organization's name and visual identity are critical anchoring elements. Ensure your logo appears in high resolution without pixelation, properly sized to balance with other information. The company name should maintain consistency with your broader brand guidelines regarding font, color, and styling. For established businesses, the logo might take prominence, while independent professionals might emphasize their personal name over their business entity.
3. Contact Information
This foundational element should include a carefully curated selection of ways to reach you. Your primary phone number should reflect how you prefer to be contacted—mobile numbers suggest accessibility while office numbers convey formality. Your email address should use your company domain (john@yourcompany.com) rather than generic providers to reinforce professionalism. Include your website URL without "http://" or "www" prefixes unless necessary, and only add a physical address if location is relevant to your operations or conveys prestige.
4. Social Media and Digital Integration
Selectively feature professional profiles that showcase your work and expertise. Different industries prioritize different platforms—LinkedIn for corporate professionals, Instagram for creative fields, GitHub for developers, or specialized platforms for specific industries. A strategically placed QR code can seamlessly connect your physical card to your digital presence, whether linking to your contact information, portfolio, or appointment booking system. Consider what digital destination would most benefit your potential clients or connections.
5. Clear Value Proposition
Craft a concise statement that articulates what makes your offerings distinctive. This critical element might take the form of a tagline ("Transforming Data into Strategic Insights"), specialty description ("Specializing in Sustainable Commercial Architecture"), or brief service overview ("Cloud Migration & Security Solutions"). This element should be instantly understandable and memorable, helping recipients recall exactly what value you provide even after your conversation ends. Position this statement strategically—perhaps beneath your name or as a subtle footer—and ensure it complements rather than competes with your essential contact information.