If you run a business in the Phoenix area, chances are you’ve handed out your fair share of business cards—or at least meant to. Whether you’re at a networking event in Scottsdale or dropping off materials at a client’s office in Chandler, a good business card is still one of the easiest and most effective ways to make a solid impression.
But not all business cards are created equal.
Before you hit “order” or send a design to print, here are 10 things worth thinking through. A little prep goes a long way toward ensuring you end up with cards that look sharp, feel right, and work for you.
- Don’t Cram Too Much In
It’s tempting to include everything—title, logo, phone numbers, email, website, QR code, tagline, maybe even a photo—but the best business cards aren’t overloaded. Keep it simple. The essentials are your name, your role, one main way to contact you, and your logo or brand.
- Stick to Standard Size Unless You Have a Reason Not To
The standard business card size in the U.S. is 3.5″ x 2″. If you go bigger, it might not fit in a wallet. It might get tossed or overlooked if you go too small or it’s odd-shaped. Custom sizes can work, but they’re better when there’s a specific strategy behind them.
- Use High-Resolution, Print-Ready Files
That logo you use on your website may not print well at small sizes. Ensure your files are high-resolution (300 DPI at minimum) and in CMYK color mode—not RGB. Better yet, use vector files (.AI, .EPS, or PDF) to keep the details crisp.
- Choose the Right Paper Stock
There’s a big difference between a flimsy, lightweight card and one with some weight. A thicker card stock (at least 14pt or 16pt) feels better. You can also consider matte, gloss, soft-touch, or uncoated finishes depending on the style you’re going for.
- Think About Texture and Finish
Glossy cards pop, but they can be hard to write on. Matte cards feel smooth and modern. Soft-touch has a rubbery, premium texture that stands out. Ask us or another local Phoenix print shop to show you some samples—you’ll know what feels right once you hold it.
- Leave Some White Space
A little breathing room goes a long way. Your card doesn’t need to be filled from edge to edge. Leaving some open space looks cleaner and makes the info easier to read.
- Be Mindful of Font Size and Style
Tiny text might look fine on your screen but appear unreadable when printed. Stick to legible fonts and avoid going smaller than 8pt. Also, avoid anything overly decorative unless it’s part of your brand.
- Double-Check Everything—Then Check Again
There’s nothing worse than spotting a typo after 500 cards have been printed. Double-check all the details: spelling, phone numbers, email addresses, and website links. Then have someone else look it over too.
- Consider Printing on Both Sides
If you’ve got more info to include—or you just want to make your brand feel more polished—using the back of the card can help. You can add your logo, a short list of services, a QR code, or even just a bold color that reinforces your brand.
- Talk to a Local Printer (Like Us)
Online print sites can be convenient, but they often miss the mark on color accuracy, paper quality, and customer service. A local Phoenix print shop like Print North Valley can help guide you through the options, show you samples, and ensure your cards reflect your business’s quality.
Wrapping It Up
A good business card isn’t just a formality—it’s a chance to communicate your brand in a quick, tangible way. Whether you’re launching a new company or refreshing your existing materials, taking a few minutes to plan your design makes a real difference.
If you’re in the Phoenix area and want to discuss your options—or see some paper and finish samples firsthand—we’d be happy to help.
Let us know what you’re working on.