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Business cards can come in all shapes, sizes, and materials including circular, three-dimensional, square, rectangle, paper, metal – you name it, the possibilities are endless. Since they are important and a visual piece of collateral, their look really makes a big impact on first impressions.

However, it is not only about the size and shape that matters. These business tools can be passed from one individual to another, meaning that their durability and feel is equally important. In the text below, you can learn what to consider when choosing business cards.

The Card Design

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Think about the design that will be on the business cards – should it be heavy on graphics or simple with a minimalistic design? Will it be a standard shape or do you want something more creative? Today, some cards look nothing like business cards. Instead, they are a now a checklist, a piece of origami, or a guide, so do not limit yourself on how your paper or metal cards will be designed.

The Colors

According to the team of experts from justmetalcards.com, the type of card you choose will also depend on how many colors do you want in your design. If the design features a lot of vibrant colors, you will need to choose a thicker card stock in order to avoid any “bleeding”. If it is a more minimalistic, monochrome design, you can choose something thinner.

First Impressions

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Your card will make an impression in seven seconds, hence, you should really think about what you want people to see and remember about your card. For instance, if you want to convey a more sophisticated impression, a glossy, thick paper might be best, and if you are going for a minimal, modern impression, metal cards with a matte finish will work best.

Your Budget

This one is obvious for most people, but it is worth mentioning. Some card stocks are more expensive than other ones. And as a general rule, thicker paper is more expensive, hence, you should consider your budget and how it fits in with the impression you want to leave.

Choosing the Finish of Your Business Cards

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Like choosing the thickness of your card, you will also need to choose the finish you would like to have. The finish gives your card its “feel” and it will determine how the design looks. The most common ones include matte and dull or glossy and shiny, and the one you choose will depend on what you are planning on doing with the cards. For instance, if you are going to write on the cards, a matte finish is best, and if you have a colorful, big design, a glossy finish might look better.

1. Glossy Finish – glossy finishes offer more protection against moisture and it gives the design a nice shine. If you have colorful graphics, this finish will add contrast and vibrancy, as well as make them look modern.

2. Matte Finish – this finish is best for metal business cards and they are less reflective. If you are going for a minimal design with your metal or paper cards, they will work best. Colors on the matte finish will be more subtle, but they will not look washed out like they might with a glossy finish.

3. Uncoated Finish – uncoated finished offer more texture than the previously mentioned finished, however, they do not have a protective coating, hence, they might get damaged more easily.

Conclusion

These simple steps can help you determine how your paper or metal business cards will look like, as well as what impression they will leave on people. Furthermore, it will help you grow your business. Hence, do not waste any more time and start planning the design of your cards!