Your business card communicates who you are—in just a few inches of paper. It might be the first impression you make on professional contacts, so you should make it count. How do you get off on the right foot? By paying attention to the details. When it comes to your business cards, it’s not just what you write on them that matters. The quality of the paper does, too. A thin, floppy card can crumple or tear in a potential customer’s wallet, sending the wrong message about your business.
Let’s take a look at the fundamentals of business cards and how you can choose the best paper for high-quality business cards that fits your budget and helps you stand out from the competition.
What are the main components of business card design?
When designing your business card, spend time on the fine details to get it right before you hit Print. Whether you’re using a business card template or custom design, here are the elements to keep in mind:
Thickness and weight
Thickness and weight determine the rigidity of the paper you use for your business card. Point represents how thick it is; each point is 1/1,000 of an inch. Pound is how much 500 sheets of paper weigh.
The typical business card uses 14- or 16-point paper stock (to put this in perspective, a credit card is typically 30 point). Standard paper stock is fairly durable, but a premium stock can get you into the 18- to 32-point range for a thicker paper that will provide a more substantial feel.
The heavier the weight, the higher the cost of printing the card. An extra-thickpaper is sturdier but it also means you likely can’t print your business cards at home. Thinner paper, like a 100-pound cover, is a more affordable solution that works in most standard printers.
Typography
Typography—which encompasses your typeface and font size—helps you show your brand personality on a business card. Your typography choices can be minimal and unobtrusive, or they can be loud and showy—either way, they should align with your brand guidelines.
If you haven’t established a visual identity for your brand yet, you can follow a few general rules. Sans serif fonts will be more modern and casual, while serif fonts can give a more refined, professional feel. You can use your typography to create a hierarchy. For example, you might use a large serif for your business name and a small sans serif font for your contact details.
Information
You can add many details to your business cards—name, role or key services, business name, logo, email, phone number, address, website, and QR code. To decide what to include, consider the primary purpose of your business cards. Ask yourself:
- Who is your audience?
- When and where will you hand out your cards?
- How do you want potential clients to contact or connect with you?
For instance, if you have a thriving TikTok account, you might include your TikTok handle rather than your Facebook page; if your audience is tech-savvy and you want to push them to a particular product, you can include a QR code that directs them to a product page.
Also, consider the personality you want to convey. Fewer details can appear sleek and minimalist, while more information can appear friendly or eager. However, it’s a balancing act: Too much information can overwhelm a card recipient—unless you opt for a unique card size.
Material
Cardstock paper is the most common business card material, but if you’re trying to stand out, you can try higher-qualitypaper options. For example, lightweight linen paper can give a unique, textured feel. If sustainability is important to your business, you can use recycled card stock. Ultimately, the best paper for your business card will depend on your mission and brand identity.
Color
Color can make your business card design pop—though color printing may cost more money. You can choose color printing or opt for colored paper to print on, and some printers can even color the edges of the cards. Ask your printer about how to get the best colors for your design. They may recommend a glossy paper or a specific finish to help you get the best result.
Finish
The right finish depends on your preference for the visual shine and tactile feel. Uncoated paper, like printer paper, gives a more natural, casual feel at a lower cost. The lack of finish is also better for writing directly on the business card—a perk if you want to add a custom note when you hand them out.
On the other hand, coated paper is smoother to the touch for a luxurious feel or premium look. You can choose between a glossy finish for maximum shine, a satin finish for medium shine, or a matte finish for a muted and professional feel. Your printer might also offer a soft-touch finish, which provides a velvety feel.
Styles of business card paper
Choosing the best business card paper can feel like looking at a menu with too many items. Should you choose a budget card stock or a higher-quality paper with a glossy finish? Let’s break down the most common business card paper types and combos into simple terms to simplify the decision-making process:
- 100-pound gloss cover. 100-pound gloss cardstock is the most cost-effective option for a business card. Most home printers can handle the job themselves.
- 14- or 16-point cardstock. Slightly thicker than the average business card, these cardstocks are a popular choice for a more durable feel and professional look. Business card stock can be matte or high gloss.
- 30-point cardstock. A double-thick card, comparable in weight to a credit card, this cardstock is more durable. It’s also available in matte or glossy.
- Soft-touch coated cardstock. Coated with a finish to create a velvety feel, soft-touch paper is available on any paper weight.
- Recycled paper. Many printers offer a variety of recycled paper cards. It may be indistinguishable from other cardstock, or you can choose textured paper to show off the recycled nature.
Best paper for business cards FAQ
What paper should I use for my business cards?
The right paper for your business card depends on your budget, purpose, and brand personality. You can choose from thin and light, heavy and durable, matte or shiny, and smooth or textured papers.
Is glossy or matte better for business cards?
A glossy finish on a business card is great for a luxurious look and feel that makes the colors pop and might be the right pick for a high-end beauty brand or car dealership. A matte finish provides a professional, muted look and a slight texture, and allows easier writing on the card, which could match a law firm or business consultant.
Can I print my own business cards?
Yes, you can print your business cards at home, especially if you use a DIY design tool like Shopify’s business card maker to create an easy-to-print card and select lighter-weight paper. Most home printers can handle 100-pound gloss cover, which is the cheapest cardstock option for business cards. For thicker weights or high gloss options, you’ll need to use a professional printer.
What information should I include on my business card?
A typical business card includes your name (or business name), your industry, a website or social handle, and how you want clients to contact you, such as a phone number or email address.