2017-01-31

Have you ever asked yourself where business cards came from? Who invented them? Why we still have them around?

We are in the digital age and using cards as a means of exchanging contact information does not seem as popular as it was in the early days. People are able to connect easily on platforms such as LinkedIn and now almost every business has a website so it’s very easy to get any information needed about the company.

Which brings us to the question, are business cards redundant?



© Shutterstock.com | mhlam

Attending any conference or networking event will show you that these cards are far from being redundant. Unless you spend all your time lurking around the buffet table, there’s a good chance that you’ll go home with a number of business cards.

Statistics show that more than 27 million business cards are printed in the US every single day. This means that about 10 billion cards are printed every year in the US alone.

WHAT MAKES THE MODERN BUSINESS CARD RELEVANT?

Despite all the threats and promises that we are inching towards a virtual world where a majority of the physical elements are non-existent, business cards are consistently staying popular. Let’s take a look at some of the reasons for this and find out if this popularity is about to end.

Real world interaction. The way to exchange a business card is during a physical face-to-face interaction, usually after a handshake and an introduction. This physical interaction is making business cards attractive and unique because no virtual platform can deliver it. The more connected we are to a virtual world, the more valuable real-world interactions become. So the cards are becoming mediums that you can use to make a memorable impression on a prospective client.

Printing Technology. The modern business card can’t be compared to traditional trade cards or calling cards. The printing technology available at the time was very limiting when it comes to the cards that could be produced. Today, a business will be able to make whatever impressions that it seeks to make with a business card. Want to look rich? Use the most advanced printing technologies and the most expensive paper in the market. Want to look professional? How about a crisp 300gsm paper with a broad linear finish and professional type face. Want to look fun and creative? Your only limitation is your imagination. From edible business cards to amazing terable designs, there’s very little you can’t do with a business card.

Creative Designs. Business cards have become creative outlets for conveying different messages to customers. Unlike in the past when the design and use of business cards was clearly defined and strictly followed, today nobody will question how you design or hand out your business cards. This gives businesses limitless creative opportunities for designing the cards in a manner that will stand out.

Less Formal. There were very many rules governing the use of business cards in the past. For example, they could only be handed out using the right hand, could never be written on, had to be carried in a special holder and had to be translated if they were to be handed out in a foreign country. Today, most of these rules are irrelevant. No one will check to ensure that you hand out your business cards using your right hand or that the language is translated.

Who Needs a Business Card?

Let’s now take a quick look at the individuals whose business is more likely to benefit from the use of business cards. If you fall in any of the following categories, then you need to think seriously about having a business card designed.

If you do some lead generation in person. Despite the popular use of email marketing, social media and other online methods for lead generation, there are still a good number of industries that use the tried and tested face to face meeting for generating leads. The best part about this is that it enables you to address any personal concerns that the prospective might have. Giving a business card before sealing the meeting with a handshake will ensure that your prospective customers have something physical that they can refer to when they need your services. It helps if your design stands out.

If you want to look elegant and professional. Picture this: You are in a networking event and you get to meet two designers. You know that a few months down the line you are going to need someone to design flyers for your business so you want to get contact information from a number of the designers in attendance. When you mention this, one of them scrambles to find a pen and something to write on and the other simply reaches into his pocket and pulls out a business card. Who would you pick?

Some of your customers are in the older generation. Although everybody seems to have embraced the use of technology, there are still a number of people who prefer to do things the old way. You can’t force a lifestyle on your customers so if you are going to offer your products or services to this group of people, then you will need to adjust yourself accordingly.

In some cultures, you will need to have a business card to make business deals. Exchanging business cards is a crucial part of creating business relationships in some countries. For instance, in Japan and a good number of Asian countries, you will be judged by the quality and condition of your business cards. In Hong Kong, failing to offer your business card could be taken to mean that you don’t want to do business. If you do business in these countries, failing to carry business cards could be limiting your business.

Business Card Templates

A business card template is what you build your business card on. With that in mind, it’s hard to make a good business card from a bad template. Luckily, with a good template, you will be able to save the money that you would have to pay a professional designer to make one from you. If you do your due diligence, you can easily come up with a nice, professional business card design from a free template.

The million dollar question then becomes: what makes a good business card template outstanding?

Before we look at the best free business card templates, let’s take a look at some of the things that a business card template should have.

Elements of a Good Business Card Template

White space. A good business card should be easy to read. This means that it should be easy on the eyes hence white space is important. The template should have places for you to put in text and other relevant information, but it should also have empty white spaces.

Colors. Branding is very critical in determining the success of a company and it should not be overemphasized. The chosen template should allow you to change the colors of different items on the design to your company colors. This will ensure that your brand is consistent hence customers will be able to identify your company easily.

Logo. Just like the colors, your company logo can be seen as the face of your company. As a result, it should be included in the business card. It will help customers to easily identify your brand.

Contact information. The main aim of exchanging business cards is to share contact information in an easy to consume way. With this in mind, you should ensure that your contact information is presented clearly an in a manner that anyone who gets the business card will find it easy to understand. If you have your work and mobile phone numbers, make sure they are well labeled to avoid confusion.

These are the basic elements that each business card should have. Depending on your industry and the message you want to send to your potential customers, you can be able to add some other details and still remain relevant. Some of these details include QR codes and images.

97 FREE BUSINESS CARD TEMPLATE

Now that we have all that out of the way, let’s go straight to the templates. All these templates are free to use so you can use them on your personal or professional business card with no problems. The writing on a business card communicates essential contact information but the design will tell your customers much more about your business. Browse through the templates below and ensure that you are communicating the right message.

1. Orange Corporate Business Card

This business card employs a predominantly orange theme, with ample room for all the vital elements. In addition, you’ll also get space for QR Code should you decide to use it on the business card. It is printed on both sides, but the back side only has the logo and company name.



behance.net | Ismail Hossain

2. Flat Design Business Card With Long Shadow

This card has all the elements necessary to make it a professional business card, while at the same time it is a bit playful if you don’t want to look too serious. It is the card to use if you want to tell your potential customers that you are reliable and can be trusted to deliver.



BusinessCardJournal.com

3. Corporate Business Card

Like the name suggests, this card speaks nothing but professionalism. The design is sharp and minimal, having only the necessary elements. These elements have been presented clearly and concisely so you don’t have to worry about distractions. It clearly tells your customers that you mean business and that you can be trusted to deliver.

behance.net | malinemati

4. Facebook Business Card

This is a playful business card that you can use to promote your social presence. Like the name suggests, it is built looking like a Facebook profile and as a result, you will need a Facebook profile to get the best results. Ideally, you should use it to increase your likes and followers. There is a section where you can place QR code that points directly to your page for an even faster experience. It is unique and creative.

behance.net | malinemati

5. Blue Corporate Business Card

This business card gives you the chance to add a unique design with more colors other than the standard black and white common on simple business cards. The elements have been designed to give a professional look that will ensure that no one questions your validity. It’s also printed on both sides but the back only has the company name and the company website URL.

behance.net | Ismail Hossain

6. Blue and White Business Card with World Map

If you are looking for a simple yet elegant business card, this is the one to go for. The main part of the business card has a faded world map that could indicate that you are open to do business globally. The back side has room for your company name, logo and slogan and the front has more space for detailed contact information. The back and front design is similar, though the black and white sections have been swapped to give an incredible design.

behance.net | CRISTAL Pioneer

7. Die Cut Business Card Template

This is a minimalistic business card design that still has room for all the necessary elements to enable your customer to reach out. The main feature on both sides is a large text balloon that that you can use to attract attention to the important elements. Below the balloon you’ll find room for a phone number, email address and website URL.

dryicons.com

8. Cat Business Card

If you are a cat lover or your business is associated to these lovable animals in one way or the other, then this is the business card template to use. It looks professional but is still very clear about the nature of the business. Thanks to the unique design, it’s also very hard to forget.

FreshBusinessCards.com

9. Clean and Creative Multicolor Business Card Template

Although many multicolor business card templates look more playful than professional, this one can be used for both purposes. It has vibrant color blends that make it ideal for creative professionals. These include designers, videographers, artists and even people in the entertainment industry.

BusinessCardJournal.com

10. Creative Business Card Template

This one is the ideal template for someone who wants to look creative and playful. It shows that you are not ready to be bound by any rules, which also shows your ability to think outside the box. It is brightly colored with space for the name, phone number and address. This design is perfect for artists who want to show their creative sides.

FreePSDFiles.net

11. Unique and Modern Corporate Business Card Template

With plenty of white space this design looks neat and extremely organized. There’s enough room for all the information that your customers need and at the same time, there is a thin line filled with warm colors at the bottom to ensure that the design is not monotonous. It’s simple but very effective.

BusinessCardJournal.com

12. Black and White QR Code Business Card Template

Despite having the common black and white color that many people would be quick to call dull, the design is far from dull. The elements are neatly arranged to ensure that the card is practical and appealing to the eye. There is space for a company name, logo and QR Code that can point to whatever you like.

BusinessCardJournal.com

13. Professional and Creative Blue Business Card Template

This design is clean, simple but very elegant. It has been designed using vibrant colors that will ensure that your card stands out. On top of the standard contact details that you would expect to find in a business card, this design also has space for QR code.

behance.net | Shohagh Hossen

14. Creative Color Spectrum Business Card Template

Like the name suggests, this template is about colors. Both sides are filled with a spectrum of diagonal color strips that will make it really stand out. This is the design for you if you want to look creative and dazzling. It has provision for adding QR code next to the standard elements.

BusinessCardJournal.com

15. Modern Tricolor Business Card Template for Professional

Like the name suggests, this business card makes use of three colors to present the vital elements. It comes with a professional design that will serve you well if you want to look reliable and devoted to your trade. The three colors are black, red and white and they have been used on both faces of the business card.

BusinessCardJournal.com

16. Creative Speech Bubble Business Card Template

This design is simple and easy to understand. The design is also bright hence you don’t have to worry about your business card being too dull. The template is based on a speech bubble. The main contact details are placed in the bubble and the name and title on a darker strip on the top left part of the card. There’s also room for social pages outside the speech bubble.

BusinessCardJournal.com

17. Minimal Business Card Template

This business card template comes with a minimalistic design featuring only the necessary elements that a business card should have. The rest of the space is filled with small, uniformly-spaced grey crosses. It’s a simple design that can work in any industry.

deviantart.com | karmicfix

18. Stylish and Modern Tab Design

This business card template is for the professional who doesn’t want to look too serious. It is a tri-color design that has space for all the necessary elements. The cards will be printed on both sides, but the back will only have the business name and a slogan.

BusinessCardJournal.com

19. Free Blue Business Card Template

The emphasis on this business card template is the company logo, so this is a great design for you if you have an easily identifiable company logo. Both sides have spaces where you can put the logo and it would be great if the company name can be included within the logo image. However, you can still place the name alongside the logo so this is not a requirement.

FreePSDFiles.net

20. Creative Zigzag Design Business Card Template

If you are looking to stand out, then this is the design to use. Unlike most of the common business cards built with a landscape orientation, this one has a portrait orientation. It also has simple but conspicuous zigzag lines separating the different sections.

BusinessCardJournal.com

21. Clean and Minimal Creative Business Card Design

This template will produce simple cards that come with everything that you need to give your prospective customers. It’s printed on both sides with the same shade of blue. It however uses a unique placement of the standard business card elements to ensure that you get something outstanding and informative.

BusinessCardJournal.com

22. Minimal Color Dot Business Card Template

With a unique color dot design, this template is ideal for artists and designers. There is a lot of empty space that ensures that all the vital elements stand out. It’s printed on both sides but the back face is only for your name or company name.

weselldesign.com

23. Fun and Creative Business Card Design

This design is for the people who want to look playful and non-formal. It doesn’t have a lot of details on the back side, but the front is free to include anything missing. The back has your name, you company name and the website in colored circles. It’s creative, fun and will definitely stand out from the crowd.

pixeden.com

24. Beautiful Retro Business Card Template

The simple retro design is what makes this business card stand out. Rather than having the common rectangular shape on all the other business cards, this one comes with curved corners. This means that whenever your customers look at their pile of business cards, yours will quickly catch their eye. There’s also ample room for all the vital elements like your name, title, company name etc.

designbolts.com

25. Cool and Refreshing Business Card Template

With bright pointed color blocks with arrows pointing to the right, this business card is a balance of a professional outlook and a cool and refreshing friendly appearance. The name and business name appear in large fonts, and there is ample room for contact details below the business name. Both sides are printed with matching colors.

BusinessCardJournal.com

26. Simple Colorful Business Card Template

This template is as simple as they come. It has space for a business name and logo on the front face, and more detailed information at the back. Both sides come with the same color and a portrait orientation. This orientation and simple design are unique and will certainly stand out from the others.

vectorss.com | an1ken

27. Photographer Business Card Template

Like the name suggests, this one is for photographers. In addition to giving information about the business, this template enables photographers to showcase some of their work. Instead of having empty space on the card, this template places photographs on unused space on the card. You can place a photo as the background on the back side and two photos on the front alongside your contact information.

lightroompresets.com

28. Creative and Clean Business Card Template

With a stylish grid design, this business card has space for all the elements. These spaces have been neatly arranged to ensure that you look organized and reliable. The back side has an assortment of icons to ensure that you don’t look too serious.

companyfolders.com

29. Simple andClean Creative Business Card Template

This is one of the professional business card templates that will ensure that you have a clear presentation with no distractions. It tells your customers that you mean business and can be relied upon to go in, get your message across and get out.

BusinessCardJournal.com

30. Simple Orange and Black Business Card template

This business card is about simplicity. The design is not complicated and all the elements are clear and concise. There are no distractions since the only non-text elements on the design are a few stars and lines. It is perfect for videographers and the entertainment industry.

webvilla.pl

31. Art Color Business Card Template

If you are a designer or artist and you want to look professional, then this is the template to work with. Everything is placed in the exact position to ensure that the contact details don’t get covered and at the same time there is enough color to ensure that it’s clear that you are an artist.

webvilla.pl

32. Creative Business Card Template v2

Creativity is evident after one simple glance at this template. Rather than having the plain old business card design that we all know, this one uses rectangular boxes. Each of these boxes holds a specific detail that your prospective customer might want to know about your business. Information about your social pages is placed in distinct boxes that have been colored according to the specific social network’s primary colors. Your name and company name is in larger fonts to make it stand out.

pixeden.com

33. Simple and Effective Corporate Business Card Template

Being a corporate business card design, this template is professional and will indicate that you are a serious and reliable individual. It has enough white space and no distractions from the primary elements. However, this should not be mistaken to mean that it is a boring design. It has the perfect blend of color and all the elements have been placed strategically to make the design look neat and organized.

BusinessCardJournal.com

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