Whether you're launching your first business, starting a new career, or simply want to network more professionally, a well-designed business card remains one of the most powerful tools in your arsenal. Despite our increasingly digital world, the tactile experience of exchanging a physical card creates a connection that emails and LinkedIn requests simply cannot replicate.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about creating your first business cards, from understanding the basics to ordering with confidence.
Why Business Cards Still Matter in 2026
You might wonder whether physical business cards are still relevant when we carry smartphones everywhere. The answer is a resounding yes, and the statistics back this up. Research consistently shows that people are significantly more likely to remember someone who hands them a physical card compared to those who only share digital contact information.
Business cards serve multiple purposes beyond simply sharing your phone number:
- They demonstrate professionalism - Having a well-designed card shows you take your work seriously
- They create a tactile memory - The physical act of receiving and keeping a card reinforces the connection
- They work without technology - No need to worry about app compatibility or dead batteries
- They reflect your brand - Quality, design, and finish all communicate your values
- They're expected - In many industries and cultures, not having a card can appear unprofessional
Studies show that 72% of people form an impression of a company based on the quality of their business card. Investing in good cards is investing in your professional image.
Essential Information to Include
Before diving into design considerations, you need to determine what information your card should contain. While this seems straightforward, getting the balance right is crucial. Too much information creates clutter, while too little fails to serve the card's purpose.
Must-Have Elements
Every business card should include these fundamental pieces of information:
- Your name - This should be the most prominent text element
- Job title or profession - Helps recipients remember your role
- Company name - If applicable (sole traders might use their trading name)
- Primary contact method - Usually phone number and/or email
Optional But Valuable Additions
Depending on your industry and how you prefer to be contacted, consider including:
- Website URL
- Physical address (particularly important for retail or service businesses)
- LinkedIn profile or social media handles
- QR code linking to your online presence
- Professional qualifications or credentials
- Include only contact methods you actively monitor
- Prioritise readability over cramming in information
- Leave adequate white space for visual breathing room
Understanding Paper Weights and Quality
Paper weight is measured in GSM (grams per square metre), and this number directly affects how your card feels in hand. For business cards, anything below 300gsm will feel flimsy and cheap, while cards above 400gsm project a premium, substantial impression.
Here's a quick reference guide:
- 300gsm - Entry-level, acceptable for budget-conscious orders
- 350gsm - Standard professional quality, suitable for most uses
- 400gsm - Premium feel, excellent for making strong impressions
- 450gsm+ - Luxury grade, often used with specialty finishes
Beyond weight, consider the finish of your paper. Matte finishes offer a sophisticated, modern look and are easier to write on. Gloss finishes make colours pop and resist fingerprints. Uncoated stocks have a natural, organic feel popular with creative professionals and eco-conscious businesses.
Design Principles for Effective Cards
Good business card design follows established principles that maximise both visual appeal and functionality. You don't need to be a graphic designer to understand these fundamentals.
Hierarchy and Readability
Your name should be the largest text element, followed by your title, then contact details. This visual hierarchy guides the reader's eye and ensures they grasp the essential information at a glance. Use no more than two font families, and ensure sufficient contrast between text and background colours.
White Space Is Your Friend
Resist the temptation to fill every available millimetre with content. Generous margins and spacing between elements make your card appear more professional and easier to read. A cluttered card suggests a cluttered mind to many recipients.
Using fonts smaller than 8pt might seem like a way to fit more information, but it makes your card difficult to read, especially for older recipients. Stick to 9pt minimum for body text.
Standard Sizes in Australia
The standard business card size in Australia is 90mm x 55mm, which fits perfectly in wallets and standard cardholders. While creative shapes and sizes can help you stand out, non-standard dimensions may be discarded if they don't fit where people typically store cards.
If you're ordering from international suppliers, be aware that American cards are slightly smaller (89mm x 51mm), which can look odd alongside Australian-sized cards.
How Many Cards Should You Order?
Most printers offer significant price breaks at quantity thresholds. Ordering 500 cards typically costs only marginally more than ordering 250, making larger orders more economical per card. However, consider these factors:
- Will your contact details change soon?
- Are you testing a new design?
- How quickly do you distribute cards?
For most professionals, ordering 500 cards provides a good balance between value and flexibility. If you network heavily, 1000 cards might be more practical.
Ordering Your First Cards
When placing your first order, keep these tips in mind to avoid common pitfalls:
- Always order a physical proof if available, not just a digital preview
- Check that your file includes proper bleed (usually 3mm beyond the trim line)
- Convert fonts to outlines if sending design files to prevent font substitution
- Use CMYK colour mode for print, not RGB
- Allow adequate delivery time, especially for your first order
Many Australian printers offer design services or templates if you're not confident creating your own artwork. This small additional investment can save significant headaches and ensure professional results.
Before committing to a large order, request samples of different paper stocks from your chosen printer. Feeling the materials in person helps you make a confident decision.
Ready to Get Started?
Creating your first business cards doesn't need to be overwhelming. Start with the essentials, choose a quality paper stock appropriate to your industry, and keep the design clean and professional. Your business card is often the first physical representation of your brand that people encounter, so investing time and thought into getting it right pays dividends in every networking interaction.
Explore our product comparison tool to find options that match your requirements and budget, or check out our other guides for more detailed advice on specific topics like paper weights and finishes.