While the fundamentals of good business card design apply universally, different industries have distinct expectations and conventions. A card that works brilliantly for a graphic designer might seem inappropriate for a solicitor. Understanding these industry norms helps you create cards that resonate with your target clients while still expressing your unique professional identity.
This guide provides tailored recommendations for professionals across major Australian industries.
Legal Professionals
Lawyers, barristers, and legal professionals operate in an industry where tradition, trust, and attention to detail matter enormously. Your business card should reflect these values through conservative elegance.
Recommended Approach
- Paper: 400gsm+ uncoated stock, linen or laid texture
- Colours: Navy blue, dark grey, burgundy, or classic black and white
- Typography: Traditional serif fonts like Garamond or Times
- Finishes: Subtle embossing of firm name or logo, blind deboss
Include your law society membership number if required by your jurisdiction. Keep the design uncluttered and focused on essential contact details.
Real Estate Agents
Real estate is a highly competitive, relationship-driven industry where memorable first impressions can make the difference in winning listings. Cards should project success and professionalism while being memorable.
Recommended Approach
- Paper: 400gsm coated or soft-touch finish
- Colours: Gold accents, navy, or aligned with agency branding
- Features: Professional headshot, agency logo prominent
- Technology: QR code linking to active listings or profile page
Many successful agents invest in premium cards with foil stamping or spot UV on their photo. The goal is to stand out in the stack of cards vendors receive from competing agents.
Medical and Healthcare
Healthcare professionals need cards that communicate trust, cleanliness, and competence. The design should feel clinical without being cold, professional without being stuffy.
Recommended Approach
- Paper: 350-400gsm matte or silk finish
- Colours: Blue (trust), green (health), white (cleanliness)
- Typography: Clean sans-serif fonts for readability
- Essential info: Practice name, specialisation, appointment booking details
Include relevant qualifications and registration numbers as required by your professional body. Many healthcare providers include a small health tip or wellness message on the reverse.
- Prioritise readability for patients of all ages
- Include multiple contact methods for appointments
- Consider cards that can be written on for follow-up dates
- Professional qualifications build trust
Creative Industries
Designers, photographers, artists, and other creatives have more freedom to experiment with unusual formats and creative finishes. Your card itself becomes a portfolio piece demonstrating your aesthetic sensibility.
Recommended Approach
- Paper: Varies widely - from ultra-premium cotton to creative alternatives
- Design: Express your personal brand and creative style
- Features: Die-cuts, unusual shapes, specialty printing techniques
- Technology: QR codes linking to portfolio or showreel
Creative professionals can justify and benefit from cards that break conventions. Transparent plastic, metal, die-cut shapes, and unconventional dimensions can all work if they align with your creative identity.
Trades and Services
Electricians, plumbers, builders, and other tradespeople need cards that survive real-world conditions while communicating reliability and professionalism. Durability is key.
Recommended Approach
- Paper: 400gsm with lamination for durability
- Finish: Gloss or matte lamination to resist moisture and dirt
- Information: License number, service area, emergency availability
- Features: Consider fridge magnets or plastic cards that survive toolboxes
Many successful tradies order business card magnets alongside traditional cards. These stick to fridges and remain visible when customers need a plumber or electrician.
Include your license or registration number prominently. This demonstrates compliance and builds trust, particularly for electrical and plumbing work where unlicensed workers pose genuine risks.
Finance and Accounting
Financial professionals handle clients' money and sensitive information. Business cards should communicate trustworthiness, stability, and attention to detail.
Recommended Approach
- Paper: 400gsm premium stock
- Colours: Navy blue, forest green, burgundy (traditional money colours)
- Typography: Conservative serif or clean sans-serif
- Features: Subtle foil accents, quality embossing
Include relevant memberships (CPA, CA, CFP) as these designations build immediate credibility with clients seeking qualified advice.
Technology and Startups
Tech industry cards often embrace minimalism and modern aesthetics. There's room for innovation, including NFC functionality, but the focus should remain on clean, contemporary design.
Recommended Approach
- Paper: Varies based on brand positioning
- Design: Minimalist, clean, modern
- Technology: NFC cards, QR codes linking to digital profiles
- Colours: Brand colours, often bold and distinctive
Startups often use cards to reinforce their brand identity and differentiation. A memorable card can spark conversations at networking events and conferences.
Hospitality and Food Service
Restaurants, cafes, caterers, and hospitality businesses can use cards to extend their brand experience. Cards should evoke the feeling of the dining or hospitality experience.
Recommended Approach
- Paper: Consider specialty stocks like kraft or textured paper
- Design: Reflect restaurant atmosphere and cuisine style
- Features: Consider folded cards with menu highlights or special offers
- Essential info: Location, booking details, social media for reviews
Consulting and Professional Services
Consultants, coaches, and advisors need cards that communicate expertise and credibility. The balance between approachability and authority depends on your specific niche.
Recommended Approach
- Paper: 350-400gsm, quality finish
- Design: Professional but not stuffy
- Information: Specialisation clearly stated, credibility markers
- Features: Consider including a brief tagline describing your expertise
Your specialty or niche should be immediately clear from your card. "Business Consultant" is vague; "Supply Chain Optimisation Specialist" is specific and memorable.
Common Thread: Quality Matters
Regardless of industry, one principle remains constant: quality communicates competence. A cheap, flimsy card undermines your credibility no matter what you do for a living. Invest in cards that reflect the standard of service you provide.
Consider your target client's expectations and work within or intentionally against industry conventions based on your positioning strategy. Breaking rules can work, but only when done deliberately and thoughtfully.
Use our comparison tool to find products suited to your industry, or explore our guide to paper weights and finishes for more detailed material recommendations.