Make Your Business Card Work for You

By Maureen Townsend, Astrality Business Services. (Platinum Member)

Small space, big impact – make every word count.

Why Visibility Matters and How To Make Your Business Card Work For You

In today’s fast-paced, digital-first world, having a great product or service isn’t enough. You need to make sure people can actually find you. Whether you’re running a small local business, freelancing, or building a brand from the ground up, visibility is key to growth. And it starts with the basics – how you present your contact information.

Many business cards lack essential details. Some don’t even say who the person is, where they’re based, or provide a phone number or website.

Even when a website is listed, it often doesn’t mention if the business is located in Devon, provide a contact number, or include the name of the owner in the “About Us” section. It’s a missed opportunity to build trust and make it easy for potential clients or collaborators to get in touch.

What to Include on Your Business Card

Despite the rise of digital marketing, business cards are still very relevant. Especially at networking events, trade shows or even casual, in-person meetings. But a cluttered or incomplete card can do more harm than good. Here’s what to include:

1. Your Name and Job Title
Make it clear who you are and what you do. If you’re the founder, say so. If you specialise in a niche, include that in your title.

2. Business Name and Logo
Your branding should be front and centre. Please keep it clean and legible. Your card is an extension of your brand. Make it recognisable.

3. Contact Information (Phone and Email)
Provide a direct way to reach you. Use a professional email address (no @hotmail, please!) and a phone number that connects to you or your team, not a generic answerphone.

4. Website and/or Portfolio Link
This is where people can learn more about you. If your site is still under construction, consider linking to your LinkedIn profile or an online portfolio instead.

5. Social Media Links (if relevant)
Only include platforms where you’re active. It’s better to share one or two strong ones than five that are outdated or inactive.

6. Physical Address (if applicable)
If you have a shop, studio or office that customers visit, add your address. If you’re fully online, you can skip this. However, I recommend at least including your town or county for those who wish to support local businesses or search online by location.

7. Tagline or Quick Description (Optional)
A short phrase that explains what you do can help people remember you. For example: “Helping local businesses grow with smart digital marketing.”

8. QR Code (Optional but modern!)
Link directly to your website, calendar, portfolio or even a payment page. It’s a quick, tech-savvy way to help people interact with your business straight away.

Being easy to find isn’t just about having a presence. It’s about having the right presence in the right places. From your online listings to your business card, ensure your information is consistent, clear and easy to act on. When your business is easy to find, it becomes much easier to grow.

Take a look at your current card – what does it say about your brand, and what might be missing?