Business Cards Key Terms

Learn the lingo before designing business cards

It can be difficult to choose a business card style that’s appropriate for your company and industry with all of the finishes, type styles, formatting and paper options available on the market. To make the selection process run more smoothly, it’s important that you take some time to learn more about business card key terms that you may hear when discussing your business card options with designers. Card design plays a major role in whether your business cards effectively convey your company’s image.

In addition to knowing what the designers mean when they ask you about your USP/UCA and logo, you should also be aware of various other business card key terms.

 

USP/UCA

Your unique selling proposition (USP) or unique competitive advantage (UCA) defines your company's distinct features that are appealing to your target market. Your USP should be placed on all marketing and promotional materials, including business cards.
Try: Learn more about the importance of having a USP/UCA at Fast Forward Marketing.

Logo

A logo is simply a unique way of displaying your company name or initials on your business card. Using a logo is a good way to gain notoriety for your business. A logo should represent your company's image.
Try: Learn more about using a logo on your business cards at Southworth.

Coating

You can choose from a variety of business card coatings, including matte, glossy and recycled stock. Matte coating has a dull, satin-type finish that works well with inkjet and laser printers. Gloss coating has a glossy finish that is water-resistant. Recycled business card stock is eco-friendly and usable in inkjet and laser printers.
Try: Get more details about business card coating at Digital Room.

Type style

Type style is the font used on business cards and is one of the most important elements of the card. The type style is what makes a lasting impression, so you should choose your type style wisely.
Try: Find out more about business card type style at Dynamic Graphics Magazine.

Layout

Business card layout addresses how your card will be printed, either horizontally or vertically. Horizontal layouts are typically more traditional, while vertical layouts may provide more creative options. When choosing a layout, you should consider the amount of content you want on the card, cost and the option that would be most appealing to your target audience.
Try: Read more about layout at Free Business Cards.

Bleed

Many printed business card designs include bleed. The bleed area is an additional 1/8-inch of space (for background and design components) that goes beyond the finished size of the card. A business card with bleed is printed so that the design appears to "bleed" off of the page instead of having a white border.
Try: Find out more about business card designs with bleed at PrintingForLess.com.

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