A think-out-of-the-box business card can take your business to the next level. It is not only a piece of paper with your contact information. It also represents you, how you think of your business and how you want others to think of your business. Here are five tips to make your business cards amazing and standout from the crowd.

Color. Do you know that color speaks to your eyes? Find the right colors that suit your business. It is as important as the contact info itself. Color can translate a personality and even shows your company’s character. Don’t be afraid to use color – it’s the 2000’s! Set your business card apart from the competition, people are open to many different colors nowadays.

Dimensions. Play with the size of your business cards; they really don’t have to be the standard 3.5” x 2”. If you are more a conservative kind of business, a square business card is a unique size, yet people can still relate to it. A fun idea would be a standing business card or an oversized business card that can fold down and still fit in a business card holder. As long as your business card is keeping clients interested, that makes you one step ahead to build successful relationships.

Shape. You’ve probably seen a lot of standard cards. How about using a kitten-shaped business card for a pet store, or a shell-looking business card for an oceanfront restaurant? Of course, it all comes down to money. Cards with custom shapes aren’t cheap. You have to think of your business cards as a long-term investment. Once you create your custom die-cut, you can reuse it for as many printing runs as you’d like. The shape is customized for you and you alone. While others have the same old fashion business cards, you can have this one-of-a-kind, unique card. People will recognize it and you will achieve your goal, by successfully branding your company.

Content. This is the meat of the business card. You can’t make a mistake in what you put on your card, because each time you send it to the printer, hundreds are being made. Why not do it right the first time? Of course, your company logo, your name, title, address, phone number, fax number, e-mail address and website address are must-have items in this tech-savvy world. With all of these pieces of professional contact information, it is a big no-no to put your own personal e-mail account on your business card. A domain name is very affordable and it is standard for the business field. If you don’t have one, now is the time to set one up.

Printing. Paper, materials and printing technique are growing rapidly. Ask your printer about the latest technology or paper you can use for your business card. There are the standard glossy and matte styles.  How about choosing what areas of the card have a glossy finish and what areas left uncoated? This creates a unique tactile texture and effect. This is called UV spot coating. It is just one way to wow your clients with the print quality of your business cards.

If you make good use of all of the elements above, your business card, without a doubt, will impress the next potential client who picks it up.