Business cards still earn their place in a modern sales toolkit. A well-designed card gives a new contact something physical to keep, makes it easy to continue a conversation after a meeting and supports the professional impression created by your website, exhibition stand and sales team.
This guide explains how UK businesses can plan, design and order business cards that are practical, consistent and ready for networking, exhibitions and day-to-day use. Edinburgh Banners prints locally for businesses across Edinburgh and Scotland, with delivery available throughout the UK.
Why business cards still work for B2B marketing
Digital contact sharing is convenient, but it depends on a phone, signal and the other person taking action immediately. A business card provides a quick handover during a busy event and gives the recipient a visual reminder of the conversation.
The card works best as a bridge rather than a replacement for digital marketing. Clear contact details, a concise proposition and a useful QR code can lead a prospect to a relevant landing page, portfolio, booking form or product catalogue.
Standard UK business-card size
The standard UK size is 85 x 55mm. It fits common wallets and card holders and gives enough space for essential information without encouraging a crowded layout.
Artwork normally needs 3mm bleed on every edge, with text and logos kept safely inside the trim line. Images should be supplied at 300dpi where possible, and print-ready artwork should use the colour settings specified in the product instructions.
Essential information to include
- Your name and role.
- Company name and logo.
- Direct telephone number and business email address.
- Website or a relevant landing-page address.
- A short, clear description of what the business does when the company name does not make this obvious.
- An optional QR code with a clear purpose.
Avoid shrinking text to make everything fit. White space improves legibility and makes important information easier to scan.
Choosing paper stock and finish
Paper weight influences how substantial a card feels. A heavier stock generally feels more durable and is a good fit for professional services, sales teams and premium brands. The right finish should support the brand rather than distract from the information.
Popular finish options
- Silk: a versatile, smooth finish suitable for most business uses.
- Matt or matt lamination: a restrained finish with reduced reflection and a contemporary feel.
- Gloss: a brighter, more reflective surface that can suit photographic or highly colourful designs.
- Soft-touch lamination: a tactile premium option for brands where presentation is especially important.
- Spot UV: selective gloss used to highlight a logo or design detail. It works best when applied deliberately rather than across too many elements.
If people need to write notes on the card, leave an unlaminated or suitably writable area. This is particularly useful at trade shows, where a quick note can help a salesperson remember the contact and the follow-up required.
Designing cards for real-world use
A business card is handled at arm’s length, often in a busy environment. Prioritise contrast, legible type and a clear information hierarchy. Very fine type, low-contrast colours and edge-to-edge information may look attractive on a large monitor but perform poorly at actual size.
Use both sides when it adds value. One side can carry the brand and the other the contact details, QR code or a concise service list. Avoid repeating identical information on both sides.
Using QR codes well
A QR code should point to something useful and mobile-friendly. Good destinations include a contact card, a tailored event landing page, an appointment form or a focused portfolio. Add a brief instruction so the recipient knows why they should scan it.
Test the printed size before ordering. The code needs adequate contrast and clear space around it, and it should be checked with several phones.
How many business cards should you order?
Start with the number of people attending the event, expected conversations per person and the amount of follow-up activity planned afterwards. Add a sensible contingency for busy periods, damaged cards and team members who need additional stock.
For an exhibition, split the stock between the stand, individual team members and a secure reserve. This prevents the entire supply being lost or left in one place. For everyday business use, review job titles and contact details before a large repeat order so outdated cards are not carried forward.
Building a consistent exhibition print pack
Business cards are most effective when they match the rest of the visitor experience. Use consistent colours, typography and messages across cards, printed flyers, booklets and brochures and roller banners.
The card should not attempt to carry the full sales pitch. Use it for identification and follow-up, then let a flyer, brochure or targeted web page provide the detail.
Artwork checklist before printing
- Confirm names, job titles, telephone numbers and email addresses.
- Check the finished size, bleed and safe area.
- Use high-resolution logos and images.
- Make sure small text remains readable at 100% size.
- Test every QR code from a printed proof or accurate-size test.
- Check that black text, brand colours and special finishes are set up as required.
- Ask a second person to proofread every version before approval.
If the artwork needs adjustment, our graphic design service can help prepare a practical print-ready layout.
Local production and UK-wide delivery
Working with an Edinburgh printer is useful when a deadline is close, several team members need personalised versions or the cards must coordinate with other event materials. It also makes it easier to discuss paper, finishes and artwork before production.
Edinburgh Banners supplies businesses throughout Edinburgh, the Central Belt and Scotland and can ship finished business cards anywhere in the UK.
Order business cards
Explore sizes, quantities and available options on our business-card printing page. If you are planning a complete event pack, send us the event date, quantities and delivery location so the products can be scheduled together.
